AS AN independent consultant, there are many cultural practices that I recommend to my clients that are based on my personal opinions derived from my own farming operation. Most are based on scientifically verified data, but some things are based on anecdotal observations over the years. Some of the things I suggest are met with smirks, winks, or chuckles, but I am still passionate about many of my beliefs. The following are just a few of my opinions that I will throw out as food for thought. Starting at planting, I orient the bud of the newly planted tree exactly opposite to what most growers do. I orient the June bud growth opposite to the direction it grew in the nursery. In other words, instead of pointing the bud to the Northwest, I turn it 180 degrees so the side of the tree that was facing south in the growing grounds is now facing north in my orchard. I have seen fewer problems with "onesided" branch breaks and better scaffolds to select from.
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