Care of Espalier Dwarf 
Trained Fruit Trees 
PLANTING - 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 popular methods are described below: 
One or more Espaliers planted against a wall or fence, 
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A. Spikes or Flanges set behind end leaders. The first set 
is placed a few inches below the lowest horizontal branch, so 
vertical leaders will not have that tendency to spring upward. 
Use 8” galvanized spikes, allowing 6” to protrude from wall of 
brick, cement or stone. Use a star drill to avoid wall damage. 
Use flanges. with nipples on a wooden, clapboard or tile wall, 
to avoid splitting. Flanges are 6-inch long pipes, 1 inch in 
diameter, fastened to the wall by means of screws. These may be 
painted to match the color of the wall. 
If several trees are planted, spikes or posts may be set at 
intervals wherever support is needed. 
B. Stretch galvanized number 10 wire horizontally and 
attach to spikes or posts. Turnbuckles are used when the wire 
is loose and needs to be tightened for firm planting. 
C. Tie main leaders to wires with tarred twine or raffia. 
D. Plant Graft above surface. 
E. Spread roots in natural position, without crowding. 
F. Pipes, 3’° Cedar Posts, or 2 x 2 inch stakes, may be 
used. Drive posts 2 feet deep. Height of posts depends upon 
type of Espaliers planted. Place terminal posts as far apart as 
planting will ultimately extend. Posts for a planting of Horizontal 
Cordons should be placed 20 ft. apart. All posts inserted in the 
ground should be painted with creosote, for longer last. 
G. Hook nails used to attach wire to wooden posts. 
T. Trunk—Espaliers planted against a wall should be set 
at least one foot distance from wall to allow for good aeration 
and root spreading. 
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