Trees were produced in these tests that could stand erect without staking—by eliminating stakes during production, by leaving lateral branches on the trunk, and by spacing plants so their tops were free to move. Even though rigidly staked trees with lower limbs removed grew taller, they developed less trunk caliper, regardless of whether they were lightly or severely pruned. These trees were not able to stand upright when planted out, while the unstaked trees needed little or no support.

Assistance, plants and use of facilities were provided by ABC Nursery, Gardena; Oki Nursery, Sacramento; and the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation, Saratoga, California.