How to Prune Tatura Trellis Trees

A tatura trellis tree system is sometimes used in commercial orchards because the high-density plan allows for a higher fruit yield. The technique was developed in Australia, in the town of Tatura. Wires are strung along each row of fruit trees and the trees are pruned until they have a V-shaped canopy. This allows you to plant them close together. In fact, depending on the type of tree, the density can be 400 to 1,800 trees per acre of land. The open shape allows sunlight to shine directly on the fruit, increasing production.

Pruning shears
Pruning saw
Ladder

Instructions

- 1
  Prune the fruit trees from the time they are young. Choose the strongest branch to be the central leader or trunk. Cut off the upright branches that compete with it.
- 2
  Remove shoots that grow along the center trunk if they are less than 18 inches from the ground.
- 3
  Cut off branches that are connected to the central leader with a V-shaped joint; these branches are weaker than those with a U-shaped connection, and may not be able to withstand the weight of fruit. Choose three to four strong branches to create a scaffold whorl. They should be spaced out around the trunk like the spokes of a wheel. Prune any competing branches.
- 4
  Remove weaker branches as the tree grows, allowing another scaffold whorl to grow about 2 feet above the previous one. Allow the trees to reach the height of the tatura trellis system. There should be two sets of three training wires, strung from one end of the frame to the other. The wires will move with the trees as they grow.
- 5
  Prune branches that grow upright in the center of the tree. Create a V-shaped tatura trellis tree by keeping only the branches that grow slightly out to the side. Train the branches to grow along the tatura trellis frame. Trim off branches that cross or rub each other, because they will block sunlight from getting to the fruit.
- 6
  Pinch the end of the branches, just outside a bud, to create bushier growth. Do this whenever the branches are straggly or misshapen.
- 7
  Move the training wires higher as the fruit trees get taller. Prune regularly to keep the canopies in a V shape.

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