![]() In the past, the volume and branching complexity of the apple tree canopy made it extremely difficult to create a simple, predictable and repeatable set of rules for pruning. Apple bears fruit from mixed buds and on different ages of wood, with the primary bearing surface comprised of spurs on wood that is two years old or older. Renewal pruning is key to obtaining large attractive fruits growing on healthy spurs in a favorable light environment. These renewal branches will develop over time, and will eventually replace the current side branches when these have grown too large and must be pruned off. Pruning based on secondary branch complexityĮxcess side branches are removed, leaving a short "duck bill" shaped stub at the base to stimulate renewal growth.Pruning based on branch number per meter of trunk (branch density).Thus, we propose that there are four prioritized categories or "orders" of pruning rules that should be followed: Finally, each side branch is thinned to maintain a single axis with minimal branch complexity. Branches 140 degrees are pruned off, retaining more horizontal branches that will possess a better balance between growth and fruitfulness. Branches that have an upright angle (under 40 degrees of vertical), are too strong and those branches that are too pendant (over 140 degrees from vertical) are too weak. These goals are met by thinning out large-size primary branches so as to maintain the thin spindle canopy shape, leaving an appropriate number of smaller side branches growing from a single vertical trunk, and spaced out at an appropriate branch density. The primary goals of pruning in a high density orchard system are to maintain even light distribution throughout the narrow tree canopy, to facilitate movement of air and crop protectant sprays within the canopy, and to balance vegetative and reproductive growth.
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