• Since 1994
  • 200+ hectares
  • Exclusive trees and hedges for special gardens
  • Since 1994
  • 200+ hectares
  • Exclusive trees and hedges for special gardens
Quote
Contact

Espaliers & shaped trees

Espaliers and shaped trees combine functionality with appearance. Originally, they were used to protect buildings and people from sun and wind. Today, they have become strong atmospheric and stylistic elements within garden and greenery designs. At Smits Nursery, we growshaped trees and espalier trees in a variety of shapes and sizes. Their tight pruning and repeatable structure make them ideally suited to adding lines, frames and rhythm to both modern and classic projects. Thanks to our experience and careful cultivation, we supply shaped trees and espalier trees of consistent quality, suitable for use in high-quality garden and greenery projects.
View range
More about shaped trees and espalier trees

Green that makes lines and frames visible

  • Acer campestre
  • Carpinus betulus
  • Tilia europaea 'Pallida'
  • Carpinus betulus
  • Carpinus betulus
  • Platanus hispanica
  • Platanus hispanica
  • Platanus hispanica
  • Carpinus betulus
  • Carpinus betulus
  • Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea'
  • Fagus sylvatica 'Atropunicea'
  • Tilia europaea 'Pallida'
  • Fagus sylvatica
  • Carpinus betulus
  • Carpinus betulus
  • Tilia europaea 'Pallida'
  • Tilia europaea 'Pallida'
  • Tilia cordata 'Greenpire' screen shape
  • Tilia europaea 'Pallida'

Types of espalier & shaped trees

espaliers and shaped trees in various plant species

Forshaped trees and espalier trees, we work with species that are excellent for training and pruning. They keep their shape well and are reliable in growth and appearance.

These trees are widely used in projects where structure, repetition and a clean final appearance are desired.

Most popular species

  • Carpinus betulus Hornbeam
  • Acer campestre Field maple
  • Platanus × hispanica Plane tree
  • Fagus sylvatica Beech
  • Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’ Red beech
  • Tilia europaea ‘Pallida’ Large-leaved lime
  • Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ Winter lime

Range of espalier & shaped trees

Ourshaped trees and espalier trees

Within our range, you will find shaped trees and espalier trees in various shapes, sizes and designs. From tightly guided espalier shapes to shaped trees that function as an architectural element within a design.

The trees are cultivated with care and guided in their growth, so that they are dimensionally stable and directly applicable within projects. The variety of species and sizes makes them suitable for both private gardens and larger green projects.

View full range of espalier & shaped trees
Pyrus communis Pear tree height 250/300 cm in wire root ball

Pyrus communis

Pear tree

Tilia europaea 'Pallida' Silver lime ‘Pallida’ height 600/700 cm in container

Tilia europaea Pallida

Silver lime ‘Pallida’

Tilia cordata 'Greenspire' Winterlime ‘Greenspire’ diameter 35-40 cm tall trunk in wire root ball

Tilia cordata Greenspire

Winter lime ‘Greenspire’

Tilia europaea Common lime 100-110 cm diameter tall trunk in container

Tilia europaea

Dutch linden

Carpinus betulus Hornbeam height 300 cm in wire root ball

Carpinus betulus

Hornbeam

Pyrus communis Conference Pear ‘Conference’ diameter 60-70 cm in container

Pyrus communis Conference

Peer ‘Conference’

Catalpa bignonioides Trumpet tree height 400/450 cm in container

Catalpa bignonioides

Trumpet tree

Morus nigra Black mulberry diameter 80-90 cm tall in container

Morus nigra

Black mulberry

Acer campestre Field Maple height 150/200 cm in container

Acer campestre

Field maple

Fagus sylvatica Beech height 350 cm in container

Fagus sylvatica

Beech

Salix alba White willow diameter 150-160 cm tall in wire root ball

Salix alba

White willow

Morus alba 'Fruitless' Fruitless white mulberry diameter 35-40 cm tall in container

Morus alba 'Fruitless'

Fruitless white mulberry

Tilia euchlora Shrub lime diameter 45-50 cm high trunk in container

Tilia euchlora

Crimson lime

Taxus baccata Venison tree height 200/225 cm in container

Taxus baccata

Venison tree

Morus alba White mulberry diameter 100-120 cm tall-stemmed in container

Morus alba

White mulberry

Platanus hispanica Plane tree height 600/700 cm in container

Platanus hispanica

Plane tree

Tilia cordata 'Greenpire' screen shape

Whyshaped trees and espalier trees

Functional and architectural

espaliers and shaped trees offer more than just greenery. They provide shelter, privacy and shading, while at the same time adding a strong visual structure to the design.

Planting them in a repeating pattern creates clear lines and frames that remain visible throughout the year. This makes these trees particularly suitable for:

  • modern and formal gardens
  • representative outdoor areas
  • projects where architecture and greenery reinforce each other


In terms of maintenance, shaped trees and espalier trees require regular pruning to maintain their shape. Most species are suitable for sun to semi-shade and have average water requirements, depending on location and species.

Options

Shapes and applications

Smits Nursery grows shaped trees and espalier trees among others in:

  • lay form
  • roof shape
  • block shape


Depending on the design, the shapes can be sleek and minimalistic or, on the contrary, used functionally as a green screen or sun filter. Thanks to the many variations, shaped trees and espalier trees can be used for a wide range of projects.

Carpinus betulus roof shape

FAQ

Frequently asked questions on shaped trees and espalier trees

espaliers and shaped trees often raise questions about application, maintenance and possibilities. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions from garden and green space project practitioners.
Slate trees are guided along a rack or frame in a fixed pattern, while shaped trees are freely pruned into a fixed shape. Both provide structure, but have a different application within the design.
Slate trees are often used along facades, yard boundaries and paths, where they provide privacy, shading and rhythm.
Yes, thanks to their clean lines and repeatable shapes, they fit perfectly into modern and architectural designs.
Slate trees require periodic pruning to maintain their shape. With a fixed pruning time per year, maintenance remains manageable and clear.
Manyshaped trees and espalier trees are available in containers or with a strong root ball, making planting possible throughout much of the year. We always coordinate this with the project.
Because espalier trees are already grown into shape, they provide immediate structure and often visibility protection from the first year.
Species such as Carpinus, Tilia, Fagus and Platanus are widely used because of their strong growth and good pruning tolerance.
Yes, their uniform size and repeatability make espalier trees very suitable for large-scale green space and infrastructure projects.
Many shapes and sizes are available as standard. For specific projects, we are happy to help think about dimensions and planning.
Our shaped trees and espalier trees are grown and guided with skill, making them dimensionally stable, strong and reliably usable within professional projects.

Looking together at what fits your project?

Do you already know exactly what you need for your project, or would you like to spar a bit more? We are happy to help you make the right choice, tailored to your needs, planning and the character of the project.
  • Need help?
  • Contact Jan

Would you prefer to see the trees in real life first?

You are welcome to visit our nursery!

Plan your visit here

Also looking for something else?

Smits Hedging®
Hedging elements
Hedging plants
Conifers
Pines
Multistem
Specimen shurbs
Topiary
Shaped trees
Espalier trees