Strong Branch Angle

Branches that are more perpendicular to a trunk will cause less damage to a fruit tree if the branch fails than those that are more parallel. Ideally, a branch fork in fruit trees will be between 45 and 90 degrees. I like to see branches protrude from the trunk at a 90 degree angle and then quickly change to a 45 degree angle. This will give the tree an overall form that will maximize the height and width of the tree without the risk of damage to branch failure.

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Branches that are perpendicular that become over extended will more likely fail under a heavy fruit load, because of the increased leverage. For example, think about holding a bowling ball straight out in front of you and then imagine slowly lifting the ball over your head. As the ball gets higher and higher, it will take less effort to hold because your frame can distribute the weight through your skeletal structure.

Weak Verses Strong Branch Angles

Watch this video demonstration showing the different results of downward pressure on two branches at different angles.

Notice below how the branch on the right broke and only split one to two inches while the one on the left split six to eight inches and the split nearly removed half of the main branch. It is often said that one branch angle is "weaker" than the other, but the amount of downward pressure was similar when the branch failed, the damage though, was significantly more on the parallel branch.

Split Branches

When choosing which branch to cut and which to leave, consider the angle at which the branch is in relation to the trunk.

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