1. A framework of wood or metal used to train and support fruit trees or ornamental plants in a flat, two-dimensional pattern against a wall or fence.
Usage: Often used in formal or decorative gardening
2. A tree or plant that has been trained to grow flat against a support in a decorative pattern.

1. To train or support (a tree or plant) to grow flat against a framework or wall.

Examples

• The gardener installed wooden espaliers along the south-facing wall to grow apple trees.
• Fruit trees trained as espaliers take up less space than traditional free-standing trees.
• She espaliers her pear trees every spring to maintain their flat, decorative shape.
• The formal garden featured beautiful espaliers of flowering cherry trees.
• He learned to espalier the vines so they would grow in an elegant diamond pattern.
• Metal espaliers are more durable than wooden ones in wet climates.
• The historic estate displayed centuries-old espaliers that still produced abundant fruit.