How to Brace Fruit Tree Benches

Heavily laden apple branches will require bracing.

Healthy fruit trees will yield large amounts of fruit. As the fruit matures, the branches will require extra support. Unsupported fruit tree branches will break and damage the fruit as well as the tree. Fruit tree bracing is a temporary measure used during the fruit development. After the fruit is harvested the bracing is removed and stored. An alternative to bracing the fruit tree branches is to thin the fruit from the limb.

Things You'll Need

• 8-foot long 1-by-4 pine boards
• Handsaw
• Tape measure
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Cut a large "V" notch in the end of the 8-foot long, 1-by-4 pine board. Make the notch approximately 1 1/2 inches deep at the lowest point from the end.

2. Measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the heavily laden fruit tree branch. Choose the portion of the branch that will offer the best support position. Add 3 inches to the overall measurement.

3. Transfer that measurement to the pine board with the pencil. Be sure to measure from the lowest point in the "V" notch you made in Step 1. Cut the bracing board to length.

4. Slip the center of the "V" notch under the branch. Gently lift the board and branch upward. Wedge the bottom of the board against the ground. The weight of the branch will hold the board in place.

5. Continue with other branches on the fruit tree, adding bracing boards where needed.

6. Inspect the bracing boards on a daily basis to ensure they stay in place. Adjust the boards as needed.

Tips & Warnings

• In areas with heavy winds, cut the board to a pointed end on the opposite end of the board from the "V" notch. You can then wedge the point into the soil. This will hold the board in place if large limbs sway in the wind.

• You may use bracing boards on any size or type of fruit tree.

• Never keep the bracing boards in place after fruit harvest. The boards will fall and damage small limbs or the main trunk.

• Never brace the bottom of the board against the base of the main trunk. The board will damage the bark and attract insect damage.

References

• University of Florida: Fruit Crops
• Alabama Cooperative Extension Service: Training and Pruning Fruit Trees
• Clemson University: Pruning and Training Apple and Pear Trees