Tree Spud
5 year old buck +
I have never heard of this or seen it discussed here; however, received instructions from Cummins on transplanting trees. They state that when you receive your trees, the main leader should be cut back to 38" of the graft union.
I have never done this. Can anyone comment on this?
Here are their instructions ...
Now your trees are planted. What's next? ..... This can be a painful process. We sometimes have to prune the trees to fit into the shipping boxes. Some stone fruit gets 8-10 ft tall in the nursery! The pruning that we do at shipping time is usually not enough. Be brave. Cut the tops as we suggest and you and your trees will be much happier. Topping promotes strong healthy growth and gives you a well shaped tree.
I have never done this. Can anyone comment on this?
Here are their instructions ...
Topping your trees
If you don't top the trees, the chances of surviving transplant are decreased.Now your trees are planted. What's next? ..... This can be a painful process. We sometimes have to prune the trees to fit into the shipping boxes. Some stone fruit gets 8-10 ft tall in the nursery! The pruning that we do at shipping time is usually not enough. Be brave. Cut the tops as we suggest and you and your trees will be much happier. Topping promotes strong healthy growth and gives you a well shaped tree.
Apples and pears:
- Feathered trees. If a tree has branches, trim the central leader back half way and all side branches back half way.This is minimum pruning. It would not be incorrect to prune the central leader back to 38 inches from the graft union and prune all branches back to 3/4 inch nubs.
- Whips or trees with one or two branches. Trim all branches back to 3/4 in nubs. Cut central leader back to 38