Training branch up trunk to become a scaffold branch

[speedster1]

@njgrower

Do you recommend a way to get the scaffold branches more horizontal? Maybe use rope to tie the branches down closer to the ground?

You can search for information posted by Alan that talks about hinge cuts. He is a big proponent of the hinge cut that will allow you to bend larger diameter scaffolds. I tried it last year on my 4x1 pluot and it worked well. I had to use heavier string than normal to tie them down to large rocks but it worked. Essentially you create a series of small cuts on the underside of the scaffold where you want it to bend. Cut about 1/3 of the way through the branch with a pull saw. I placed my cuts about 3/8" apart and ended up putting in around 5 cuts if I remember correctly. You may need more or less in order to get the limb to bend down.

Here is the thread on hinge cuts.

How to cut a hinge?

Continuing the discussion from When is the right time to cut a hinge?: I’m glad this came up again because I’d appreciate a little instruction. How deep do you make the cuts, how many of them, what size wood, that kind of thing. Thank you!