Trained Fruit Shapes
Introduction
This general article describes which forms there are [^1] for trained fruit trees [^2].
In total, descriptions of more than 100 espalier shapes are included, but this list does not claim to be exhaustive.
Insight into the variation in espalier shapes offers support to those who want to grow espalier fruit trees themselves .For example, pear or apple.
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[^1]: Synonyms: fruit espalier shapes, shapes guided fruit trees.
[^2]: Synonyms: guided fruit tree, fruit espalier tree, fruit shaped tree, shaped fruit tree.
Classification of Trained Fruit
Numerous espalier forms have been described separately in the literature.
This website is the first to present a classification that provides insight into their similarities and differences.
Creating a classification for “(espalier) forms” is less simple than it seems, for the following reasons:
- espalier forms are composed of forms that are not (mathematical) basic forms
- each espalier form has subvariants
- descriptive names quickly become (too) long
An attempt has been made to arrive at a classification of espalier forms that works easily and intuitively. This means, among other things:
- names have been modernized (adapted to the current zeitgeist)
Older names and synonyms are listed separately. - short names for espalier forms
The aim has been to create names with few syllables.
New terms have also been introduced, such as: “U Palmet” and Diptych / Triptych. - names with few hyphens
- names that are easy to translate into English and French
- arrangement in a way that provides insight into the evolution of espalier forms
- prefixes (such as: “1-side“) and suffixes (such as: “side-to-side“) are shown in small letters, so that the main type can be recognized at a glance.
- per category one slate form has been elevated to basic form
- clear illustrations
At the bottom of this page is an explanation of the Dutch language use.
Your feedback, experiences and photos are always welcome!
Main types
Single Cord
Standard form with 1 frame branch​
Double Cord
Standard form with 2 framework branches
Trident
Espalier with 3 parallel branches
Palmetto
Espalier with 4 or more parallel branches
Fan
Espalier with fan-shaped frame branches
3D Shape
Espalier with frame branches in 3 dimensions
In Combination: Diptych / Twins
Fixed combination of 2 fruit trees in mirror image
In Combination: Triptych
Fixed combination of 3 fruit trees
In Combination: Series / Pattern
Series of fruit trees of the same type
Contact Me
E-mail: info@espalier.org
Dutch Language Use Accountability
Use of noun "Palmet"
According to the Green Booklet, the noun “palmet” has two genders:
- masculine (“the palmet”)
- feminine (“the palmet”)
There is a slight difference in meaning between the two word variants.
This website prefers:
- the feminine form (“the Palmet”) as a type designation,
from a theoretical/scientific perspective - the masculine form (“the palmet”) where it concerns an individual tree, for practical situations
This means that you will encounter both variants interchangeably in texts.
Two comments on this:
- The distinction, as indicated above, will not always be applied consistently.
- The plural form begins by definition with the masculine article (the palmettes).
One of the considerations for preferably using the feminine term (“the”) or neuter term (“a”) in descriptions of types of espalier forms is that this produces fewer syllables, and therefore a simpler word image. Example: “the ge-woon palmet” versus “the ge-wo-ne palmet”.
A simpler word image is easier to read and reduces language barriers.
Use of Hyphens
This website has a (very) restrictive policy regarding hyphens (“-“), even though this goes against the “correct” spelling according to the Green Booklet.
The reason for this (conscious) choice is that consistent and correct use of hyphens according to the Green Booklet would sometimes lead to an abundance of hyphens, which would reduce rather than increase the readability for the visitor.
Furthermore, the omission of hyphens can be justified to some extent by considering the terms in question as proper names.
In practice, this means that hyphens are usually omitted from frequently occurring terms (proper names), while they are used for rarely used terms
Examples:
- “U shape” (without hyphen!)
But: - “Spits-Eivormen Palmet” (with hyphen), as a counterpart to “Eivormen Palmet”.
