There is no doubt that any tree that has been espaliered catches your eye.
With many different shapes to choose from and types of fruit trees that can be espaliered, how do you know where to start?
We take a look at some common and not so common espaliered fruit trees so you can decide which you like the best.
14 Best Fruit Trees For Espalier
1. Apple Tree
Perfect for creating a beautiful garden feature, apple trees adapt well to espalier training on a fence or trellis.
With the right frame, they produce an impressive yield, even in limited spaces like small gardens or pots.
This tree’s versatile growth makes it one of the best options for espalier, offering both aesthetic appeal and delicious fruit.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Best Suited Shape: Horizontal cordon
Fruit Production: High yield, comparable to non-espaliered trees
Maintenance Level: Moderate; requires regular pruning for shape maintenance
Growth Rate: Moderate, fills out the espalier form steadily
Space Requirements: Requires ample horizontal space, 6-8 feet for optimal growth
Climate Suitability: Thrives in temperate climates, especially with wall or fence placement for warmth
Pest and Disease Resistance: Moderately resistant, though some varieties may need protection
Aesthetic Appeal: Creates a striking garden feature with its neatly trained branches and abundant fruit
2. Pear Tree
Versatile and elegant, pear trees are excellent candidates for espalier against a wall or along a garden fence.
Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various shapes, making them a popular choice for small spaces or decorative garden arches.
With proper training and care, these trees offer both visual appeal and a reliable harvest.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Best Suited Shape: Fan or candelabra
Fruit Production: High yield, with slightly smaller fruit compared to non-espaliered trees
Maintenance Level: Moderate; requires regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage fruiting
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, filling out the espalier form efficiently
Space Requirements: Needs vertical and horizontal space, typically 6-10 feet
Climate Suitability: Prefers temperate climates; benefits from wall placement to retain heat
Pest and Disease Resistance: Good resistance, though fire blight can be a concern in some areas
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a touch of sophistication to any garden with its structured form and attractive blossoms
3. Lemon Tree
Lemon trees bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your garden, thriving in espalier form when trained against a warm wall or in pots.
Their bright, fragrant fruit and glossy leaves make them one of the best choices for adding vibrant color to small garden spaces or patios.
With careful training and a sturdy trellis, these trees offer both beauty and a bountiful harvest.
USDA Growing Zone: 9-11
Best Suited Shape: Fan
Fruit Production: Prolific; produces abundant fruit, especially when espaliered
Maintenance Level: High; requires regular pruning and care to maintain shape and fruit production
Growth Rate: Fast, quickly filling out its espalier form
Space Requirements: Requires moderate vertical space and a warm, sunny spot
Climate Suitability: Prefers warm, frost-free climates; ideal for south-facing walls
Pest and Disease Resistance: Moderately resistant, though susceptible to scale and aphids
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a bright, cheerful element to gardens with its lush foliage and vibrant lemons
4. Fig Tree
Easily trained against a garden wall or sturdy trellis, fig trees offer both beauty and bounty. Their large leaves create a lush backdrop while producing sweet, plentiful fruit.
Perfect for small spaces or pots, they thrive when given the best frame and careful training.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-10
Best Suited Shape: Fan
Fruit Production: High yield, especially when trained against a warm, sunny wall
Maintenance Level: Moderate; requires consistent pruning to maintain its shape and size
Growth Rate: Fast, filling out its espalier form quickly
Space Requirements: Needs 8-10 feet of horizontal space, ideal for walls or fences
Climate Suitability: Thrives in warm, Mediterranean-like climates; benefits from south-facing wall placement
Pest and Disease Resistance: Good resistance, though susceptible to fig rust and nematodes
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a bold, lush element to the garden, with large leaves and abundant, sweet fruit
5. Peach Tree
Peach trees make a stunning addition to any garden when espaliered along a fence or trellis. With proper training, they produce juicy, flavorful fruit while adding a vibrant touch to your landscape.
Perfect for small gardens, these trees thrive when given a sunny spot and the best frame for support.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Best Suited Shape: Fan
Fruit Production: High yield, with fruit comparable in size to non-espaliered trees
Maintenance Level: High; requires regular pruning to maintain shape and maximize fruiting
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, filling out its espalier form efficiently
Space Requirements: Needs 6-8 feet of horizontal space; ideal for walls or fences
Climate Suitability: Prefers temperate to warm climates; benefits from a sunny, south-facing wall
Pest and Disease Resistance: Moderately resistant, though prone to peach leaf curl and pests like aphids
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a colorful, lush element to the garden with its blossoms and fruit
6. Cherry Tree
Perfect for adding charm to any garden, cherry trees flourish when espaliered along a wall or fence.
