

All growers face the challenge of managing sweet cherry so that the tree remains small, generates branches at the desired locations, and begins producing fruit by the second or third leaf. Thus, the tree tends to branch only just below the terminal bud of annual growth, can grow to 60 feet, and is non-precocious so it can establish a competitive “footprint” in the forest before shifting resources to fruiting. Growth is rapid and apical dominance is strong. Undisturbed in its native environment, the young sweet cherry (Prunus avium) will grow as a central leader tree. You will learn how to implement the chosen system to meet your production goals. This training manual will provide readers with the information needed to choose a training system for new plantings. Choosing the right system depends on growing conditions, variety, rootstock, labor availability, and management skills. Each system has benefits and limitations.

This publication describes eight commercially successful systems: Kym Green Bush (KGB), Spanish Bush (SB), Steep Leader (SL), Super Slender Axe (SSA), Tall Spindle Axe (TSA), Upright Fruiting Offshoots (UFO), Upright Fruiting Offshoots “Y” Trellis (UFO-Y) and Vogel Central Leader (VCL), all of which can be achieved with a whip (vs.
