How do I encourage a strong leader branch for a pepper tree?
Trees that have no branches or those that have only one or two small branches should be cut back so the tree is only about 30 inches high. This pruning will promote branch development along the tree trunk. The lowest branch should be about 20 inches above the soil level. Newly purchased trees that have already developed branches should be pruned so there are no more than two to four branches for permanent scaffolds, plus the central leader, or main center branch remaining. The rest of the branches should be removed. The scaffold branches should: – Form wide angles (about 60 to 80 degrees) with the trunk. – Be distributed on different sides of the tree for good balance. – Be spaced about 6 to 10 inches apart on the trunk with no branch directly opposite or below another. Sources: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/hfrr/hnewslet/2005/ksht0513.
