Use Limb Spreaders on Fruit Trees Now to Increase Production

If you have been to any of my pruning workshops you will know the best production from fruit trees comes from branches growing at 45° angles from horizontal. Several fruit trees such as pears and plums tend to grow more upright than this. Frequently their limbs may be at 60° angles from horizontal.

Upright growth of plum in bloom

Limbs that grow more upright than 45° tend not to flower and fruit as much as limbs growing at lower angles. Limbs growing at angles lower than 45° tend not to grow rapidly but will flower and fruit more readily. Bending branches so that they receive more light and grow at 45° angles will improve fruit production of most fruit trees.

Limb spreaders on peach. Spreading the limbs apart to a 45° angle permits more light to penetrate inside the canopy and improves fruit production in the interior of the tree.

To spread limbs that are less than 3 years old to the correct angle use limb spreaders or string to pull them down to the proper angle. Limbs that are older than this will not bend easily and probably will break. On these younger branches the best time to bend them is when their bark is slipping as they are beginning their growth cycle. That time is now, March, and for the next month or so.

Limb spreaders on a young apple tree.

You can make limb spreaders for older trees with 1x2 inch wood notched at both ends. Make some that are 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches and longer for different situations. On very young trees some people have used popsicle sticks, tongue depressors, paint stirring sticks, etc. Some people will put a finishing nail in the crotch of this notch to prevent the limbs spreader from slipping. Other people will use string to tie weights to the branches or stake the string to the ground to hold the branch at a 45° angle.

Now is also a good time to bend branches in a different direction. If you have an empty spot in the canopy of the tree explore the possibility of bending a branch to fill this void. Now is the time to do it.

Finishing nail driven into the crotch of a limb spreader. The head of the nail is removed

You can purchase limb spreaders as well.These will come in various lengths but I think you will have to buy them online.

March and April Fruit Tree Todo List

Orchard Todo List: March and April. Each of these below will be talked about more in depth in the coming weeks.

Using Limb Spreaders to Improve Fruit Tree Structure

Plums, European pears and Asian pears have a tendency to grow vertically upright and narrow. Upright or vertical growth tends to be faster growing and produce less fruit. If caught early enough, young limbs can be trained to grow less vertically and into the more desirable 45 degree angle which provides a better balance between leaf and shoot growth and fruit production.

One way to do this is the use of limb spreaders. Limb spreaders can be placed between a narrow limb and the trunk so that the limb is “pushed” and trained to grow in a less vertical position.

The angle we would like to achieve is about a 45 degree angle from horizontal but should be done to smaller diameter stems when the sap is “flowing”. The so-called flowing of sap is when the trees exhibit growth. At this time the branches are more supple and can be bent more easily without breakage.

Limbs that are three years old and less can be bent into more horizontal growth through the use of limb spreaders. Occasionally older branches can also be forced. Use limb spreaders to push branches that are too vertical into a more horizontal habit.

Limb spreaders pushing apart three year old limbs on apple.

Limb spreaders are usually made from 1 x 2 inch wood stock or wood lathe. This stock is cut into the lengths that are needed, notched on both ends, with finishing nails driven in to the center of the notch. The heads of the finishing nails are then cut off. The finishing nails help prevent the spreader from slipping on the branch.

If you can't find or don't know how to make limb spreaders, we have them available in different sizes at the Orchard if you can't find them or don't wish to make them yourself. All we are asking is a small donation toward the Orchard maintenance fund.