[N.WalesIdealist]

Is it possible to set up an espalier row of fruit trees without a wall to pin them against?  My theory is to drive stakes either side of each tree and string wire between, then train branches along the wire.  I hope the trees could reach around my height, 6ft(ish) but I'm not sure if without a wall to lean against the wind of North Wales may take its toll...

Answers on a postcard please!

Also, has any one got any recommendations on varieties to use for this?  I'd like to grow Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums and something else in 5 rows...

[A. Fallowfield]

I did a sort of espalier for kiwi fruit, but they've not done very well!

I intended to go higher as they grew!

[mumofstig]

I know you can do apples that way Pears peaches are more delicate and may need a wall in your climate.
I think I read somewhere that plums are too vigourous for this kind of training

yes found it

they don’t make productive cordons or espaliers

from the RHS page here

[Swing Swang]

Maybe 'leg apples' would be more suitable. There was an article about these in 'The Garden' a few years ago which can be found on the Blackmoor website:

http://www.blackmoor.co.uk/index.php?cPath=404

The pdf download on the page above is a copy of the RHS article and should explain all.

SS

[Yorkie]

They did standalone fan-trained fruit trees on G World a couple of weeks ago, and Alan Titchmarsh's new programme this evening (Tuesday) dealt with how to do step-over apples, about 2' from the ground.

You'll be able to get the latter on iPlayer, not sure whether the former will still be on there.

[Trikidiki]

I have a couple of free-standing espaliers as you described. They must be about 8 years old now. They've stood up ok although in a fairly sheltered position.

Make sure you brace the posts to stop them leaning inwards when you tension the wires.

[savbo]

at 8.30 Titchmarsh is espaliering apples...at 9.30 N.WalesIdealist feels the urge to post about them...vibrations are in the air...
 

[compostqueen]

Even small trees need good staking. One of my Lidl apples has got a serious list and it's still only about 4 foot tall, and I thought it was well supported.  The wind, combined with the weight of the apples, has caused it to bend right over, and now I have to try and pull it back.  So make it strong   

[N.WalesIdealist]

at 8.30 Titchmarsh is espaliering apples...at 9.30 N.WalesIdealist feels the urge to post about them...vibrations are in the air...
 

I have to admit, Titchmarsh did my imagination going, though being rather more vertical than Alan "no taller than a thumb" Titchmarsh I didn't much fancy stooping down to collect my crop!

So espaliered apples seems like a good plan, however the others not so much.  Has one got an opinions on the pears?  The climate is a little chilly, any recommendations for varieties?

[waddecar]

Check out Keepers Nursery web site loads of advice and if you input staff like location/ aspect/climate it will give you a list of suitable varieties and also pollination companions.

If you are growing any kind of trained apple trees you will need a spur bearing variety and for stone fruits you will need to train as a fan

[Junie]

Carol Klein shows how to do step overs in her "How to grow fruit" book and gives recommendations of varieties etc.
Well worth buying, or borrowing from the library!