Here is an interesting video on controlling branching direction when pruning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL3N5kf_Muc

Hi gnappi!

Due to a lack of space, I do high density gardening. I often space may young trees within just a few feet of each other. So far, they seem to be doing fine. I just have to give them plenty of food and prep their planting holes well so they get a good start. I figure that with tropical fruit trees, most of the come from crowded rainforests so it makes logistical sense to me. All my trees are growing very well. We will see.

Vince

"I figure that with tropical fruit trees, most of the come from crowded rainforests so it makes logistical sense to me. All my trees are growing very well. We will see. "

I couldn't agree more. This is EXACTLY my logic in planting my yard. Even if fruit production is a bit inhibited I want a variety of fruit not so much quantity. Since my original post I have planted them within 2 feet of each other and they are thriving. They also have delayed bloom seasons. The Geffner already has little fruits on it, and the sugar apple won't for another few week.

BTW, I have three lavender plants under them to keep ants off the trees... this is a VERY EFFECTIVE method of controlling ants on trees

Anyway... someday soon I'll have a "fruit canopy" over my head :-) They're hard to see in the pic.