Open Center Method

With the open center system, the leader is removed, leaving an open center. Instead of having a central leader, the open center tree has 3 to 5 major limbs, called scaffolds, coming out from the trunk. This training system allows for adequate light penetration into the tree, which minimizes the shading problem prevalent in higher vigor trees.

Bare Root Trees With or Without Branches

Planting Time:

Bare Root Tree WITHOUT Branches: If your newly planted tree is a whip (it has no branches and looks like a long stick) cut the trunk at a height from 24 to 30 inches in height, depending on how low you want the major branches to form on the tree. Then, the following late winter, when new branches have formed beneath your top cut, follow instructions below for 'Bare Root Tree WITH Branches'.

Bare Root Tree WITH branches: If the tree has some side branches, cut back the leader to 24 to 32 inches. Select up to 5 well-placed side branches that point out from the trunk in different directions 6 to 10 inches below the cut to become main scaffold branches. (Your 4 main scaffold branches should be at least 8 inches apart on the trunk.) Cut back the selected branches to 2 to 4 inch stubs leaving at least two buds, and cut off all the other side branches. By the end of the first growing season, the major scaffold branches should be formed.

Thereafter: Your 3 to 5 main scaffold branches will have formed. Prune in later winter following the diagram above to keep center of tree more open. The dotted lines in the diagram represent limbs removed.

2-Year Container Grown Tree With Branches

Start at "Thereafter" above.