Q.Do All Multiple Grafted Apple Trees Need To Be Espaliered To Produce Fruit?
I purchased a 5 in 1 apple tree and planted in an area that receives 6+ hours of sun in my front yard. However, a gardener friend told me that the tree really should be espaliered along a trellis or fence in order to produce fruit. Basically, my question is – if I leave it where it is will it still fruit?

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
You can certainly espalier it if you have limited space or want to give it a different kind of support, but it does not require that to bear fruit.
Here's an interesting article:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/grafting/rootstock-information.htm