I am thinking about trying a free standing espalier for a semi dwarf apple or pear tree next year as a fun - yes, I said fun, lol - experimental project. I have the room but I need a soil test and a lot more research to find what is most suitable for my area that's self pollinating. I don't know if I want to try more than one tree to start. Curious if anyone is doing this in my zone.

Are you close to Mt Vernon or Monticello? I know they have espalier orchards, perhaps a visit there would provide good info

Try giving these people a call

https://ext.vt.edu/offices.htm...

crawgarden said:Are you close to Mt Vernon or Monticello? I know they have espalier orchards, perhaps a visit there would provide good info

Try giving these people a call

https://ext.vt.edu/offices.htm...

I live on the other side of the state from Mt Vernon, but fortunately I live just a few miles from Virginia Tech - in fact I just drove by it when I went to pick up chicken feed this morning! lol. Thanks!

I espaliered mine, but I'm not in zone 6, just grow the right variety for your area.

SoCalGardenNut said:I espaliered mine, but I'm not in zone 6, just grow the right variety for your area.

I found a cooking pear that is good in my area, and I prefer poached/baked pears to apples so that will be my experiment.