Build espalier fruit scaffolding yourself

Espalier fruit grows to save space and is also profitable. This is why hobby gardeners like to use this method of cultivation. But a tree naturally has a round crown. The scissors must ensure the flat growth as a trellis. A wooden frame provides the shape and, at the beginning, the necessary support. You can easily build it yourself with instructions.

Why is a scaffolding indispensable?

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

Fruit crown is naturally round (three-dimensional)
The wind also influences the direction in which the branches grow
the espalier fruit must grow flat (two-dimensional)
Branches must be tied to the scaffolding
grow in the desired direction
the tree is saved from tipping over
The framework is also an orientation aid when cutting
acts as a design element in the garden
makes espalier fruit on house walls possible

Note: Fruit varieties such as grapes, raspberries and kiwi do not belong to the classic espalier fruit, but their thin tendrils are grateful for a supporting structure.

When does scaffolding have to be installed?

If a planted, young tree is well rooted, it can grow rapidly. Espalier fruit must first be brought up in the desired shape. Ideally, this happens from the start. Only young, flexible twigs can be influenced well in their direction of growth. Subsequent corrections can hardly be made with more stable branches. Therefore, the scaffolding should be in place as soon as the tree is planted or before it is planted.

Thorough planning is important

Espalier fruit is a horticultural project that is 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. There are a few points that need to be considered:

the right location
the ideal size and shape of the framework
the right visual appearance
the right wood
Fixing / anchoring options
required materials and quantities
required tool
adequate timing for construction

Tip: When planning, think ahead. The scaffolding is not only being built for the little tree that will soon be in the ground. It must also hold the full-grown espalier fruit later.

The right location

First and foremost, a suitable location for the espalier tree is sought. The scaffolding 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 espalier tree takes up less space than a naturally growing tree. The flat shape also allows it to be located directly on a wall. According to this, there are two possibilities for a scaffolding:

it stands free in the garden area
then in north / south direction
or it is mounted on a wall
East or west wall is ideal

Tip: Warmth-loving fruits such as apricots and peaches benefit from a place directly on the house wall. This stores solar heat during the day and releases it to the tree at night. In this way, the delicious fruits can develop a good aroma even in our latitudes.

The optimal framework size

Espalier fruit can grow up to four meters in height over time. But that is not always desirable. Design reasons often speak in favor of a lower height. But also maintenance, especially cutting and harvesting, is made easier by the lower height.

Espalier tree can grow four feet or less
a tree height of two meters is ideal
the height of the scaffolding depends on the (future) height of the tree
however, it should be at least two meters high

The width of the scaffolding must also be determined. Here, too, the rule is that a trellis tree can be raised up to four meters in width.

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

Optical aspects of the framework

The tree doesn't care what the scaffolding looks like. The main thing is that it is stable. As a garden owner, you may think differently. After all, you will see it regularly. Much of the scaffolding will be visible, especially during the first few years, when the tree is still small. Even from autumn, when the leaves fall, the framework is clearly visible. For everyone who attaches great importance to a beautiful garden, the scaffolding is therefore an important design element.

it should harmonize with the garden design
a grid-like structure is suitable for apples and pears
for apricots, sour cherries, peaches and plums also fan-shaped
the craftsmanship must be right
the framework may be painted in color
z. B. Wall scaffolding inconspicuous in the color of the house wall
or high-contrast as an eye-catcher

Note: If the framework is still "bare", it can easily be painted in color. Later, however, when the tree is in its full size, repainting may prove difficult.

The right wood

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

it must be particularly weather-resistant
must not warp
it should be dry and well seasoned
if possible free of knots
Pine and spruce are cheap but soft
Hardwoods such as oak, chestnut and robinia are good choices
the high-priced larch wood is ideal

Tip: When choosing the type of wood, quality plays a major role. Sometimes, unfortunately, the price too. When buying, it is best to seek advice from a specialist retailer so that the price-performance ratio is right in the end. In no case should one save at the wrong end.

Fixing / anchoring options

In order for the scaffolding to hold the trellis tree securely, it must be stable itself. To do 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 a strong wind will shake it, which can sometimes reach hurricane strength even in our latitudes. The cultivation of espalier fruit only makes sense if you have the opportunity to provide it with a stable, anchored framework.

Required materials and quantities

The required materials and quantities depend on the planned size of the framework.
Piles:

about one pile for every 1.5 m of scaffolding width
but at least two piles
at least 8 x 8 cm resp. 10 cm in diameter
in the desired length, but at least 2 m long
sharpened

Crossbars

3 x 3 cm thick and 2 m long or longer
a vertical row of slats each 50 cm high
a smaller distance is also possible
starting with the height of the lowest side shoot
but at least 50 cm above the floor
sometimes higher, depending on the tree growth
based on this, calculate the required number

Fastening material

Sufficient fastening material to screw the battens to the post
Possibly. Anchors for wall mounting
possibly. Concrete when building large scaffolding
Possibly. Protective coating for certain types of wood / color

Tip: To increase the stability of the scaffolding, you can use more posts and thus reduce the distance between two posts.

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

Spade to dig in
or hammer to drive in
Folding rule
Spirit level
Cordless screwdriver
possibly. saw
paint brush

Instructions for a free-standing one-tree scaffolding

Since individual trees are usually planted in private gardens, instructions for building a frame for a single fruit tree follow.

1. Obtain the materials and tools you need.

2. If the wood has not already been purchased cut to fit, saw it to the desired length.

3. If soft wood such as pine or spruce is used for the scaffolding, you should first apply a protective coating that is free of harmful substances 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 based on this.

5. Measure the position for the piles. The distance between the piles should be about 60 cm.

6. Drive the two stakes into the ground. The wooden posts should penetrate the ground at least 50 cm. If driving in is too difficult, a hole can be dug beforehand by digging in the piles.

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 be sticking up straight up.

9. Screw the battens parallel to the posts. Starting with the lowest side shoot, but at least 50 cm above the floor. The distance between the bars can be 50 cm or a little less. For a harmonious appearance, the slats should be aligned exactly horizontally with the spirit level.

Scaffolding for several trees

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

Special feature of the wall scaffolding

The scaffolding described above is also suitable for espalier fruit that is pulled against a wall. It is given the necessary stability by being firmly anchored in the ground. However, it is also possible to firmly connect the scaffolding only to the wall.

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

Tip: Smaller scaffolding can be pre-assembled and then firmly attached to the final location. Large trellises have to be built right on the spot.

Fan frame

In the case of a fan frame, the slats are arranged in a fan-like manner, starting from one point. However, this framework is not a must. The branches of sour cherries, apricots and peaches can also be tied to a normal lattice framework. But then slightly diagonally.