Espalier is the horticultural technique of training trees through pruning and grafting in order to create formal two-dimensional patterns by the branches of the tree. The technique was popular in the Middle Ages in Europe to decorate solid walls by such trees planted near them.
An espalier 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 and retain heat overnight. These two facts allow an espalier to succeed in cooler climates, where a non-espaliered tree of the same variety would fail. They also mature fruit more quickly.
A Belgian fence is a form of espaliering that weaves a string of espaliers into a fence.
More on [ Espalier ]

Backwoods Home Magazine: Espalier your trees - Article providing basic information, including drawing and descriptions of horizontal, palmette, and cordon espaliering styles.
Meta Description: [ Want more fruit from less space? Espalier your trees! - Article by Rev. J.D. Hooker from Issue #79 ]
Dr. Bob's Gardening Tips: Espaliers - Introduction with photographs, including shrubs and trees suitable in Florida.
Espaliering: The Patient Art - Article discussing background and methods, design considerations, and materials.
Gardenline: Espalier - Offers history of the technique, suggestions for site choice and design, and types of fruit trees most suitable for espaliering.
IFAS Extension: Espaliers - Includes introduction, examples of formal and informal patterns, general care, trimming tips, and lists of vines, shrubs, and trees suitable for use in Florida.
NC State University: Espalier - Provides a definition of the technique, a list of amenable plant types, and tips on site selection, style, support construction, and training.
Rare Fruit Society of South Australia: Espalier - Orchard owners lists their reasons for espaliering, and describe their methods. Includes plan drawing of framework, and photo galleries showing the enclosed espalier area as well as many individual trained fruit trees.
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The Victory Garden: Starting an Espalier - Illustrated article about the technique, with tips on starting an espalier project with a fruit tree sapling.
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