Purchase Our Espalier Book

100% of the proceeds from this book go DIRECTLY to support the Gardens.

It is available here on Amazon for $9.99 (Kindle edition) or $15.99 (paperback edition).  ALL proceeds go directly to support our Gardens. We thank Dr. Ron Perry for using his extensive fruit tree experience to  write this book and his willingness to allow all proceeds to go directly to the Gardens. 

Description

Final Book Cover

Espalier is the practice of pruning and tying branches to a frame or trellis, in formal or informal patterns, flat against a structure such as a wall, fence, or trellis. It is an ancient art that allows the skilled gardener to train shoots in various designs and angular patterns often creating symmetry and artistic value while concurrently providing fruit for the table. In espalier, a design is developed which provides a roadmap for branch growth, development, and training. The gardener then actively directs growth to adhere to a selected or created design. Fruit production is not as important as the visual creation. The intrinsic value of espalier is that designs are an expression of artistic creativity and skill in gardening. Drs. Perry and Getter provide experienced gardeners with the information needed to successfully create an espalier planting. Learn about espalier and tree fruit terminology, species selection and fruiting requirements, site establishment and preparation, proper planting and care practices, training, management, and pruning.


About the authors

Dr. Perry earned his PhD in Horticulture at Texas A&M and went on to become a Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University (MSU). He has more than 50 years’ experience in fruit research and is recognized as a leading tree fruit pomologist due to his pioneering activities in support of the Michigan apple and cherry industries. Dr. Getter earned her PhD in Horticulture at MSU and went on to become an Assistant Professor and Director of the MSU Horticulture Gardens in the MSU Department of Horticulture. Kristin provides leadership for the 14-acre public garden which includes several espalier demonstrations.

Department Information

Students

Research Focus Areas

Our Gardens

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).