With this plan, production was delayed as vigor was encouraged. With a high density orchard, either on standard or dwarfing rootstock, space between the trees is much smaller, so there is little need for excess vigor. Moderate rather than excessive growth should be encouraged. Reducing or eliminating fertilizer applications in the preproduction years will help to moderate growth, thereby favoring earlier production. To some extent, limb bending can have the same effect.
Flat branches are less vigorous and are more likely to fruit.
Toothpicks or clothespins can be used to force new branches to a horizontal angle. As the branch grows, clothespins can be moved to the tip of the branch, helping to maintain flatter branches. Later, as the branch matures, aspect can be maintained by tying, weighing down, or spreading the branches. By their very nature, cherry trees, at least cultivars commonly grown by Pacific Northwest growers, do not readily branch. Young cherry tree training, therefore, generally calls for a number of heading cuts through the first five years of establishment.