Many types of crowns are known in fruit farming. The easiest to form, and at the same time they are very useful in allotment and home gardens: almost natural crown, loose-story and free lane. All these crowns retain a conductor, from which side shoots grow – later branches. The general principles outlined above are valid for the formation of these types of crowns.
An almost natural crown is formed in the first years as a result of the free growth of almost all shoots emerging from the guide. A competitor of the guide is possibly removed, if it has not been previously cut off. In spring the guide is always trimmed at a height of approx. 50 cm above the last one, upper branch. Thanks to a moderate form cut, trees begin bearing fruit early. However, in old age, their crown is thickened and requires a stronger translucent cut. Some of the branches are gradually cut out, eventually leaving about eight. At the same time, the limbs left permanently are X-rayed. First of all, branches that overlap with others should be cut, sick or growing out of the guide on one level. X-raying the left branches, crossing branches are cut, returning to the center of the crown, chore, broken and growing vertically upwards. An almost natural crown is recommended for apple trees, chore, cherries, plum, apricots and cherries.
