Espalier wire fitting in Sidmouth
Looking for professional espalier wire fitting help in Sidmouth? Hembury Contracting provides reliable misc services across Sidmouth and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
£85-£160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Sidmouth
Horizontal training wires fitted to walls or fences for espalier fruit trees, cordons, and climbing plants. Properly spaced, tensioned and secured.
Train Trees The Right Way
Espalier fruit trees look amazing and save masses of space - you can grow a full-size apple tree flat against a wall taking up barely any room.
But they need proper support. Slack wires or poor spacing means wonky growth and frustration. Done right, the wire framework lasts decades.
💡 Pro tip: The hardest part of espalier isn't the tree training - it's getting a wire system that stays taut and level for 20+ years. Get that right at the start and the actual gardening is easy.
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| ❌ DIY Fails | ✅ Properly Fitted |
|---|---|
| Wires sag after first season | Tensioned with strainers, stay tight |
| Fixings pull out of wall | Proper vine eyes in solid fixings |
| Spacing all wrong | Measured for tree type |
| Wonky lines everywhere | Level horizontal runs |
| Fence bows under tension | Tension calculated for structure |
What's Involved
🔧 Installation Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Plan | Measure wall/fence, mark wire positions |
| Fix anchor points | Drill and fit vine eyes or eye bolts |
| Run wires | Thread galvanized wire through fixings |
| Tension | Use strainers to get wires taught |
| Finish | Cut excess, tidy up, check levels |
📦 You're Left With
- Level horizontal wires at correct spacing
- Properly tensioned (adjustable)
- Secure fixings that'll last years
- Ready for tree/plant training
Pricing Guide
| Wall/Fence Length | Number of Wires | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4 meters | 3-4 wires | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| 5-6 meters | 4-5 wires | 2-2.5 hrs | £110-£135 |
| 6+ meters | 5+ wires | 2.5-3 hrs | £135-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Includes basic wire supply. Eye bolts/vine eyes charged at cost.
Perfect For...
✅ Espalier fruit trees - apples, pears against walls
✅ Fan-trained trees - peaches, cherries, plums
✅ Cordons - angled single-stem training
✅ Climbing plants - roses, clematis, wisteria
Why Choose Us for Espalier wire fitting in Sidmouth?
Properly tensioned horizontal wires
Secure fixings that won't pull out
Correct spacing for tree training
Professional finish on walls or fences
What to Expect
Step 1: Measure and Mark
Work out how many wire runs you need and at what spacing. Mark positions level using string line. Check the wall or fence structure is suitable.
Step 2: Fix Anchor Points
Drill holes for vine eyes (if brick/stone) or screw in eye bolts (if fence posts). Need fixing points every 2-2.5m along the run plus end fixings. Install wire strainers at one end.
Step 3: Run and Tension Wire
Thread galvanized wire through all the eyes. Connect to strainer and tension up. Check everything's level and secure. Cut excess wire, tidy all fixings.
Our Sidmouth Service Coverage
We cover Sidmouth and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Sidmouth or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
> 🌳 **Tree age matters:** Don't install wires for trees you haven't planted yet. Plant first, see how they actually grow, then add wires to suit. Every tree grows slightly differently. **Wall vs fence:** Walls are better - they don't move and can take more tension. Fences work but need strong posts and you can't tension as hard or the whole fence bows. **Maintenance:** Check wire tension every spring. They'll relax over winter. That's why strainers are essential - you can retighten without taking everything apart. **Sunny walls:** South or west facing walls are warmest - perfect for peaches, apricots, figs. North walls work fine for pears. East walls can be frosty - avoid tender fruits. **Exeter old walls:** Our older stone walls can be a bit crumbly. I'll use resin fixings if the mortar or stone is soft. Costs slightly more but they actually stay in.
Frequently Asked Questions about Espalier wire fitting in Sidmouth
What spacing do I need between wires?
Usually 30-45cm apart for espalier fruit trees, starting about 45cm from ground level. For fan training or climbers the spacing might differ. I can advise based on what you're growing and the available wall height.
Will the fixings damage my wall?
There'll be drilled holes for vine eyes or eye bolts - that's unavoidable. I use proper fixings so they stay put. The wires themselves don't damage anything - they're just tensioned between fixing points.
Can you fit wires to any wall or fence?
Solid walls (brick, stone, rendered) are straightforward. Fence panels need posts strong enough to take the tension - flimsy panels aren't suitable. I'll tell you honestly if your fence won't work.
How tight should the wires be?
Tight enough not to sag when you tie branches to them, but not so tight they bow the fence or pull fixings out. There's a balance. I use wire strainers so you can adjust tension as trees grow.
What wire should I use?
Galvanized wire 2.5-3mm thick for espalier. Too thin and it sags, too thick and it's hard to work with. I can supply the wire or use yours if you've already bought it.
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