espaliered apple trees

We're thinking of creating a fence of espaliered apple trees and wondered if anyone here has done this. We'll use five or six trees along the edge of our terrace. Any pros and cons? I know it will take patience and time, but we're not in a hurry. :-)

Cheers

kaperc,
What will the ultimate heigth of the fence be? Since standard apple trees can get 25 to 30 feet tall, planting dwarf or semi-dwarf trees would make it easier to keep them under control. Also, trees that produce closely spaced fruiting spurs will produce more fruit for you. Stark Bros. Nursery sells those spur-type apples.

http://www.starkbros.com/index.jsp

If you are planning a short fence, Raintree Nursery sell miniature apple trees.
http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomframe.jsp?query=Raintree+Nursery&page=1&offset=0&result_url=redir%3Fsrc%3Dwebsearch%26requestId%3D1695cf2b9234ba75%26clickedItemRank%3D1%26userQuery%3DRaintree%2BNursery%26clickedItemURN%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.raintreenursery.com%252F%26invocationType%3D-%26fromPage%3DNSCPResults%26amp%3BampTest%3D1&remove_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.raintreenursery.com%2F

I have purchased trees from both of these nurseries and have always been satisfied with their trees.

BettyDee

Thanks, BettyDee.

Actually, we've already ordered the semi-dwarf trees from Trees of Antiquity, it's just a matter of where and how they will be planted. The espalier idea came out of the blue and for a variety of reasons we really want to do this now. TOA has said they will try to pick out suitable stock for our purpose -- but I'm interested in actual 'user' experience.

We've picked out a south-by-west facing corner of our terrace. There's good drainage, constant breezes and full sun. The trees will mitigate an unpleasant view of some trucks parked in our neighbor's yard and, if we're really lucky, help cut down on noise from the nearby highway.

Wish us luck!

kaperc,

I'm familiar with the method although, I've never done it. I've enclosed a short article from Sunset magazine. Ask Trees of Antiquity for a good source. I've seen some books on the subject, but can't remember any titles right now. Your cooperative Extension agent should be of some help, too.
BettyDee

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1216/is_n1_v186/ai_9232268

Thanks, BettyDee -- that's a great web site to know about, too -- Google is not the end-all and be-all of searching sometimes.

Will definitely look at some books. We usually prepare for things ahead of time with lots of research and planning, but somehow this one got away from us!

Kathleen