I understand itīs better to plant fruit trees and soft fruit earlier rather than later, so Iīm asking now.
How close to a wall/foundation/structure can you plant a dwarf fruit tree? I see lovely pics of potagers and patios with trees quite close to walls and bordering veggie beds, if not actually inside the bed, and Iīm wondering about root invasion and cultivating around the root area. I have a fantasy of a medieval garden, all neat and gridded.
In the case of an espalier, how close to the wall is the tree planted before risking damage to the wall? Do you lean it back so when itīs the height for tieing itīs closer? Or do you not actually attach it to the wall and rely on posts and wires? How far apart would dwarf trees be spaced?
And finally, can any fruit tree be a step-over espalier or only apples and pears. We donīt actually eat many apples, though Iīd like a decent cooker or a couple of cider varieties.
Thank you for your thoughts.