Build trellis fruit framework yourself

Trellis fruit grows in a space-saving manner and is also high-yielding. That is why this cultivation method is also used by hobby gardeners. But by nature a tree forms a round crown. The scissors must ensure the flat growth as a trellis. A wooden frame provides the form and at the beginning also the necessary support. With a guide you can easily build it yourself.

Why is scaffolding essential?

With espalier fruit, not only the direction of growth of the main stem has to be right. The branches must also be brought into the desired position.

• Fruit crown is naturally round (three-dimensional)
• the wind also influences the growth direction of the branches
• the espalier fruit must grow flat (two-dimensional)
• Branches must be secured to the scaffolding
• grow in the desired direction
• the tree is saved from tipping over
• Framework is also a guide when cutting
• acts as a design element in the garden
• makes espalier fruit on house walls possible

When does scaffolding need to be installed?

If a planted young tree is well rooted, it can grow rapidly. Espalier fruit first has to be trained into the desired shape. Ideally, this should happen from the start. Only young, flexible twigs can be easily influenced in their direction of growth. In the case of more stable branches, subsequent corrections can hardly be made. Therefore, the scaffolding should be in place as soon as the tree is planted or before planting.

Thorough planning is important

Trellis fruit is a horticultural project designed to last. This also applies to the accompanying scaffolding. Once set up, it should stand for many years and fully fulfill its function. This only works if it has been properly planned beforehand. A few points need to be considered:

• the right location
• the ideal size and shape of the scaffold
• the right visual appearance
• the right wood
• Fastening/anchoring options
• materials and quantities required
• required tool
• adequate time planning for construction

The right location

First and foremost, a suitable location for the trellis tree is sought. The framework follows accordingly. Ideally, both are taken into account in combination. The tree must feel comfortable in its place, but the scaffolding also needs sufficient space and good fastening options. The trellis tree takes up less space than a naturally growing tree. The flat shape also allows it to be placed directly against a wall. According to this, there are two options for scaffolding:

• it stands freely in the garden room
• then north/south
• or it is mounted on a wall
• East or west wall is ideal

The optimal frame size

Trellis fruit can reach a height of up to four meters over time. But that is not always desired. Design reasons often speak for a lower growth height. But also the care, especially cutting and harvesting, is made easier by the lower height.

• Trellis tree can grow four feet or lower
• two meters tree height is optimal
• the height of the scaffolding depends on the (future) tree height
• however, it should be at least two meters high

The width of the scaffolding must also be determined. Here, too, an espalier tree can be raised up to four meters wide.

• Pruning measures can limit width growth
• several trees in a row need a longer frame

Optical aspects of the scaffolding

The tree doesn't care what the scaffolding looks like. The important thing is that it is stable. As a garden owner, you might think differently. After all, you will see it regularly. Especially during the first few years, when the tree is still small, a lot of the scaffolding will be visible. Even from autumn, when the leaves fall, the scaffolding is clearly visible. The scaffolding is therefore an important design element for everyone who values ​​a beautiful garden.

• it should be in harmony with the garden design
• a lattice structure is suitable for apples and pears
• also fan-shaped for apricots, sour cherries, peaches and plums
• the manual implementation has to be right
• the scaffolding may be painted in colour
• e.g. B. Wall scaffolding inconspicuous in the color of the house wall
• or high-contrast as an eye-catcher

The right wood

Not every wood is equally suitable for the espalier scaffolding. Because while it accompanies the trellis fruit through its long life, it has to face many challenges.

• it must be particularly weather-resistant
• must not be forgiven
• it should be dry and well seasoned
• if possible free of knots
• Pine and spruce are cheap but soft
• Hardwoods such as oak, sweet chestnut and robinia are well suited
• the expensive larch wood is ideal

Fastening/anchoring options

In order for the scaffolding to be able to hold the trellis tree securely, it must be stable itself. For this it must be firmly anchored. With the wall trellis, it must also be well connected to the wall. It must always be taken into account that the scaffolding is outdoors. It will be exposed to the forces of nature around the clock. Sometimes strong winds will shake it, which can occasionally reach hurricane force even in our latitudes. The cultivation of trellis fruit only makes sense if you have the opportunity to provide it with a stably anchored framework.

Materials and quantities required

The required materials and quantities depend on the planned size of the scaffold.

piles:

• about one post per 1.5 m scaffolding width
• however at least two stakes
• at least 8 x 8 cm or 10cm diameter
• in the desired length, but min. 2m long
• sharpened

crossbars

• 3 x 3 cm thick and 2 m long or longer
• a vertical row of slats every 50 cm in height
• a smaller distance is also possible
• starting with the height of the lowest side shoot
• however at least 50 cm above the ground
• sometimes higher depending on tree growth
• Based on this, calculate the required number

fastening material

• Sufficient fastening material for screwing the slats to the post
• Possibly. Anchor for wall mounting
• possibly. Concrete when building a large scaffold
• Possibly. Protective coating for certain types of wood/colour

Required tool

Before the scaffolding construction can begin, the required tools should be ready.

• spade for digging
• or hammer to hit
• folding rule
• level
• cordless screwdriver
• possibly. saw
• Paint brush

Instructions for a free-standing one-tree scaffold

Since single trees are usually planted in private gardens, the following are instructions for constructing a framework for a single fruit tree.

1. 1Gather the materials and tools you need.
2. If the wood was not purchased already cut to size, saw it to the desired length.
3. If the scaffolding is made of soft wood such as pine or spruce, you should first apply a non-toxic protective coating to the posts and battens. Otherwise the wood would rot faster.
4. Find a suitable location for the espalier fruit. If the tree has already been planted, the scaffolding must be positioned appropriately and symmetrically.
5. Measure the position for the stakes. The distance between the stakes should be about 60 cm.
6. Drive the two stakes into the ground. The wooden stakes should penetrate the ground by at least 50 cm. If driving in is too difficult, a hole can also be dug beforehand by burying the stakes.
7. Check the stability of the posts by shaking them vigorously. If necessary, improve until they are rock solid.
8. Use the spirit level to check the vertical alignment of the posts. They should rise straight up.
9. Screw the slats parallel to the posts. Starting with the lowest side shoot, but at least 50 cm above the ground. The distance between the bars can be 50 cm or slightly less. For a harmonious appearance, the slats should be aligned exactly horizontally using a spirit level.

Scaffolding for several trees

If several fruit trees are to be planted as a trellis, the trellis described can be easily and arbitrarily extended. For the stability of the scaffolding, however, square wooden posts should be concreted in using post supports. The distance between the individual posts may then be 1.5 m.

Special feature of the wall scaffold

The framework described above is also suitable for trellis fruit that is grown on a wall. It gets the necessary stability through the firm anchoring in the ground. However, it is also possible to connect the scaffolding only to the wall.

• the wood must be adequately ventilated.
• a distance of about 10 cm to the wall is necessary
• fit suitable spacers
• first attach two or more vertical battens
• attach the crossbars to it

fan framework

With a fan scaffold, the slats are arranged in a fan-like pattern, starting from one point upwards. However, this scaffolding is not a must. The branches of sour cherries, apricots and peaches can also be attached to a normal trellis. But then slightly oblique.

Learn more about creating an orchard