I'm interested in planting an apple and a pear tree and training them as a 3-tier espalier. I have seen at the garden center than I can buy trees that have been grafted with six varieties that have been trained into a 3-tier espalier. This was an exciting discovery. My question is whether the mature tree will have symmetrical growth with so many different varieties grafted onto the single stem. Part of the espalier attraction for me is the aesthetics, so I would be disappointed if the tree was highly unbalanced, with a mixture of very vigorous varieties and other weak branching varieties. Has anyone grown these trees with 6 varieties on one stem? Maybe you have noticed differential growth on a normal upright tree with multiple grafts? Any comments of suggestions would be great! thanks
Different varieties will grow at different rates. I have found I can pretty much keep them in balance with proper pruning. That said, many times one or two varieties will die and I have to graft in something new. I have yet to see the multi-graft tree that has 6 varieties that all do well in our climate. Just my opinion
I would echo the above comments. I have worked with 3-way espaliers (same variety grafted side-by-side on each tier) and noticed different growth rates-- especially on pear espaliers. Also I suspect it has something to do with what variety is grafted on the top tier. It likely gets the most sunlight, maybe better pollination. I have noticed more fruit and strong summer growth on the top tier, even with regular pruning to keep them balanced.
Even with that as a negative, these are a great solution for many small yards and allow for more attentive care, such as pruning and spraying, harvest etc... because it's all right there at eye-level. I planted one for my brother in central WA (Moses Lake) several years ago, it was off to the side of the expansive lawn and along the fence-- it produces buckets of apples year after year. Not sure of variety names, it was one of the Garden World espalier trees.
Thanks for the replies. I hadn't heard of Garden World before. I found this 4-way asian pear on their website.
http://gardenworldonline.com/s.....ID=2549498
but it probably isn't trained as an espalier like the ones I saw at Garlands.
While I have the topic up, I am also wondering whether you have found the recommendations of growing espalier's east-to-west so as to maximize their southern exposure is essential? I have a location in mind that would orient the espalier north-to-south. Still good morning and afternoon light, but this is my first espalier, so I would hate to invest 3-years and finally find out that the north-to-south orientation greatly reduced it's productivity.
Seems like north-to-south orientation would end up shading the lower branches on the north end during much of the growing season. With the sun in Oregon mostly angled from the south (less so in mid-summer) you get better exposure evenly across the branches with an east-to-west orientation. Perhaps others have tried it and had success however.
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