Modified Central Leaders in Fruit Trees

In this video we will discuss how fruit trees grow in nature and why it's important to manipulate the shape and form of a fruit tree to simplify spray, harvest and other maintenance.
There are several fruit tree forms such as, open center, central leader, espalier, and modified central leader.
This video explains what a modified central leader is by describing a straight trunk 2-3 feet high with 3-5 good scaffold branches. Above the first layer is a space, and then another 3-5 scaffold branches. Modified leader can be two or three layers high, but at some point it is good to control the height by removing the leader.

[@dchawk4x]

I don’t know if it’s scientifically accurate but that was the best explanation of a modified central leader I’ve heard. I think some forms of the modified Central leader leaves a weak leader.

[@beckyschlegel6777]

Very interesting presentation today. Thanks!

[@fruitpruningchannel]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@larawines4875]

How do you get the scaffolds without removing central leader?

[@fruitpruningchannel]

Young trees will grow lateral branches without removing the leader. You just have to pick the ones that you want to keep and develop as scaffold branches.

[@ejfoodguy]

Nice presentation! Do you recommend a certain type of form for particular types of fruit (e.g. open vase for peaches) or can any form be used for any variety of fruit?

[@fruitpruningchannel]

I like to prune most fruit trees to a modified central leader with a few exceptions. Peaches and nectarines do well with an open center, and pear trees do well with a central leader.