Horticulture Principles and Practices

Branched-Head Standard
In the branched-head standard, the tree is trained as a central leader in the first two to
three years before the leader is cut back such that three to four strong laterals remain
(Figure 19–14). The growth of these branches is controlled by pruning to outward-facing
buds to open the crown of the tree.
Weeping Standard
Weeping tree forms may be natural or grafted. The tree in natural weeping standard form
is trained as a single stem to a suitable height and then the branches are allowed to arch
down (Figure 19–15). Commonly, a high stake is needed to support the downwardarching
branches until a strong trunk has developed. In the top-grafted weeping standard,
a short stem is grafted onto the stock.
Multistemed Tree Form
Certain trees naturally develop multiple stems and branches that are very low on the base of
the tree. They also tend to produce suckers. To create this form, the stem of a young tree (about
two years old) is cut as close to the ground as desired (Figure 19–16). This practice induces
new shoot growth. Two to three healthy shoots, well spaced around the base, are selected and
retained while all others are pruned. Any regrowths are removed in subsequent years.
Scaffold Branch
The main branch growing
from the trunk of a tree.
19.10.3 DEVELOPING HEAD HEIGHT
The head height determines the height of scaffold branches above the ground in the
adult stage. Whether a low or high head is chosen depends on the natural form of the tree
and the desired amount of clearance beneath the tree. Generally, trees with narrow forms,
such as conifers, have a low head height, whereas spreading trees have a higher head
height (Figure 19–17). Trees with weeping forms (such as weeping willow) need very
high head height for proper display of their low-hanging branches and good clearance.
For a low adult-stage head height, the initial heading height should be about 2 to 3 feet
(0.61 to 0.91 meter) above the ground. If a high head height is desired, the initial heading
may be 3 to 5 feet (0.91 to 1.5 meters) or even higher.
Prune
FIGURE 19–14
Development of a branched-head standard.
FIGURE 19–15 Development
of a weeping standard. This tree
form has a high heading height to
allow the branches room to hang.
582 Chapter 19 Pruning