ᐅ Espalier Fruit Trees as a "Garden Fence"

We are currently planning the landscaping around our property, and the topic of boundary fencing is part of that.

The west side of our lot is 49 meters long. For simplicity’s sake, I wanted to plant hedge roses. Unfortunately, my husband is not at all enthusiastic about that. Six months of complaining on his part hasn’t helped.

He would prefer a self-made stake fence, but I’m not keen on going into the forest to cut down small trees. Maybe for 10 or 20 meters, but not for 50 meters.

Neither of us wants shrubs or bushes.

Recently, I saw a film about orchards where they planted medium-height fruit trees in rows. I immediately liked that idea for us, and surprisingly, my husband did too :-)

So my question is: Has anyone used espalier or columnar trees as a boundary fence and could share their experiences?

Grillhendl schrieb:

now my question: has anyone perhaps used espalier trees or columnar trees as a boundary and could share their experiences with me?

For cost and time reasons, I have never seen this done and can’t imagine that many people do it. Also, maintaining espalier trees is very labor-intensive compared to "normal" planting or a non-living fence.
What purpose is the boundary supposed to serve?
And always keep in mind that these trees also have trunks at the base ;-)

Why not have a bit of everything in terms of length?

I also find trellises quite labor-intensive. Additionally, they are not completely opaque and may require scaffolding. However, I don’t see the problem:

Grillhendl schrieb:

He would like a self-made picket fence. But I don’t want to go into the forest and cut down small trees. Maybe for 10 or 20 meters (11 or 22 yards), but not for 50 meters (55 yards).

If HE wants that, then HE should cut his own wood. You can peacefully choose your roses to plant in front of it.

Purpose of the enclosure: I don’t want deer or wild boars in the garden.
No privacy screen is needed since there is a field on that side anyway.

I don’t really like a neat lattice fence... it should look a bit more natural. Maybe just low-trunk fruit trees with roses in between and picket fencing. And a few old granite pillars...

nordanney schrieb:


And always remember that trees also have trunks down below ;-)

I'm a bit lost right now. What do you mean by that?