Second Year

• The tree’s leader and scaffolds are allowed to elongate. Lateral growth normally is retained unless too vigorous, showing dominance on a scaffold or on the central axis. Lowest scaffolds are allowed to elongate at a 30- to 45-degree slope. When the two low scaffolds from adjacent trees pass the second wire, they are crossed and tied together at the middle of the second wire. Some repositioning of the tie on the first wire may be necessary to develop an even slope in the scaffold. Any strong lateral growth from these scaffolds showing dominance is headed at approximately 6 inches to either a downward or lateral growing shoot. One-year wood over 12 inches in length is usually pruned in half. If a terminal in a scaffold sets fruit, the fruit is removed and the leader renewed.

• Lateral shoots usually develop naturally on the central leader. At each trellis wire, a pair of suitable laterals is selected to become scaffolds. These should arise approximately 3 to 4 inches below the wire. Laterals are inclined and attached to give about a 45-degree slope. Later in the season, these are repositioned at approximately 30 degrees. If a young scaffold is not sufficiently long to be positioned, it may be marked for later identification, which is easily done with a spring clothespin. Growth may be enhanced by tying to about 60 degrees. Any strong lateral growth below and/or immediately above a pair of selected shoots is removed.

• This procedure for developing scaffolds is followed at each wire or level in the trellis. However, if suitable laterals fail to develop naturally, a heading cut may be made similar to that done at planting. The cut should be at or near a trellis wire for laterals to arise about 3 to 4 inches below the wire.