Espalier apple tree...what to do??

9 years ago

Hi there,

I'm new so I hope this is the correct forum.

I really wanted an apple tree for the backyard but my only option was an espalier due to space restrictions. The only espalier I could find was one grafted with six varieties...

It is still rather short (about 5ft) and I have enough space to let it grow larger. If I want more vertical growth, will I have to source and find material to graft on?

Also, is there a way to determine if the main trunk is rootstock, or a named variety?

Comments (10)

ltilton
9 years ago
I really like the way they've tagged the varieties.
howboutbake
Original Author
9 years ago
Yeah, that part was useful :)
Related Professionals
Wrentham Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Owings Mills Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Wareham Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Arlington Landscape Contractors · Manchester Landscape Contractors · Davidson Landscape Contractors · Fort Atkinson Landscape Contractors · Hicksville Landscape Contractors · Madera Landscape Contractors · Oak Harbor Landscape Contractors · Ocoee Landscape Contractors · Roseville Landscape Contractors · West Coon Rapids Landscape Contractors · Wickliffe Landscape Contractors · Sun Valley Landscape Contractors
johnthecook
9 years ago
I bought the same type of Espalier and couldn't find out through the nursery I bought it from what the root stock was. I have two and just used the growth off of the top limb closest to the middle. It worked just fine and the second year I have apples growing on my new fourth row limbs.
howboutbake
Original Author
9 years ago
ahhh gotcha! That is just what I am going to do :) Thanks a million!

How is your tree performing? Have you lost any of the grafts? I keep hearing that these multi-varieties are not the best choice.
Konrad___far_north
9 years ago
As for height,...you can grow them up on a angle until desired height.
howboutbake
Original Author
9 years ago
That's true! Again, I never thought of doing a more fan-like formation. The branches are certainly flexible enough!
johnthecook
9 years ago
I think maybe they make the levels to close for shipping and a smaller tree. I removed my bottom ones because they were too close to the ground and the second level limbs. One day I noticed something was eating the bottom apples because they were squirrel height off the ground. I have read that on regular trees multi grafts can be a little learning curve because different varieties grow at different speeds and one side of the tree can get more out of control. the espalier is perfect for different varieties.
howboutbake
Original Author
9 years ago
Haha I was looking at it today, and my most favourite varieties are the two on the bottom, and my two least favourites are on the top!

I think I will just get it in the ground and see how it goes
johnthecook
9 years ago
If you haven't already done it, you will need some sturdy posts and wire to keep your Espalier growing correctly. I was lucky the bottom ones were Spartan and Mcintosh which I already have as dwarf trees. One of the reasons I grew up more is because my top one is Gravenstein an early and very good apple.
howboutbake
Original Author
9 years ago
Yeah I am going to grow it against a 10 ft fence and do a wire trellis (which is why I want to grow up) ...I also have a few grape vines that will benefit from it as well :)

The varieties I have are jonagold, Lodi, red delicious, golden delicious, Granny Smith, and Winesap.

I will post a picture when I get her all sorted. I am so excited! The tree was only 40 bucks too