-3- 



However, this may not occur in apple growing regions where spur- 

 type trees are very precocious. Fruiting tends to restrict vege- 

 tative growth and will complicate the process of developing frame- 

 work branches on spur-type strains and/or weaker- growing varieties. 



Removal of Low Lateral Shoots 



Early vegetative growth of newly-planted trees is made largely 

 from carbohydrate reserves in the woody tissue (the same is true 

 of older trees) . Later in the growing season the carbohydrates 

 formed by photosynthetic activity are translocated and stored in 

 the roots and bark for growth next season. 



We found in 1977 that growth produced within the vertical 

 distances of 14.5 and 19 inches from ground level on Marshall Mc- 

 intosh and Macoun trees added considerably to the total shoot growth 

 of the tree, particularly on Marshall Mcintosh which produced 2.4 

 shoots longer than 2 inches within this vertical distance in com- 

 parison to only 0.78 shoots on Macoun. Low heading at planting com- 

 bined with removal of growth within 18 to 20 inches of the ground 

 could produce trees, with little total leaf surface. Leaving low 

 branches until it becomes necessary to remove them could contribute 

 substantially to total growth and carbohydrate reserves for growth 

 the following season. Less distance between the first limb and 

 the ground can be allowed on varieties like Delicious without inter- 

 ferring with mowing and weed control practices because they have an 

 upright growing habit than on varieties like Cortland which have 

 spreading type growth. Limbs on Cortland within 24 inches of the 

 ground begin to give trouble when the trees commence bearing. 



Recommendations 



Tree growth will vary considerably the year of planting regard- 

 less of heading height. Vigorous growth is the first and most im- 

 portant step towards the development of well-shaped trees. Good 

 stock in dormant condition, early planting, and favorable soil con- 

 ditions are as fundamental as training. Adjust severity of heading 

 at planting time to the conditions of tree, soil, and season under 

 which planting is done. Under average or better conditions heading 

 at 36 inches on 1-year-old whips should produce satisfactory growth 

 on both spur-type and standard strains. If shoots originating lower 

 than 18 inches above ground level do not interfere with cultural 

 practices, leave them. The leaves on these shoots can contribute 

 to tree growth. 



Well-branched (feathered) 1-year-old trees are highly desirable. 

 When planting this type of tree, remove only broken branches and 

 remove or restrict shoots with no potential for being a permanent 

 scaffold limb. Head it at approximately 39 inches. 



