Pruning a Honeycrisp Apple Tree [Flat Top Form]

I first learned the Flat Top pruning form many years ago, and it was designed to make it easier to harvest apples (no ladders), easier to maintain the orchard (grow grass and mow right up to the trees), and keep a lot of sunshine on the trees as the flat top is like a solar panel getting the maximum amount of sunshine. The method would only be good for higher-end apple varieties like the honeycrisp where size and quality are more important than bulk apples (like those for cider or juice). I still see the flat top shape in some well maintained homestead orchards and even in a few of the commercial orchards in the area, but for the most part I am now seeing the commercial growers trellis their orchards. The trees are grown straight up in rows and branch very little and the branches only travel in the direction of the row. Like a vineyard they can get maximum light and mechanically harvest, but I'm sure it takes a lot of pruning! It looks as though they space the trees at about 3' apart in the rows, and the rows themselves appear very narrow — maybe six feet? It's very interesting, and I'll see if I can interview one of the orchard owners later this year, and hopefully watch a harvest! 🍺 If you enjoyed the video, consider buying me a beer!: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr... Here are the tools I use in the orchard and vineyard: Felco Pruning Shears (F 7) -- https://amzn.to/3nLKmrn Corona Orchard Lopper: https://amzn.to/2VbunXu Solo Sprayer: https://amzn.to/3jLh2iq Weed Torch -- https://amzn.to/3r5EbRh Husqvarna Brush Cutter: https://amzn.to/3lfhw0S DeWalt Hedge Trimmer: https://amzn.to/3mXPFmU DeWalt Chainsaw: https://amzn.to/2KyDhMh DeWalt Reciprocating Saw: https://amzn.to/36aXvUW Gripple Torq Tool Tensioner: https://amzn.to/38EzuFI Goldenrod (415 Hired Hand Fence Stretcher-Splicer: https://amzn.to/3hl0WMz ... and here are some of the chemicals I use: Mancozeb -- https://amzn.to/37CLuHs Immunox -- https://amzn.to/2JPQEaS Gallon Dormant Oil -- https://amzn.to/35yEpY8 Quart Dormant Oil -- https://amzn.to/2MYiwuU Quart Fruit Tree Spray -- https://amzn.to/3cva7Iq Here are some affiliate linked ShelterLogic Greenhouses: ShelterLogic 6' x 4' x 6' GrowIT Outdoor Backyard Garden Greenhouse -- https://amzn.to/3lgpk46 ShelterLogic 4' x 4' GrowIT Backyard Round Roof Style Raised Bed Greenhouse -- https://amzn.to/3rO8GuW ShelterLogic 6 x 8 x 6 ft. 6in. Peak Backyard Greenhouse with Integrated Shelving -- https://amzn.to/2OvaQkT ShelterLogic GrowIT Greenhouse-in-a-Box Pro, 12 x 20 x 8 ft. -- https://amzn.to/3vqr3Zs Please Share, Like, Comment, and Subscribe! Buy me a beer: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr... Click here to subscribe ―    / @thisoldmojo   Our Oak Savanna Website ― https://mojoprairie.com Thank you for watching Planet Mojo and have yourself a great day! #FlatTop #PruningAppleTree #HowToPrune