Simplified Pruning and Training Plan for the Tall Spindle System

Spreading the scaffolds on young fruit trees can aid in bringing about improved tree form, earlier fruit production, and improved fruit quality. Branches growing in an upright position tend to be vegetative and unfruitful for a longer period of time than those growing in a more horizontal position. The reason for this is related to the natural growth regulators in the tree. Thus, spreading the scaffolds of a young fruit tree to a pendant position below horizontal favors initiation of spur growth and flowers.

Second Leaf - Second year of growing after planting

Dormant

Do not head leader or prune trees.

10-15 cm growth Pinch lateral shoots in top 1/4 of last years leader growth removing about 5 cm of growth (the terminal bud and 4-5 young leaves).

Early June

Hand thin crop to single fruit four inches apart. (Target 15-20 fruits/tree)

Mid June

Re-pinch all lateral shoots in top 1/4 of last years growth. Tie developing leader to

support system with permanent tie.

Third Leaf - Third year of growing after planting

Dormant

Do not head leader. Remove overly vigorous limbs that are more than 2/3 the

diameter of the leader using a bevel cut.

Late May

Thin according to crop load, tree strength, and weather conditions, then

follow up with hand thinning to appropriate levels to ensure regular annual cropping

and adequate fruit size. (Target 50-60 fruits/tree)

June

Tie developing leader to support system with a permanent tie.

August

Lightly summer prune to encourage good light penetration and fruit color.

Fourth Leaf

Dormant

Do not head leader. Remove overly vigorous limbs that are more than 2/3 the

diameter of the leader using a bevel cut.

Late May

Thin then follow up with hand thinning to appropriate levels to ensure

regular annual cropping and adequate fruit size.(Target 100 fruits/tree)

June

Tie developing leader to support system with a permanent tie at the top of the pole.

August Lightly summer prune to encourage light penetration and fruit color.

Mature Tree Pruning (Fifth-Twentieth Leaf)

Dormant

Limit tree height to 10’ (3m) by cutting leader back to a fruitful side branch.

Annually, remove al least 2 limbs including lower tier scaffolds that are more than

2/3 the diameter of the leader using a bevel cut. Shorten bottom tier scaffolds where

needed back to side branch to facilitate movement of equipment and preserve fruit

quality on lower limbs. Remove any limbs larger than 1” diameter in the upper 2ft

(60cm) of the tree

Late May

Thin then follow up with hand thinning to appropriate levels to ensure

regular annual cropping and adequate fruit size. (Target 100-120 fruits/tree)

August

Lightly summer prune to encourage light penetration and maintain pyramidal tree

shape after terminal buds have set..

If you are interested in a more detailed outline of the Tall Spindle Training System, refer to the full all Spindle Planting System by Steve Hoying, Terence Robinson, and Mike Fargione at the Cornell University Cooperative Extension Hudson Valley Lab and NYSAE.