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Espalier tree query

tiny_gardenertiny_gardener Posts: 14
in Garden design
Hi all, we were thinking of putting some espalier fruit trees against some of our garden walls. The beds are about half a meter wide and we were going to get dwarf rootstock varieties. We're keen to not leave the rest of the bed bare though and were wondering whether there's anything anyone might recommend planting with them? As they're going to be trained against the wall shade isn't going to be an issue but I'd be interested to know whether anyone has any strong views?
Thanks!

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Fruit trees don't compete well with other plants and 0.5m is not very wide an area for their feeding roots (which are close to the surface), but should suffice for espaliers.  Spring bulbs are fine sharing the ground but anything which grows rapidly or is very 'showy' such as some perennials and many annuals are going to out-compete the trees and because of the shallow roots, you don't want to be disturbing the soil by planting often.
    However, there are plants which don't take much in the way of nutrients and water, or have deep tap roots and get their resources from deep down.  Have a look at this blog for ideas:
    Whatever you do, I'd recommend you dig in large quantities of well-rotted manure into all of the borders you will be using, first.  That will help feed the trees for several years, will improve the soil health and help to retain vital moisture.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    This is a really helpful website about growing espalier fruit trees https://www.orangepippintrees.co.uk/articles/fruit-tree-distance-from-house

    When we bought our pear to espalier we were advised not to get the most dwarfing rootstock as the trees need a fair amount of oomph to grow in what is a rather unnatural shape ... and you will be pruning it a lot so it’s not going to be allowed to outgrow it’s space is it? 😊 

    I wouldn’t advise planting other plants too closely around the root area as you really don’t want to disturb the tree’s surface roots, and you’ll be feeding and mulching regularly anyway ... plus you don’t want an area of foliage etc at the base of the tree for pests and bacterial thingummies to lurk. 

    What I think would look lovely is a border at the edge of the bed of something like chives, or parsley or even a small lavender kept small as in a knot garden. 

    Good luck with your trees. We love our Concorde pear ... it has three tiers and has  been fruiting beautifully since it was 4/5 years old. It’s self fertile so great for a small garden. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Oh, I forgot to say that planted against a wall it will need watering, and watering, and still more watering through the spring and  summer ... but as long as you’re prepared for that ... no probs 👍 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Is the reason for the narrow bed a path, or is it grass?  Could grass be curved to create wider planting area for trees? Most of the half metre will be taken by the tree so may protrude  into a path. Just a thought.
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