There used to be espalier pear trees in every orchard. Several pear trees could be grown in this way. Trellis fruit is a good solution for small gardens. However, pear trees need particularly good care.

Requirements for a pear tree trellis

In order to grow trellis pears, you need a sturdy trellis system to which you can attach the shoots of the pear trees.

Alternatively, a wall or a sunny house wall offers the right support for the trellis.

Which pear varieties can be grown as a trellis?

In principle, espalier cultivation does not depend on the pear variety, but on the cultivated form of the tree.

In nurseries you can get special pear bushes that have been grown in the shape of a spindle. These are suitable for trellis breeding. Trellising other pear trees requires some experience pruning pear trees.

Pay attention to the planting distance of the pear trees

Pear trees can be planted quite close to the trellis. Maintain a planting distance of 40 centimeters between the thickest branches of the trees.

Various forms of trellis cultivation

  • Branches drawn horizontally
  • Branches arranged in a fan shape
  • Branches arranged vertically in a U-shape (palmette shape)

Which shape you choose is a matter of space and desired aesthetics. It is only important that all branches get enough sunshine.

Pruning Espalier Pear Trees

First bring the pear tree into the desired shape by fixing the branches horizontally or fan-shaped to the trellis.

Cut off excess branches. When thinning out the new shoots, you should follow the instructions for the respective variety. Some pear trees only bear fruit on new wood, while others also bear fruit on older branches.

Pull several varieties on a trellis

If you plant several pear trees that will bloom at the same time, you don't have to worry about pollination of the pears.

As a fruit that is not self-pollinating, pears are dependent on other trees in the vicinity. This is the only way to pollinate the flowers. Without pollination, no harvest is possible.

tips and tricks

If you attach your pear trellis directly to a house wall or wall, make sure that they are not coated with lime. The lime is washed into the ground by the rain. Pear trees do not thrive in calcareous soil. Good harvests are therefore not possible.

Category:

Trees