what is an espalier
esÂ·palÂ·ier. (Ä­-spÄlâ²yÉr, -yÄâ²) n. 1. A tree or shrub that is trained to grow in a flat plane against a wall or trellis, often in a symmetrical pattern. 2. A trellis or other framework on which an espalier is grown. tr.v. esÂ·palÂ·iered, esÂ·palÂ·ierÂ·ing, esÂ·palÂ·iers.