What's a good method to espalier a tree?

[Stonehenge]

Thinking about trying that. What works best - wire supports attached to the structure behind it, or a wood structure?

[Lanelle]

A wood or copper pipe structure should work well. What is the wall behind it made of? I have even seen regular galvanized pipe fitted together and painted to match the house wall. That was for a very large, mature planting so the pipe 'disappeared'.

[Stonehenge]

The wall behind for the design in question is vinyl siding. Lanelle, have you found particular species or cultivars good for this kind of treatment?

[Lanelle]

Some of the more popular choices here may not survive your winters, but I'll give it a shot. Malus family and other fruit trees are the traditional favorites. Weeping conifers such as blue atlas cedar can work well. Pyracantha would also work but I'll not volunteer for the pruning. Some of our warmer zone favorites are Magnolia grandiflora and turkey fig.

Remember to put spacers between the wall and the trellis support so there is ventilation and room for the tree as it matures.

[Stonehenge]

Malus is big here, they'll do fine. Pyracantha can't be found here, and that's just fine with me!! I used to work with it when I lived in Michigan.

Magnolia is touch and go here.

How much space between the plant and the structure would you recommend?

[Lanelle]

I would use at least three inches between the wall and the trellis structure. Here is a company that makes the spacer hardware as well as a decent line of trellises. http://www.sycamorecreek.com/hardware.html

Of course you can go to the plumbing department and get pipe and fittings to create your own design.

[Stonehenge]

Cool! Thanks for the link. :D