With their vibrant blossoms and sweet fruit, they bring both beauty and bounty, especially when grown in pots or smaller spaces.
Proper training on a trellis or arch enhances their ornamental appeal while ensuring a rewarding harvest.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Best Suited Shape: Fan
Fruit Production: Moderate to high yield, slightly smaller than non-espaliered cherries
Maintenance Level: Moderate; regular pruning needed to maintain shape and maximize fruit production
Growth Rate: Moderate, steadily fills out the espalier form
Space Requirements: Needs 6-8 feet of horizontal space, ideal for fences or walls
Climate Suitability: Thrives in temperate climates, especially with south-facing wall placement
Pest and Disease Resistance: Susceptible to cherry fruit fly and fungal diseases; requires vigilant care
Aesthetic Appeal: Creates a stunning display with its blossoms and fruit, adding vertical interest to the garden
7. Plum Tree
Bringing a touch of elegance to any garden, plum trees thrive when espaliered along a fence or wall.
Their deep purple fruits and vibrant foliage make them a stunning focal point, especially when trained on a trellis or arch.
With the right care and frame, these trees produce abundant fruit while adding a beautiful vertical element to small spaces or pots.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Best Suited Shape: Fan or horizontal cordon
Fruit Production: High yield, with fruit slightly smaller but just as flavorful as non-espaliered plums
Maintenance Level: Moderate; regular pruning required to maintain shape and encourage fruiting
Growth Rate: Moderate, filling out its espalier form steadily
Space Requirements: Requires 6-8 feet of horizontal space, ideal for fences or walls
Climate Suitability: Thrives in temperate climates, especially with a sunny, south-facing wall
Pest and Disease Resistance: Moderately resistant; watch for aphids and fungal diseases
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds rich color and texture to the garden, with its dark fruits and striking foliage
8. Citrus Trees
Citrus trees add vibrant color and fresh fragrance to your garden when espaliered along a warm wall or sturdy fence.
Their glossy leaves and bright fruits create an eye-catching display, especially in pots or when trained on a trellis.
With the right frame and careful training, these trees offer both beauty and a generous harvest.
USDA Growing Zone: 9-11
Best Suited Shape: Fan
Fruit Production: Prolific; produces abundant fruit, particularly in sunny locations
Maintenance Level: High; requires regular pruning and attention to maintain shape and maximize fruit production
Growth Rate: Fast, filling out its espalier form quickly
Space Requirements: Needs moderate vertical and horizontal space; ideal for walls and fences
Climate Suitability: Thrives in warm, frost-free climates, especially with south-facing wall placement
Pest and Disease Resistance: Moderately resistant, but vigilance is needed against pests like scale and aphids
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a lively, colorful element to the garden with its lush foliage and vibrant fruit
9. Avocado Tree
Espaliering avocado trees along a warm wall or sturdy trellis can bring a touch of the tropics to your garden.
Their broad leaves and rich, creamy fruits make them an attractive and productive choice, especially in pots or small spaces.
With proper training and the best frame, these trees can thrive, adding both beauty and bounty to your garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 9-11
Best Suited Shape: Fan
Fruit Production: Low – Moderate yield, lower than non-espaliered avocados
Maintenance Level: High; requires consistent pruning and careful management to maintain shape and encourage fruiting
Growth Rate: Moderate, steadily fills out its espalier form
Space Requirements: Requires ample vertical space and a sunny, sheltered location; ideal for walls or fences
Climate Suitability: Prefers warm, frost-free climates; thrives with south-facing wall placement
Pest and Disease Resistance: Moderately resistant, but can be susceptible to root rot and mites
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a lush, tropical aesthetic to the garden with its large leaves and distinctive fruit
10. Pomegranate Tree
Easily trained along a garden fence or trellis, pomegranate trees bring a splash of vibrant color with their striking flowers and unique fruit.
