Creating a living green screen in your yard to provide privacy or block unattractive views can be achieved through the art of pleaching trees. This ancient horticultural technique involves training the head of a tree into a square shape, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal. In contemporary landscaping, pleached trees are an excellent natural alternative to tall fences, adding height and a designer look to outdoor spaces.
To grow pleached trees, you’ll need tall, bare root trees of about 3-4″ or 4-5″ in girth, along with a bamboo frame or poles to create a frame, pruning tools, garden ties, and wooden stakes for support. The appeal of pleaching lies in its ability to provide privacy while adding an elegant and sculptural quality to open spaces, as noted by Matthew Wilson, CEO of Handy Gardeners.
Selecting the right trees is crucial for successful pleaching. Choose species with pliable branches and an upright habit, such as hornbeam, beech, lime, and apple trees. Consider factors like desired height, width, and ease of maintenance when selecting trees for pleaching.
Before planting, assess your soil type and climate to ensure the chosen trees will thrive. Plant the trees in well-drained soil with partial sun exposure, ideally in the fall for optimal growth. Train the branches along the frame in spring and summer, and prune as needed to maintain shape and density.
Building the frame for pleached trees can be done using bamboo poles or pre-made frames. Train the tree branches along the frame, removing backward-facing branches to encourage lateral growth and a uniform canopy. Regular pruning and maintenance are essential to keep the pleached structure intact.
Pleached trees can also be used to create fruit orchards in limited spaces. Varieties like apple, pear, and quince are recommended for their pliable branches, compact growth habits, and ornamental features. Additionally, pleaching techniques can be adapted to create tunnels, arbors, or espaliered trees along walls, offering versatile design options for outdoor spaces.
