You're enjoying your morning coffee when you notice the new development next door has created an unwelcome view straight into your garden. Traditional fencing feels too harsh, and a hedge would take years to provide the height you need. This is where trained trees come to the rescue - specifically, espalier and pleached trees that offer elegant, immediate screening solutions.
High-level screening creates privacy above the typical 1.8-metre fence height, and both methods excel in this role. However, choosing between them depends on your specific needs, available space, and aesthetic preferences. Let us help you understand the key differences.
What Are Pleached Trees?
Pleached trees are often described as a "hedge on stilts" - and for good reason. These specially trained trees feature a clear stem of 1.8 to 2 metres, topped with branches woven together to create a formal, elevated screen. This creates an elegant solution that provides screening above whilst maintaining access and light at ground level.
You can walk beneath pleached trees, plant underneath them, or simply enjoy the architectural structure they bring to your garden. The clear stem makes them particularly valuable for overlooked gardens where you need privacy above but want to preserve the sense of space below.
Popular species for pleaching include Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) for excellent winter structure with retained bronze leaves, Field Maple (Acer campestre) for stunning autumn colour, and Lime trees for rapid establishment. Evergreen options like Portuguese Laurel provide year-round screening, whilst Photinia 'Red Robin' adds vibrant red new growth.
What Are Espalier Trees?
Espalier trees take a different approach. Rather than creating elevation above a clear stem, espalier training produces flat, tiered branches that provide coverage from ground level upward. This ancient technique creates living screens that maximise coverage whilst requiring minimal depth - typically just 30-60 centimetres when mature.
The beauty of espalier lies in its versatility. You can achieve both screening and productivitywith edible varieties, or focus purely on ornamental impact with flowering and foliage species.
Popular choices include ornamental species like Photinia 'Red Robin', Pyracantha (firethorn), and Amelanchier, alongside traditional fruit trees such as apples, pears, and cherries.
Key Differences at a Glance
Screening Coverage: Pleached trees provide high-level screening only, leaving the area below open. Espalier trees screen from ground level to full height.
Clear Stem: Pleached trees feature a distinctive 1.8-2 metre clear trunk, whilst espalier trees have branches from near ground level.
Space Requirements: Both excel in narrow spaces, but pleached trees are ideal for screening above existing features. Espalier trees work perfectly against walls, fences, or as boundary screening.
Maintenance: Pleached trees require annual pruning to maintain their formal shape. Espalier trees need more precise, regular pruning - typically twice yearly - to maintain their flat profile.
Mature Dimensions: Pleached trees typically reach 3-4 metres total height with canopy spread of 2-3 metres. Espalier trees usually mature at 2-3.5 metres height whilst maintaining their narrow depth.
When to Choose Pleached Trees
Pleached trees excel when you need screening above existing features whilst maintaining ground-level access and light. They're perfect for creating privacy above a patio wall, screening windows from overlooking properties, or adding height without blocking lower-level planting areas.
The formal, architectural appearance suits contemporary garden designs particularly well. Their structured appearance complements modern landscaping whilst providing the natural benefits of living screening.
When to Choose Espalier Trees
Espalier trees work best when you need complete screening coverage from ground to full height. They're ideal for boundary screening, creating privacy against walls or fences, or maximising screening impact in narrow spaces.
Espalier trees also offer the unique opportunity to combine screening with productivity. Fruit tree espaliers provide excellent screening whilst producing crops - perfect for kitchen gardens or anywhere you want to maximise functionality.
Planning Your Project
Successful screening starts with proper spacing and support. Pleached trees typically require 2.5-4 metre spacing depending on the species and desired density. Espalier trees generally need 3-4.5 metre spacing, with fruit varieties often requiring wider spacing.
The support framework is crucial - you'll need treated timber posts of at least 10 centimetres diameter, positioned at 3-4 metre intervals with galvanised tensioning wire creating the horizontal framework.
Both pleached and espalier trees prefer well-drained soil but will adapt to most conditions with proper preparation. Consider practical factors like proximity to boundaries, underground services, and future access for maintenance.
Best Species for Our Climate
For pleached screening, Hornbeam remains the gold standard - incredibly hardy, tolerating exposed sites and maintaining its formal shape with minimal intervention. The retained bronze winter foliage provides year-round structure.
Field Maple brings spectacular autumn colour whilst maintaining robust constitution. Lime trees establish quickly but require more maintenance.
Evergreen options include Portuguese Laurel for reliable year-round screening, Photinia 'Red Robin' for colourful new growth, and Holm Oak for architectural, Mediterranean-style screening.
For espalier screening, ornamental choices include Photinia 'Red Robin' for vibrant foliage, Pyracantha for flowers, berries, and excellent density, and Amelanchier for spring flowers and autumn colour.
Edible options thrive in our climate. Apple varieties like 'Discovery' and 'Sunset' fruit reliably whilst providing excellent screening. Pear varieties such as 'Conference' offer beautiful spring blossom followed by productive crops.
Planting Essentials
The best planting window runs November through March for bare-root trees, though container-grown specimens can be planted year-round with proper aftercare. Prepare planting holes 60 centimetres deep and 80 centimetres wide.
Soil improvement is crucial. Work in well-rotted manure or compost, and consider mycorrhizal fungi to help establish beneficial root relationships. Water thoroughly at planting - 20-30 litres per tree - and apply a 7-10 centimetre layer of organic mulch around each tree.
First Year Care
The first growing season determines long-term success. Water weekly during April through September, providing 20-30 litres per week during dry periods. Apply slow-release tree fertiliser in early spring.
Formative pruning should be carried out in late summer for deciduous species and spring for evergreens. New growth should be tied into the framework every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Investment & Long-Term Value
Initial costs for pleached trees range from £180-450 per tree depending on size and species, whilst espalier trees cost £140-380 each. Support materials add £40-80 per metre run.
Compared to alternatives, trained trees offer excellent value. Traditional hedging takes years to achieve screening height, whilst fencing or trellis systems lack the living benefits and long-term value enhancement that trees provide.
Mature screening trees can increase property values by 5-7%, whilst providing 20+ years of effective screening with proper care. Environmental benefits including carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and improved air quality add further value.
Making Your Decision
Both espalier and pleached trees offer elegant solutions to screening challenges. Pleached trees excel when you need screening above whilst preserving ground-level access. Espalier trees work best when complete coverage from ground to height is essential.
Consider your maintenance capacity honestly - both require annual care, but espalier trees need more frequent, precise pruning. Think about your long-term vision: pleached trees create formal, architectural statements, whilst espalier trees can combine screening with productivity.
Visit Cedar Nursery in Cobham to see examples of both options and discuss your specific requirements with our tree specialists. As a specialty garden centre serving both private customers and landscape professionals across Surrey, London, and the broader South East, we understand local growing conditions and can help you choose the perfect screening solution.