Growers must consider their ability or inability to manage a particular production system. To determine in-row tree spacing, consider the following factors. Variety Table 6 lists common Pennsylvania-grown varieties and their characteristics, including vegetative vigor. Type of production system Low-trellis hedgerow This system requires that the grower have a thorough understanding of tree growth and a large commitment of time and money. In a trellis hedgerow, trees are trained to a four-wire trellis to develop a solid hedge about 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet across.
Branches originate from a main trunk below the wire and are trained up and across the wires.
Trellising has the potential for high yields and early bearing and is a desirable system for growers limited by land or equipment. These systems also require a thorough understanding of tree growth. They differ from trellising in the way in which the scaffold branches are trained. In slender spindle, the scaffolds are bent and tied down to reduce shoot growth and to enhance cropping. In hoop skirt, scaffolds are trained nearly horizontal, with low limbs retained for a period of time.