The hot air might dry it a bit. Especially if the branches must grow OVER the a/c assuming yours blows like mine does. I doubt it will DIE frkm the experience unless it is close to the edge of its climate tolerance.

You'll have an A/C that is happier since it might be in some shade. You'll need to clean it out more to keep tree debris out of it though.

I doubt that an espaliered tree will offer much shade......what's the story on that, vm3y?

Overstory shade is very helpful for a hard working AC unit, that's so true.

move it in fall ... when the leaves are ready to fall off ...

the tree might kill the a/c for lack of proper air movement ...

you might get great info on this fruit tree.. in the fruit forum ...

ken