Great for pots or small spaces, they thrive when espaliered against a sunny wall. With the right frame and consistent training, these trees offer both beauty and a bountiful harvest.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-10
Best Suited Shape: Fan
Fruit Production: Moderate to high yield, slightly less prolific compared to non-espaliered trees
Maintenance Level: Moderate; requires regular pruning to maintain shape and promote fruit production
Growth Rate: Moderate, gradually filling out its espalier form
Space Requirements: Requires 6-8 feet of horizontal space, perfect for walls or fences
Climate Suitability: Thrives in warm, dry climates; benefits from a sunny, south-facing wall
Pest and Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to most pests and diseases
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a vibrant and unique element to the garden with its colorful flowers and distinctive fruit
11. Mulberry Tree
Easily trained along a garden fence or trellis, this tree offers fast growth and abundant sweet fruit, making it a rewarding addition to any garden.
Perfect for small spaces or pots, it thrives with proper training and the best frame. Whether grown against a wall or in an arch, it adds both visual interest and a plentiful harvest.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Best Suited Shape: Horizontal cordon
Fruit Production: High yield, with fruit production comparable to non-espaliered trees
Maintenance Level: Moderate; regular pruning needed to maintain shape and control size
Growth Rate: Fast, quickly filling out its espalier form
Space Requirements: Requires ample horizontal space, typically 8-10 feet, ideal for fences or walls
Climate Suitability: Thrives in a variety of climates, particularly temperate zones; benefits from a sunny wall
Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to pests and diseases
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a lush, green element to the garden with its large leaves and abundant fruit
12. Olive Tree
Thriving when espaliered against a warm garden wall or trellis, the olive tree brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your landscape.
Its silvery leaves and small, flavorful fruits make it an ideal choice for adding both beauty and utility, especially when grown in pots or small spaces.
With careful training and the best frame, it offers a stunning visual display and a rewarding harvest.
USDA Growing Zone: 8-11
Best Suited Shape: Fan
Fruit Production: Moderate yield, lower than non-espaliered trees
Maintenance Level: Moderate; requires regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage fruiting
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate, gradually filling out its espalier form
Space Requirements: Requires minimal horizontal space, ideal for walls or trellises
Climate Suitability: Prefers warm, dry climates; thrives with a sunny, south-facing wall placement
Pest and Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to most pests and diseases, though susceptible to olive fruit fly
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a refined, Mediterranean touch to the garden with its silvery leaves and distinctive fruit
13. Apricot
Adding a warm glow to any garden, the apricot tree flourishes when espaliered along a fence or trellis, offering both beauty and delicious fruit.
Its early blossoms and sweet apricots make it an ideal choice for small spaces, especially when trained against a sunny wall.
With the right frame and consistent care, it rewards with a stunning display and a bountiful harvest.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Best Suited Shape: Fan
Fruit Production: Moderate, less than non-espaliered trees
Maintenance Level: High; requires regular pruning to maintain shape and maximize fruit production
Growth Rate: Moderate, filling out its espalier form steadily
Space Requirements: Needs 6-8 feet of horizontal space; ideal for walls or fences
Climate Suitability: Thrives in temperate climates; benefits from a sunny, south-facing wall
Pest and Disease Resistance: Moderately resistant, though prone to fungal diseases like brown rot
Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a beautiful display of early blossoms and golden fruit, enhancing the garden’s visual appeal
14. Nectarine
Perfect for small gardens or pots, the nectarine thrives when espaliered along a warm wall or sturdy trellis.
Its vibrant blossoms and sweet nectarines add both beauty and flavor to any garden.
With careful training and the best frame, it can provide a stunning visual display and a generous harvest.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Best Suited Shape: Fan
Fruit Production: Moderate yield, less than non-espaliered trees
Maintenance Level: High; requires regular pruning to maintain shape and enhance fruit production
Growth Rate: Moderate, steadily filling out its espalier form
Space Requirements: Needs 6-8 feet of horizontal space, ideal for walls or fences
Climate Suitability: Thrives in temperate to warm climates; benefits from a sunny, south-facing wall
Pest and Disease Resistance: Moderately resistant, though prone to peach leaf curl and aphids
Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a vibrant, colorful element to the garden with its blossoms and luscious fruit
Want More?
Did you find a fruit tree that will grow in your zone that you love? Was there a particular shape you love and want to grow your new tree into?
Are you not sure how to espalier a fruit tree and needs some guidance?
If after reading this Espalier is not your thing, then perhaps the fastest bearing fruit trees might interest you.
