The pruning method of three strands, six forks and twelve branches is actually very simple. In the first year, the trunk was cut off after it grew to 35 cm. In the second year, three branches with vigorous growth, no pests and diseases and full buds were selected as the main branches, and all other weak branches were removed.

In the third year, on the basis of three main branches, two thriving branches are selected as fork branches, and two fork branches are reserved on each main branch, which adds up to six fork branches. In the fourth year, two thriving branches were selected from the six branches, so that there were twelve branches on the tree. This becomes a three-strand, six-fork and twelve-branch.

Extended data:

Pruning of fruit trees generally varies according to the variety, type and tree shape of fruit trees, as well as the planting environment, methods and management. Our common tree forms are central trunk, non-central trunk, hedges, scaffolding, hedges, etc., while the pruning method of three branches, six forks and twelve branches belongs to non-central trunk form, which is more suitable for Rosaceae fruit trees such as peach trees and hawthorn trees.

According to the pruning method of three branches, six forks and twelve branches, the advantages are that the crown is ventilated and breathable, and the crown is all open, which is convenient for later management. However, such pruning is too mechanical and the pruning marks are too obvious, which is easy to cause the fruit trees to grow weakly and enter premature aging prematurely. Because the inhibition on the growth of fruit trees is too strong, there will be too few branches in the center of the crown and the yield will be reduced.