1. a framework of wood or metal used to train and support the growth of fruit trees or ornamental plants in a flat, geometric pattern against a wall or fence
Usage: horticultural term
2. a tree or plant that has been trained to grow flat against a support in a decorative pattern
Usage: horticultural term

1. to train and prune a tree or plant to grow flat against a framework or wall in a geometric pattern
Usage: horticultural term

Examples

• The gardener installed an espalier along the south-facing wall to grow apple trees.
• She spent years training the pear tree into an espalier with perfectly symmetrical branches.
• The formal garden featured several espaliered fruit trees that produced abundant crops in minimal space.
• To espalier a young tree, you must carefully prune and tie the branches to the framework.
• The espalier technique allows gardeners to grow fruit trees in small spaces by controlling their shape.
• Victorian estates often displayed ornamental espaliered plants as a sign of horticultural skill.