Repeat the application in late August or early September if the trees are not vigorous and if adequate water is available to prevent scorching. Do not apply fertilizer within eight inches of the trunk. With this in mind, plant the trees 15 to 20 feet apart in the row with 18 to 20 feet between the rows. Training Train mayhaws to a single trunk at the base. The first branches should start at 18 inches or more if equipment will be operated under the tree.
Mayhaws have a tendency to produce an open canopy at maturity.
Occasional pruning is necessary to open the tree up for greater light penetration. The trees will adapt to a modified central leader training system when one main trunk is promoted by pruning. This is a common method of training apple trees. Mayhaws will also adapt to a multiple leader training system utilized by southern pear and apple growers to combat fire blight infections and weather damage. Fire blight occurs on mayhaws, but is usually not devastating to the crop.