Apple Trees: Pruning and Training in Young Trees

During the first year or two of a tree's existence in an orchard, most time is spent on training the tree to develop a strong framework. The next period can be considered the "formative years"--when growth is directed and early intervention is performed to ensure that a proper structure develops. Intervention most frequently takes the form of limited pruning and training.

Scaffold selection occurs during the first one to two years. In most training systems the first scaffold should not be any lower than 18 to 20 inches above the ground. Thereafter, shoots should be selected so that they are spaced about 4 to 8 inches apart vertically and well distributed around the trunk.

For more information, please see this Penn State Tree Fruit Production Guide Web page.

Penn State Horticulture Department

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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