The Cool Trick to Grow Fruit Trees in Tiny Backyards
The Cool Trick to Grow Fruit Trees in Tiny Backyards
US · Published Sep 2, 2025
Espalier is an old method to grow fruit trees in small spaces by training them flat against walls.
Choose trees with pliable branches like apple, pear, or plum, and consistently prune them to maintain the desired shape.
Use high-nitrogen fertilizer for growth, monitor for pests, and enjoy the beauty and bounty of your living sculpture.
Espalier: Fruit trees in small spaces
If you've always dreamed of having fruit trees but lack the space, there's a centuries-old technique that makes it possible: espalier. This method, dating back to the 1600s at Versailles, involves training trees to grow flat against walls. Originally, it was designed to protect trees from harsh weather by using masonry as insulation, but it also conserved space, maximized sun exposure, improved cold tolerance, and boosted fruit production.
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