trellis. Modifications of the trellis have heen success- 

 fully employed, such as a one-wire trellis with bamboo 

 stakes for individual tree support. 



Generally, trees are 10 to 14 feet high, depending 

 on the rootstock used, and about five to six feet wide. 

 Rootstocks range from M.9 to MM. Ill under French 

 conditions, with MM. Ill recommended for severe re- 

 plant sites. Tree density ranges from 500 to 600 trees 

 per acre. 



Trees are usually planted in single rows, as op- 

 posed to the multi-row bed system used frequently 

 with the slender spindle. The tree has a narrow 

 pyramid shape, with an open (sparse) top. (See Table 

 1.) 



Training The Vertical Axis Tree 



Year 1 - At Planting 



If unbranched trees ("whips") are planted, it is 

 advisable to head the tree 30 to 33 inches above the 



Figure 1. Do not allow vigorous growth to remain on the vertical 

 axis tree. The most desirable wood to retain is weak and horizon- 

 tal. 



ground to force lateral branching. Preferably, 

 branched or feathered trees are utilized. As originally 

 described, heading of the central leader is not done. It 

 may be advisable to head the leader 10 to 12 inches 

 above the highest retained branch. This type of head- 

 ing cut encourages the development of a strong, perma- 

 nent lower tier of branches. As with the slender 

 spindle, branches that have poor angles, or that are 

 lower than 18 inches above the soil line, are removed. 



Year 1 — Summer 



Limb positioning is an important aspect of tree 

 training for the vertical axis. Weights and strings are 

 most commonly used. In a non-spur cultivar, branches 

 can be trained to the horizontal. For a spur type, a more 

 moderate branch angle, i.e. 45 to 60 degrees, is advised. 

 Early summer pruning is an essential part of tree 

 training. Branches that are overly vigorous with nar- 

 row angles are completely removed (thinning cuts) in 

 May and June, when three to six inches long. In fact, 

 if rigorous summer pruning is con- 

 ducted, little or no dormant prun- 

 ing is required the subsequent 

 winter. (See Figure 1.) 



The leader must be supported 

 by tying it to the supporting pole. 

 Plastic tubing and tape are com- 

 monly used. Nylon string is not 

 advised, because of risks of girdling 

 the leader. 



Year 2 — Dormant Pruning 



No dormant pruning is re- 

 quired if summer pruning has been 

 utilized. If no summer pruning 

 was done, remove competing later- 

 als, vigorous upright growth, low 

 branches, and poorly placed 

 giowth. Do not head the leader. 



Year 2 — Summer Training 

 and Pruning 



Tree training and pruning 

 techniques are identical to those 

 used for year 1. Caution: do not 

 allow vigorous growth to remain on 

 the tree. (See Figure 1.) The most 

 desirable wood to be retained is 

 weak horizontal growth. 



Year 3 — Dormant Pruning 



Remove uprights and vigorous 

 branches. Do not head the leader. 

 Vei7 little pruning is required. 



Fmit Notes, Fall, 1989 



