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because they’re much cheaper. The price difference between the various types of trees reflects their value, Robinson said. If everything goes right, sleeping eyes can be success- ful, but they are less likely to produce high early yields. With a feathered tree on a preco- cious rootstock, the entire planting can be paid for by the crops in the second, third, and fourth leaf. For the support system, Robinson recommends a three-wire trellis with a bam- boo stake for each tree. Yield targets with the tall spindle are 10 bins an acre in the second leaf, 25 in the third, 50 in the fourth, and 65 in the fifth. Robinson said it’s critical to tie down branches in the first year, otherwise the tree will be relative short as the branches will compete with the leader and become dominant and upright and need to be cut off. When the branches are tied down, the tree is taller and more slender with smaller feathers and there is no need to prune, which would invigorate the tree, so the trees settle down quickly. Terence Robinson Pruning When the trees mature, there are three simple pruning rules: • Limit the height of the tree by cutting to a weak, fruitful side branch. Trees should be 9 to 10 feet tall. • There are no permanent limbs. Each year, during the dormant season, remove two or three branches over ¾ inch in diame- ter using a bevel cut to encour- age replacement limbs to form. • Simplify each remaining branch so that it is long and pendant with no side branches. Side branching creates too much shade in the canopy. • Summer pruning can be done mechanically by shearing the sides, which dramatically reduces pruning costs. Because big branches are not being cut, there is no significant growth response. • Dr. Terence Robinson discussed this topic during the International Fruit Tree Association’s annual conference in Pasco, Washington, February 2011. Protecting the fruits of your labor Commercial Insurance from Kibble & Prentice You deserve an insurance broker who works as hard as you do. Let the professionals at Kibble & Prentice hand pick the right solutions for your business, and help you generate fresh ideas. We are skilled at addressing all risks associated with growing, packing and distributing your product. Contact us to get started! kpcom.com 800.767.0650 Commercial Insurance · Employee Benefits · Succession Planning · Retirement Plan Services · Private Client Services www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER AUGUST 2011 47