
HENRY LEUTHARDT NURSERY 1 
itt ta a a 
Care of Espalier Dwarf 
Trained Fruit Trees 
PLANTING—The hole should be at least 2/2 feet square and 
2 feet deep. Plant the tree as it atrives, removing the wrapper. 
Spread the roots in their natural position to avoid cramping. 
Cut away any bruised roots. Place top soil at the bottom of the 
hole. Pack soil firmly about the roots. Soak well with water 
to avoid air pockets. Watering should be done in the evening 
or early morning. Set the tree at least one foot away from the 
wall. Plant the tree deep enough so that the graft is one inch 
above the ground. For details, we refer you to “Care of Fruit 
Trees” found on the former pages of this booklet. 
FASTENING—Support of some kind is necessary to protect 
the branches from severe winter winds and weight of fruit. There 
are several methods of fastening Espalier Trees. The most pop- 
ular methods are described below: 
One Espalier Tree Planted Against Wall or Fence— 
1. Drive spikes into the wall allowing 6 inches to protrude 
from the wall. ' The spikes should be set behind the end leaders. 
2. Stretch wire horizontally and attach wire to the spikes. 
3. The first series of wire is placed a few inches below the 
horizontal branch for best results. Hence, the vertical leaders 
will not have a tendency to spring upward. The second series of 
wire should be stretched below the center U. The third series 
of wire should be stretched at a point where you intend the tree 
to ultimately reach. 
4. Tie the main leaders carefully to the wires with tarred 
twine, raffia or willow. 
Two or more Espalier Trees Planted Against a Wall or 
| Pence— 
1. At either end of planting, drive spikes into wall, behind 
the main leaders, allowing 6 inches to protrude. 
2. If several trees are planted, spikes may be set at inter- 
vals, wherever support is needed. 
3. The first set of spikes should be placed 18 inches above 
the ground. Place spikes at points where in your estimation the 
trees will require most support. 
_ 4, Tie leaders to wire with raffia, tarred twine or willow. 
NOTE: To avoid spikes driven into the wall, drive 2x2 inch 
stakes (10 ft. lengths) into the ground, at either end of the 
planting. These stakes should be placed as close as possible to 
the wall. Then run wire horizontally and fasten to the stakes by 
means of hook nails. If the planting consists of several trees, 
place additional stakes at intervals where support is needed. Of 
course, spikes driven into wall give best results. 
One or More Espalier Trees Planted in the Open— 
1. At either end of the planting, drive two cedar posts, 
bamboo sticks or pipes into the ground. Place posts or supports 
behind each terminal leader. Use 10 feet length posts, allowing 
2 ‘feet®to be driven .into the ground. If cedar posts are used, 
Sharpen the bottom end to a point for best results. 
2. If planting consists of several trees, additional posts may 
be. set at intervals. 
3. String horizontally, three or four rows of wire from one 
post to the other. Place lower of first wire, 18 inches above 
the ground. Place second, third, etc.s series of Wires, 24 inches 
above each other. 
4. Tie leaders to the wires by means of tarred twine or raffia. 
One or More Horizontal Cordon Espaliers Planted Against a 
Wall or in the Open— 
1. Set the posts 20 feet apart from each other and drive 
posts 2 feet deep. If cedar posts are used, sharpen bottom end to 
facilitate planting. For Single Horizontal Cordons, use 3 ft. 
length posts; for Double Horizontal Cordons, use 4 feet. lengths: 
and for Three Tiered Cordons, use 6 ft. lengths. 
