1) The tall spindle or Slender Axis systems appear to be the most profitable systems.
2) High tree density gives high early yield.
3) Highly feathered trees are the key to the systems.
4) Minimal pruning at planting (No heading the leader or tipping the feathers at planting)
5) Branch angle management. Bending feathers below horizontal at planting induces early cropping and limits branch size.
6) Branch caliper management. Ruthless removal of large branches keeps trees manageable. "Large branches create large trees"
7) "The best way of restricting vegetative growth is to produce apples."
Another article on the application of the system can be found at http://www.goodfruit.com/issues.php?article=2287&issue=87.
If anyone is interested on more information, contact me an I can e-mail you our 1 page training program with photo on branch bending.
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