Hello, newbie here.
I am planting a small high density orchard. I have bareroots on order on m9 nic-29. Due to arrive in the next week or three. I'm planting with 6 foot in-row spacing and looking to maintain a tree height of about 7-9 feet on 4 (or 5 if they look like they want to grow to 9 feet) wire trellises for a hedgegrow with the main branches latticed similar to this photo: http://resources.cas.psu.edu/TFPG/apple_trellis/images/slide33.gif Two ways I can think to accomplish this: 1) after planting, cut the scion to about 22 inches (from ground level) and train two leaders to grow 45 degrees North and South respectively. 2) initially plant trees at a 45 degree angle, leaning to the North, training a low shoot to grow 45 degrees to the South. I lean towards option 1) but being a newbie I'm hesitant to cut them so short. However, that's what it looks like was done in the photo. Can a newly planted bareroot handle being cut to 22 inches? Also they will be in grow tubes to protect from the critters. Just wanted to mention that if it matters that only about 3 inches of wood will get a full day's sun initially. Thank you so much for your consideration. Rye Hefley Future Farmer's Market Vendor Private orchard in So. Cal.
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