Name: K.
Status: other
Age: 60s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: Around 1999
Question
What is the common name and the scientific name of the
trees in old European cities that are pruned so their branches grow
horizontally, and the leaves are trimmed so the trees in full leaf are
"box" shaped. I've seen them in Brussels, Paris, Strasbourg. They seem
old and healthy. What is the process and the theory and why is this not
more popular in the U.S.?
Replies:
I believe the process of pruning a tree so that their branches grow
horizontally is called Espalier. Espalier is a type of control for plant growth where the pruned so that they grow in flat plane spaces.
There are vairous species that this process can be applied to an here is a link that lists suggested species choices:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espalier
You can also find more information about the process and theory of it at the site above as well.
I am not sure as to why it has not taken off in America, but it might have to do with the fact that there is more farm land space in America, as to Europe where space is limited.
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