A growth regulator called Tiberon (cyclanalide) is available to stimulate branching of fruit trees, but it is only registered for use in nurseries and not in an orchard setting. Dena Ybarra at Columbia Basin Nursery in Quincy, Washington, said growers usually want ¾-inch caliper, highly feathered trees. Good branching occurs naturally with Granny Smith and Braeburn apples, but branching on other varieties is less ­consistent and varies from year to year. Promalin (cytokinin and gibberellins) works well in humid areas to stimulate branching but not in Washington’s drier climate, she said. The nursery industry standard treatment is to remove the […]