Too much bottom growths, [vigorous root stock] can hinder top growth,..better would be to cut all off, [except the first year when grafting] and put some chicken wire around or a loop of farm fencing, [picture]. Fruiting will come, a little patient needed for some cultivars.

{{gwi:61633}}

thanks . I suspected that from my reading. my concern was promoting vigor, like heading cuts do , but I guess it's time. I was hoping not to have to fence them forever, but I guess with the efforts to get them this far I better. thanks for the note.

Guess, some branches on the bottom you can let them be, if not done anything over a long period of time, they might take over and you'll end up a ton of root stock. I battle with animals too, figured, when tree is trained to a single trunk and when getting older, then you'll have virtually no more bottom growth, a large trunk hardly ever gets knocked out by a deer or moose. I find chicken wire is very effective against antler rub.

Have the same idea a you..
I let new growth on the bottom carry over into spring, these branches can sometimes safe the tree, especially when young.
It gives rodent something to eat before they attack your main trunk.

{{gwi:61634}}