How much vertical distance do you generally employ to separate primary scaffold branches on semi-dwarf Apple trees trained to central leader? Various university publications don't agree on spacing. Cornell extension publication 112 (written 1972) says at least 8 inches vertically between each branch is necessary, and that less space can cause the central leader to loose dominance. But more recent publications from other universities such as Univ. of NC and Univ. of VA imply it's fine if they all emerge from practically the same level. Is the Cornell publication old advice, or is the spacing really not that big a deal? What are the spacings you use for common rootstocks like M106 or G11? Is there any compelling reason to move towards adopting Cornell's "textbook" approach in our orchards?
Randy Steffens Jr Shepard's Valley Orchards MIddle Tennessee
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