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Espalier
Espalier is a highly productive, ornamental style of pruning that dates to the 1400s or earlier.
Espalier, a compact style of training fruit trees, originally referred to the framework upon which such trees were trained (Ital. spalliera: a lattice-work or row of stakes). Legend suggests that these techniques originated in 17th century France by a Father Legendre (who evidently disliked climbing ladders), but earlier records are known. Espaliered trees are normally grafted on "dwarfing" rootstocks and trained as young plants along wires or stakes. Designs include three-dimensional vase, pyramid and goblet shapes, and the more common two-dimensional cordons, fans and horizontals.
