Espalier is the horticultural technique of training trees through careful pruning and grafting with the intent of creating formal two-dimensional patterns by the branches of the tree. An espaliered plant is one that has been trained to grow in one plane. It was very popular in the Middle Ages in Europe to decorate solid walls by such trees planted near them.
Around the 17th Century, the word 'espalier' had only originally referred to the frame or trellis on which the plant was trained. Today however, it refers not only to the two-dimensional tree or shrub but also the horticultural technique of actually training the plant.
An espaliered plant collects almost as much sunlight as a regular tree, yet has far less mass. They may also be planted next to a wall, which can reflect more sunlight. This allows the plant to succede in cooler climates, where a non-espaliered tree of the same variety would fail. They also generally mature fruit more quickly.
Espaliered plants are used in today's landscape for both function and also for beauty. In an area where space is quite limited or perhaps where a plant is needed to decorate a large blank wall, it is a most useful horticultural technique.
There are numerous techniques used from the very simple, free flowing and natural, informal designs to very complicated formal patterns. Most informal espaliers do not need formal patterns, as the natural shape already has interesting or unique characteristics. Often a stunted or deformed plant is appropriate for an informal type.
Most examples are usually trained against a solid wall, as this aids the 2 dimensional formation and appearance. Even if it is not a particularly good exampleof Espalier, the wall can fool the eye into believe ing that is is. Esplaier plants should be planted about 6 to 10 inches away from the wall to allow adequate room for the roots to grow, air circulation and also to allow for pest control.
Any number of materials can be used as a support really. If the wall is constructed of suitable material, the plant can be trained directly on the wall, bearing in mind the points above.
There are several hardware items which will also be necessary. For masonry walls, u-bolts, eye bolts, and eye screws are needed. They can be anchored by using expandable shields, or plastic plugs in mortar joints.
For wooden walls try using a 2½-inch floor flange with a 6-inch galvanized nipple that is threaded over the end of the nipple and fasten with a wire roof clip. On the opposite end, attach a 3-inch turnbuckle so that the tautness of the wire can be adjusted if needed.
There are several ways to begin an espalier creation. Many plant nurseries already have plants in a container with a trellis - all ready to go. This is by far the easiest way since they have already been started for you. All the home gardener then has to do is transplant and tend.
If you start with an unpruned plant, always be sure to plant it far enough away from the base of the wall, and remeber to only prune sparingly until the plant becomes established. Once established, regular pruning and training can be accomplished. Most of the major pruning should be done while the plant is dormant - ie winter. If it is a flowering plant, be sure to prune in the appropriate season. Remember that pruning stimulates more growth. Don't be afraid to give your plant a trim. For limb training, the limbs are most flexible during the summer. You can bend and train them to the supports as the season progresses.
A plant which has been espaliered correctly is a beautiful work of art. Remeber, that with all gardening - patience, skill, and creativeness is necessary for a successful project. Happy Esapliering! . | 
