Editing Espalier (section)

==Designs==
[[Image:SshapedEspalier.JPG|thumb|A vertical cordon fruit tree]]
[[File:Schloss Weilburg, Baroque garden, espalier pears.jpg|thumb|Fruiting espaliered pears in a Baroque garden at [[Schloss Weilburg]]]]

Espalier design often uses traditional formal patterns developed over hundreds of years, but can also employ more modern informal designs.<ref name=Powell/>  A stunted or deformed plant, or one that already has interesting or unique characteristics, might be just right for an informal espalier.<ref name=Powell/>

Common formal patterns include the following styles.
* V-shaped: Tree is cut to a low wire {{cvt|15-18|in|cm|round=5|order=flip}} from the ground; two buds lengthen into branches which are attached to canes that keep them straight, and the canes are attached to another wire that maintains a V shape. The V shape is the first step in producing many other formal patterns.
* Belgian fence: More than one V-shaped espaliers are planted two feet apart, so their branches cross, and are tied to a trellis.
* Stepover: A Horizontal espalier with only one set of branches tied to a wire around {{cvt|15|in|cm|round=5|order=flip}} above the ground. Start with a V shape until desired branch length is attained, but lower branches to the bottom wire by autumn of the first year. Takes only one year to produce the design from a well-rooted unbranched tree (it may take somewhat longer for it to start producing fruit).
* Horizontal T, also referred to as a horizontal cordon: Branches are trained horizontally along evenly spaced wires. Start with a V shape where a third bud is trained straight up to another wire. Train other two branches to stepover. In spring of second year prune the vertical stem to the second wire and again train to a V shape, etc. It takes one year per each level.
* [[Palmette]] or fan: Branches grow in a radiating pattern created when the branches of a V-shaped espalier are cut back and lowered slightly. Multiple buds are coaxed to form branches that are tied to a trellis in a radiating pattern.
* Baldassari palmette: A palmette design created around 1950, used primarily for training peaches.
* [[Cordon (plant)|Cordon]]: Consists of a main stem with short [[fruiting spur]]s tied to a fence or a wire trellis. Probably the simplest and quickest espalier is the single vertical or angled cordon. The weakness of the vertical cordon is that it is difficult to rein in the vigor of the tree. An angled cordon reduces the vigor of its growth and increases fruit production.
* Verrier candelabra (Verrier palmette) is a type of vertical cordon with multiple upright stems that usually starts from a V shape.
* Gaucher palmette is a type of vertical cordon with multiple upright stems.
* Drapeau marchand: A cordon trained at an angle with the branches on its upper side trained to a right angle from the main stem.
* U double and other U-shaped espalier is just another way of referring to a double vertical cordon.