When to put wire train

[WTNUT]

when can you start to add wire and pull down laterals to train young trees. Is it too early? Should I wait a few more weeks?

 

[Maya]

Any time, but just be aware things are more brittle during winter. I train branches constantly.

 

[Bowsnbucks]

How do you know when it's past time to train the limbs - based on size ( diameter ) ?? Is there a good gauge or rule of thumb ??

 

[Turkey Creek]

How do you know when it's past time to train the limbs - based on size ( diameter ) ?? Is there a good gauge or rule of thumb ??

Depends on what you are trying to change. No hard and fast rule, but you can train a limb that is fairly large diameter. Just takes longer for the the pressure you are putting on it to take hold. You might have to make a few relief cuts at the bending point.

 

[Maya]

Spend more training early on, and you will spend less time later on training, pruning, correcting etc.

 

[woodduck]

Would the relief cuts only be just through the bark and maybe in a series if needed ?

 

[Turkey Creek]

Would the relief cuts only be just through the bark and maybe in a series if needed ?

A little deeper than the bark level and yes a series of cuts. I believe Crazy Ed had an article on it sometime in the past.