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higher produc^^i-in and harvesting osts dr likewise. 



The experience of Sherman Allen in VermcnL, vihr is maintainirig apple trees 

 which can be harvested with a short ladder, ha» attracted considerable attention, ki . 

 A13en has visited Massachusetts on several occasions and has demonstrated his method 

 of lowering tall trees in a Worcester County orchard. Pictures of a particular tree 

 before and after pruning in December, 1952 and December, 19^3 appear in this issue 

 of FRUIT NOTES, This demonstration and a discussion by Mr, Allen at a twilight 

 meeting in 1952 have done much to focus attention on the importance of maintaining 

 good conditions for fruit dev elopment at a lower level than is found in most orchards, 

 he has convincedmany growers that lower apple trees go hand in hand with profitable 

 production. 



The best pruning technique for a particular tree is always a debatable ques- 

 tion. There are frequently several ways in which the desired results may be obtain- 

 ed. In years past much was said about "orchard renovation", which involves the same 

 idea, IThere an older tree has grown cut of reach, the problem is always the sane, 

 namely the elimination of the present f ruiting wood above a given level and the en- 

 couragement of new fruiting vrood at a lower level. This goal can be accomplished iri 

 at least two different ways, the method demonstrated by Mr, Allen in vfhich the en- 

 tire top is lowered rather drastically and successively over a period of years, and 

 the method described b riefly in the following paragraph. 



Most excessively tall trees have two, three or more towering growths which 

 form a sort of "second story". They ever-top and prevent the development of Sr\x±tin^ 

 wood as much as 8 cr 10 feet below. If these towering growths are removed the J'irst 

 year there will be a marked development of new vrood near, or belov/, tlie level of 

 cutting. The following year other tall growths are removed and further encouragement 

 is given to the new wood which will, in 3 or ii years, be producing fruit within easy 

 reach of a short ladder. At the same time, other cuts are made in t he tree to favor 

 outward growing branches which will later be bent downward with crops of fruit. 



It is a well knovm fact that one form of winter injury involves exposure of 

 limbs to the direct rays of the sun in late winter when the inner bark is exposed to 

 freezing at night and thawing during the day. Shade provided by small growths through- 

 out the top prevent that kind of damage. But if drastic slashing is done before 

 late winter, seme sun scald is likely to occm:' during March, 



In appraising the Allen method of lowering tall trees, it is v;ell to re- 

 member this fact, Mr, Allen has successfully lowered his trees by keeping in mind 

 his objective, and pruning accordingly year after year. Another grower, attempting 

 to follow the same method, may miss the mark completely. By carrying out this one 

 simple idea any grower should be able to improve his excessively tall trees. Sprout 

 growth at the 8 to 12 foot level must have sunlight if it is to become productive. 

 Pruning cuts must be made in such a vray that these growths have adequate space and 

 sunlight. Keeping these growths in mind, the most important cuts should be made 

 first. Then, a year later, other cuts will provide further encouragement to these 

 groviTths, But there seems to be little need for successive cutting of the same limb 

 year after year, 



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