Arborsculpture

History

The arborsculpture trees were planted in  February 2000.

Espalier:

Most fruit species can be trained on a trellis, but apples, pears, and Asian pears lend themselves to this system best.  The trellis should have strong posts to support the tree and fruit.  Use #12 wire that is firmly attached to the posts.  Plant the trees 7 to 5 feet apart, depending on the number of wires and the expected vigor of the trees.  Wires should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart.  Vigorous trees should be planted farther apart to provide more buds and therefore less vigor from each shoot.

There are many different ways to espalier a tree.  Below is one example of espaliered trees at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center.

Directing the shoots for the menorah-shaped Asian pear tree.

The same tree several years later in bloom.