A growing concern observed last year was the lack of lateral branches—or “feathers”—on young apple trees, especially in high-density training systems like tall spindle. This can lead to "blind wood"—sections of trunk without productive branches—which can limit yield and canopy development.
One effective technique to encourage branching is notching. This involves making a small cut just above a bud with a sharp knife. The cut disrupts the flow of auxin, a plant hormone that suppresses lateral growth, which encourages the bud to break and form a branch. Please note that there can be some risks associated with this notching method depending on when it is done which is explained in a resource from Michigan State University.
Tips for successful notching:
- Target buds 30–60 inches above the ground.
- Combine notching with a plant growth regulator for improved results. A common mix recommended from Virginia Tech includes:
- 5 tablespoons of Maxcel (6-BA)
- 1.5 tablespoons of Promalin
- 2.4 ml of Regulaid (surfactant)
- Mixed in a 1-quart spray bottle
- Lightly mist the notched area after cutting. Alternatively, some growers apply the solution using a small paintbrush for more precision.
During a visit to Valley Orchard, I saw Raoul Bergersen demonstrating this method on some of his trees. He notched above selected buds and applied the growth regulator with a brush which was easier to cover the cut than misting. I’ll be sharing photo updates throughout the summer to track the results.
For more detailed information, check out resources from Michigan State University (MSU), Virginia Tech, and UMass Extension.