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Vine eyes and wire for espalier on brick wall with pillars

tbs2023tbs2023 Posts: 2
in Tools and techniques
I am looking to plant two espalier Apple trees on a 11m South facing brick wall. The trees are part trained with two tiers. The existing planting will be adjusted.

The brick wall has two supporting pillars along its face, 11cm deep.

My problem is how to mount the wires along the wall with vine eyes since the pillars stick out from the face (11cm deep pillars).

I've thought about putting vine eyes on the pillars only and at the wire ends but this would mean the wire is unsupported between the pillars (about 3 or 4m). My solution to that would be to use very long vine eyes on the wall between the pillars (150mm perhaps) and at the wire ends.

My question to the forum is: has anyone solved the problem of mounting wires on walls with pillars? And does this plan make sense?

I've attached a photo of what I'd like to do.



Any advice much appreciated! 

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I've never tried it (not lucky enough to have such a nice wall!) but I think it's good for the trees to have some air space behind, so if you can stretch the wires taut enough between the pillars, or get longer vine eyes for in between (no idea whether they exist) you should be fine.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • McRazzMcRazz Posts: 440
    Wires are very rarely continuous along entire runs and are often broken down into blocks/sections. 

    You will need something like this...

    https://www.s3i.co.uk/green-wall-trellis-hub-surface-mount.php

    Have 3 blocks of tensioned wires between the piers (not across/over them).

    Just be aware that the footings will be much larger at the base of the piers so i'd dig a trial hole to see if its a suitable location for the trees...personally i'd just go between.  

  • tbs2023tbs2023 Posts: 2
    Thanks that's good advice, I've actually been looking at s3i products for this.
  • McRazzMcRazz Posts: 440
    tbs2023 said:
    Thanks that's good advice, I've actually been looking at s3i products for this.
    You can't go wrong with S3i, they're a benchmark in the industry and buy from the same wholesale manufacturers as some of the more expensive brands (e.g. JAKOB / MMA)
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