Espaliered fruit trees?

[LaurelC]

Has anyone grown an espaliered fruit tree on the outside of their run? I'm considering putting in an espaliered fig tree outside my duck pen. I figure I'll let it get 2 feet tall before starting to send out horizontals, the ducks will keep it ant-free, and I can use the welded wire mesh for support. If you're not familiar with espalier, it's the practice of growing a tree on a two-dimensional plane like a wall. Every branch gets good sun, and for the space taken up, you really aren't going to get any more productive.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

will they handle the rich dirt of the chicken poo? i think, unless there is a new fig, they need to be cross pollinated. i used to do them but i am on 2 1/2 acres now. dont have to. lol sounds like a nice look though

 

[LaurelC]

Many fig varieties are self pollinating, however I hadn't put much though towards the richness of the soil. My lot is almost completely sand, but I will do some research on that.

 

[Stoili]

I would give it a try. The figs I have are self pollinating too.
I'll take a slice from the pie in your left hand please.