If the central leader dies out, and a number of lateral
branches emerge from around the top of a 2 year old grafted
tree (about 4' tall), is there an optimal number of lateral
branches to leave after pruning, setting the training
framework?
I have 6-9 lateral branches (all summer 2003 growth)
clustered within a foot of the top, and my gut says there
should be 3-4. None of them are upright, in a position to
replace the central leader.
The extreme cold of January 2003 must have injured the
central leader, and it died, inspiring these laterals..
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Tom
--
Thomas Olenio
Ontario, Canada
Hardiness Zone 5b
[NAFEX] Apple Tree Training,
Tom Olenio, 03/09/2004