How to prune a fruit tree in Belgian fence form: practical guide

TL;DR Belgian fence training

Belgian fence is a highly productive and compact espalier form: branches grow diagonally from left and right and cross each other in an "X" pattern. Highly elegant, highly productive, challenging to prune. Perfect for walls and hedges that need to stay light.

What is a Belgian fence?

A Belgian fence (also called "Criss-cross espalier") is an espalier form where all branches grow diagonally and cross each other regularly, like a woven fence pattern. All branches have the same angle (roughly 45 degrees), and they grow alternately from left and right.

This pattern is very dense, very productive, and very beautiful. A 2x2 meter Belgian fence can bear 50-70 kg fruit per year. The branches grow very sturdy because they cross and support each other.

Why Belgian fence? Because it gives the absolute maximum productivity on minimal space, and it looks incredibly beautiful. This is the "haute couture" of espalier form.

Step 1: Start with two young trees

A Belgian fence requires two trees: plant them side by side (roughly 30-40 cm apart) against your fence or trellis.

Choose one-year-old feathered trees, preferably without many side shoots already. Two "clean" trees are better than two full of branches.

Best cultivars:

• Apple: Gala, Fuji, Braeburn (vigorous growers are good)
• Pear: Conference, Doyenne du Comice (both trees must be the same cultivar for symmetry)

Step 2: Cut both leaders back to 40 cm (March, year 1)

In the first March, cut BOTH central stems back to roughly 40 cm above ground.

This forces both trees to produce side shoots. Plant them against the same trellis (they will cross each other later).

Step 3: Choose the first two diagonal branches (May-June, year 1)

Once both trees have formed side shoots, select the strongest side shoot on TREE 1 and tie it diagonally upward-to-the-right at roughly 45 degrees.

On TREE 2, select the strongest side shoot and tie it upward-to-the-left at roughly 45 degrees.

These two branches will cross each other later in the middle of the fence.

Step 4: Add the next pair (July, year 1)

Once the first pair of diagonal branches is growing, select another side shoot on TREE 1 and tie it upward-to-the-left (opposite to the first pair).

On TREE 2, do the same: upward-to-the-right.

Now you have four diagonal branches crossing each other in an "X".

Step 5: Add multiple layers (year 2+)

Repeat this pattern each year. You add new "layers" of diagonal branches each season, all at the same 45-degree angle, alternating from tree to tree.

After 3-4 years you have a full Belgian fence with 10-15 pairs of diagonal branches all crossing each other.

Step 6: Maintenance pruning (August and March, year 2+)

August (summer):

• All side shoots on the diagonal branches, cut back to 15-20 cm.
• Vertical branches (growing straight up), cut back to 5 cm.

March (winter):

• All side shoots from last season, cut back to 2-3 cm.
• The diagonal branches themselves: let them grow until the fence is complete. After that, do not cut them.

How does a mature Belgian fence look?

After 4-5 years:

• Two original trees grow integrally through each other
• 10-15 pairs of diagonal branches, each at 45 degrees
• The branches cross each other regularly in the middle
• Many small side shoots everywhere, densely set with flowers and fruit
• It looks like a woven, very dense fence of fruit

This is really incredibly productive. A 2x2 meter Belgian fence can bear more fruit than ten normal trees in the same space!

Frequently asked questions

Why 45 degree angle?

45 degrees is perfect for strength and productivity. Less angle (more upright) gives weaker branches. More angle (more horizontal) gives less flowering and fruit.

Do I need to prune both trees at the same time?

Yes. Symmetry is crucial for Belgian fence. Both trees must grow equally strong. Plant the same cultivar on both sides.

How do I ensure branches cross each other?

Ensure you tie the branches with rope at the correct spots. The diagonal branches grow naturally through each other. They do not need to cross "perfectly" - some overlap is good.

What happens where branches cross?

Nothing bad. The branches support each other. Where they cross, they may rub slightly against each other, but that is healthy. It gives more sturdiness.

Can I make Belgian fence narrower?

Yes. A 1.5 meter wide Belgian fence works too. Just plant the trees a bit closer together or closer to the ground.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Plant two trees side by side

Plant two one-year feathered trees 30-40 cm apart against fence/trellis. Same cultivar both!

Step 2: Cut both leaders to 40 cm

Cut both central stems to 40 cm in March year 1. This forces side shoots.

Step 3: First diagonal pair

Tree 1: tie side shoot diagonally to right (45 degrees). Tree 2: tie to left.

Step 4: Next pair opposite

Tree 1: tie next to left. Tree 2: tie to right. X-pattern emerges.

Step 5: Add layers annually

Each season add more diagonal pairs, always alternating from tree to tree.

Step 6: Annual maintenance

August: side shoots to 15-20 cm. March: short spurs to 2-3 cm.

Frequently asked questions

How much space does Belgian fence need?

Minimum 2x2 meters. A narrower fence (1.5 meters) can work, but becomes less dense. A wider fence (3x3 meters) can work too, but takes longer to build.

Can I do Belgian fence vertically?

No. This design works almost always against a wall or fence. You cannot make a Belgian fence as an "open tree".

How much water and feeding?

A lot. Belgian fence grows intensively (many branches). Water regularly especially first two years. Feeding: March compost plus May fruit-tree fertilizer.

How old can Belgian fence get?

20-30 years easily. A well-maintained fence stays productive for decades. The branches can get old (thicker than 5-10 cm) but keep bearing fruit.

Discover your garden design

On [gardenworld.app](https://gardenworld.app) you can see how a Belgian fence fits in your front yard. This is truly the ultimate espalier for anyone who wants to maximize space and have the most productive hedge.