Remove all branches that are less than 15 inches above the soil line and cut the tree off just above the topmost selected scaffold (see Figure 5.2). Cut them back by one-half to a healthy outside-facing bud. Choose branches that initially develop from the main axis at a 60- to 90-degree angle. If you purchase a tree with healthy branches located 15 to 30 inches above the soil line, select three or four branches, one at each of the compass points.
The scaffold branches will develop within 4 to 6 inches below the cut.
Failure to do so will result in a tree whose major branches are too high above the ground (Figure 5.2). If you purchase an unbranched tree, or one with no branches 20 to 30 inches above the soil line, cut the tree at 26 to 30 inches above the ground after planting. Open-center trees allow better air circulation and light penetration within the tree-both important factors in reducing the development of brown rot on fruit. All stone fruits are very susceptible to brown rot. The pruning system best suited for all stone fruits that keeps the fruit-bearing surface close to the ground is called the "open center." Pruning and training the trees to this system produces a vase-shaped tree.
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