Pruning the Second Winter
Trees that have grown well for 2 years may be 5 to 7 feet tall, 6 to 8 feet wide, and have trunks 3 to 6 inches in diameter. During the second winter after planting, the trees should begin to develop secondary or subscaffold branches on the primary scaffolds. Select two or three limbs per branch that developed during the second summer. They should be spaced 6 to 8 inches apart, 18 to 24 inches from the main trunk, and on opposite sides of the branch (Figure 5.4). Remove all other limbs. Head the chosen side-limbs back by one-half. Head back the primary scaffold by one-half. Large, vertical-growing limbs on the primary scaffolds should be completely removed, leaving only the less vigorous wood for fruiting.
Figure 5.4. Pruning the second winter after planting.
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