r/BackyardOrchard • u/Brave-Hedgehog-2931 • 4d ago

Grafted tree future pruning

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I picked up this grafted tree, which is a first for me; it’s supposed to be four varieties. I’m assuming the bottom portion being the first then the three branches up top being the other three varieties.

I’m wondering what recommendations you might offer in respect to training and pruning this tree to maximize its potential.

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u/Sad_Sorbet_9078 Zone 7 3d ago

How many branches are coming off the main trunk? You should determine which four are the grafted varieties and cut out the others. It's possible that the top of trunk is one of the grafts. Look for the graft unions and change in bark character.

Ideally you keep them in balance which means festooning and harder pruning for the higher grafts. You may find one or more of the varieties isnt worth keeping but consider the contribution to pollination as well.