Espaliering an apple tree is a beautiful and space-saving way to grow fresh fruit—perfect for small gardens, courtyards, or anyone wanting to make the most of their outdoor space.
Whether you’re new to espalier or starting fresh, here’s a simple guide to get you going the right way.
1. Plan Your Design
Most espalier apple trees are trained along 3 to 4 horizontal tiers. To get started, install strong support wires against a fence or between posts. We recommend our Espalar Heavy Duty Universal Kit or Post Mounted Kit—each comes with enough wire to build a 4-tier espalier up to 4 metres long and 2 metres tall.
2. Pick the Right Spot
Choose a sunny, north-facing wall (in the Southern Hemisphere) that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. This is essential for healthy growth and a strong fruit yield.
3. Set Up Your Wires
Install horizontal support wires 400mm apart, starting from about 300mm above ground level. These will guide and support the structure of your tree as it grows.
4. Plant Your Tree
Plant your apple tree 30cm from the wall or fence, ensuring it’s straight and well-watered. This gives it space to grow and makes it easier to train.
5. Begin Training Your Tree
In the first spring:
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Cut the main stem (leader) down to the height of your lowest wire—this encourages branching from that point.
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When new shoots emerge, choose the best three: tie two outwards along the bottom wire (left and right), and let one grow vertically.
Use Espalar reusable plant ties to gently secure branches without damaging them.
6. Repeat for Each Tier
As the vertical shoot reaches the next wire, prune it again to encourage more side shoots. Repeat the process:
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Tie two new shoots outwards,
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Let one grow up to form the next level.
7. Maintain and Prune
Throughout the growing season:
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Keep tying the horizontal branches as they grow.
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Pinch off any shoots growing toward or away from the wall.
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Prune regularly—but lightly—to maintain shape and airflow.
In the early years, remove some of the fruit while it's still small. This encourages better quality in the remaining apples and helps your tree establish strong structure.
You're on Your Way!
With a bit of care and patience, you’ll have a thriving espalier apple tree that’s both productive and beautiful.
📌 Bookmark our blog for more espalier tips and tricks—and be sure to explore our full Espalar Kit range to set your project up for success.