ESPALIERS, in horticulture, are rows of trees, planted in gardens or hedges, in such a manner as to inclose distinct lots of ground; hence they are trained up regularly to a lattice of wood-work, in a close hedge, for defending tender plants against the injuries of the wind and weather.
The trees chiefly planted for espaliers, are apples, pears, and plums. While they are young, it will be sufficient to drive a few stakes into the ground on both sides; the branches being fastened to them in an horizontal direction, as soon as they appear. At the expiration of three years, an espalier is to be made of ash-poles, of which two sizes, large and small ones, should be employed; the former are to be driven upright into the ground, about a foot distant; the latter, or smaller poles, are to be nailed across these, at the distance of nine inches.
There is another kind of espaliers, made of square pieces of timber cut to any size; and which are certainly more handsome and regular, but on account of the extravagant price of wood, less economical than those constructed with ash-poles.
As soon as the espalier is thus framed, the branches are to be affixed to it by means of ozier-twigs; being trained in an horizontal direction, and at equal distances. Fruit-trees managed in this manner, are preferable to all others, because they not only bear more delicious fruit, but also require less room in a garden: and consequently do not retard the growth of such plants as may be cultivated in their vicinity.