Apples & Pears

[sjg12]

Hi All

We are thinking of growing some apples & pears as espaliers, anyone ever tried it! we have  good bit of space lined up any advice gladly received. we are thinking of this offer as it also includes a plum tree, http://www.vanmeuwen.com/plant/16220 we can grow them on our site but they must not go over 6ft high so though espaliers would be good...

[sjg12]

[jennym]

To be honest, if I was you I'd look around before buying - can't see details of how old those trees are, and it does make a difference. The price seems good, but if the trees are very young, you'll be waiting 5 or 6 years for a crop. Can't see rootstock info either, and you need to know this as it will contribute towards the eventual height of the tree.
Also, you can get some much more interesting varieties!

Have a look here, I've purchased from these companies who are reputable:
http://www.keepers-nursery.co.uk/searchresultscat.aspx?selection=1
http://www.buckingham-nurseries.co.uk/acatalog/Index_Apple_Trees_20.html#Dessert
http://www.marshalls-seeds.co.uk/rkMain.asp?PAGEID=20671&ctl_cat_Code=M28913
There are plenty more proper fruit tree nurseries around too, I'm sure others will know.

[calendula]

I would also look at highfield nurseries and tamar organics (you'll have to google) - the most important thing with espaliers is getting the pruning techniques correct, once you've got that it should be easy

[natasha]

Any apple days in your area?
http://www.commonground.org.uk/appleday/a-events.html

[sjg12]

Thanks for the replies i am having a look around still and have e-mailed them re the root stock and age of the trees,  i all be checking out the links.

I have just missed our apple day in my area Lancashire it was on the 6th Oct.

does anyone have any experience of training esplier trees as i have never tried it before but as it's what we eat a lot of thought it was worth a try.

[Moggle]

SJG12, some reasonably detailed and free advice on the Ken Muir web site:

http://www.kenmuir.co.uk/

Then select 'ask ken' and then 'apples and pears' from the dropdown. A PDF file will open. Training and pruning of espaliers starts on page 11.

[Robert_Brenchley]

I've never tried it, but I've been told it's quite easy. Do you have a decent library available?

[Barnowl]

We've bought two pears and two apples so far from this place, because they are container grown and we wanted to plant as soon as possible which was late spring - too late for bare rooted. Very helpful, but more expensive than bare rooted and untrained.

http://www.giftsthatgrow.co.uk/

[jennym]

Basic sketch here, might help:

[jennym]

This one might help too:

[Jon Munday]

We offer good advice and quality trees here at Blackmoor Nurseries - Info on training Espaliers and Fans is on our Handbook section of the site under pruning.
www.blackmoor.co.uk
We grow many varieties as espaliers they are 3 years old and grown on MM106 rootstock for apples.
Due to the size and shape though, we are unable to mail order them but we do have a cash and carry site if you are able to collect.
Regards
Jon

[sjg12]

Thanks for all the advice and the excellent pics, will definitely give it a go, I have e-mailed the special offer lot Vanmeuwen and the trees are dispatched at 2yrs old and are on Mm106 semi dwarfing rootstock so might give them a try?

Simon.