Espalier trees provide quick privacy protection, but depending on their size they can quickly cost several hundred euros. Anyone who plants now will benefit from the fact that container goods grow easily in frost-free soil.
At the latest when the terrace and kitchen windows are used more often again, privacy protection becomes an issue. Espalier trees are practical for this because they come with a ready-made “green wall” when you buy them and take up significantly less space on the fence or on the terrace than a classic hedge.
The timing is crucial: Planting is only done when the ground is frost-free. How My beautiful garden emphasizestrees can be planted over a long period of time, but it is particularly stress-free when the ground is not frozen and the plant can take root immediately after being planted.
The most common mistake is then surprisingly banal: water. Evergreen espalier trees in particular continue to evaporate even in the cooler season and react sensitively when the root ball dries out. A Espalier tree specialist We therefore recommend watering consistently during the growing phase and adding more water on frost-free days in winter if it stays dry for a longer period of time.
There is also a practical point that many people only notice after purchasing: espalier trees often come as container goods. This is convenient, but requires a clean start. Water the ball thoroughly before planting, prepare the planting hole generously and secure the plant firmly so that wind does not loosen the root contact again. If you implement these basics properly, you will achieve the desired privacy effect much more quickly.
Three evergreen espalier trees in three price levels
The prices are shop examples and depend heavily on the trellis size and trunk height. When starting out, you usually end up in the low to mid three-digit range.
Cheap entry: Loquat as a trellis (Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’)
Typical price – from around 120 euros in smaller trellis sizes.
Appearance – evergreen with eye-catching red new shoots, therefore popular in modern gardens.
Location note – plant in a sheltered place because the species can be sensitive to frost depending on the region.
Middle class: Olive willow as a trellis (Elaeagnus ebbingei)
Typical price – from around 145 to 155 euros (trellis 120 × 120 centimeters, depending on the variant).
Starch – robust, evergreen, considered a good privacy candidate.
Practice – water consistently after planting and refill during dry periods, this determines the start.
Premium: Holm oak as a trellis (Quercus ilex)
Typical price – from around 400 euros for large standard trellises.
Look – leathery, dark green leaves, Mediterranean character, very long-lasting.
Important – depending on the region and location, protection makes sense in the first winters, the holm oak is not equally uncomplicated everywhere.
Conclusion: If you want to get started cheaply, you can get an evergreen trellis privacy screen with the loquat for around 120 euros. Olive willow is usually one step above, holm oak is the long-term but expensive option. The following applies in all cases: only plant in frost-free soil and do not water sloppily, especially in the first few weeks.
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