The Belgian fence is a technique for using trained fruit trees to create a formal screen between areas of the garden. Each individual tree is shaped like the capital letter 'Y', with the two arms at 45 degrees. The effect over a good length is impressive and dramatic.
The key to the Belgian fence is that the trees are planted close together, so in time the arms interlock, creating a pleasing diamond lattice effect.
Apples or pears are the best species for planting in a Belgian Fence. It is possible to use stone fruit (e.g. plums or cherries) but these tend to be less productive, and are not amenable to the pruning needed to keep the fence looking at its best.
For the best symmetry you would plant a single variety, but for more interest and better pollination plant two different varieties, alternating the variety at each position. If you have a long length you can alternate three varieties. It is possible to use completely different individual varieties but it won't look as good. Similarly, don't try to mix apples and pears, as they grow quite differently.
Belgian fences work best when you have plenty of space - you really need at least five trees in the line to achieve the characteristic diamond lattice, and more is better. Allow about 8m as a minimum length.
The best rootstocks to use are M26 for apples and Quince A for pears. You can use a spacing of 1m between the trees.
If space is limited you can try using dwarf rootstocks such as M9 for apples and Quince Eline or Quince C for pears, spaced about 80cm apart. You will still need about a reasonable length available - at least 6m.
There are two ways to manage the ends of the fence. The simplest is just to allow the trees on either end to grow as normal. The alternative is to train the outer branches of the end trees to double back into the lattice.
Our Belgian fence specification
We do not supply pre-trained trees for a Belgian fence, but we can supply 1-year fruit trees which can be trained on to form a Belgian fence.
You can use any mix of varieties for the fence, but to get the most consistent effect it is best to use the same variety, or to alternate two or three different varieties.