The last of the pruning is done, working from a ladder I thinned the growing tips of the trees to ensure the leader is clear of side shoots. The plant hormone auxin is produced in the growing tips creating cell elongation in plant cells (extension growth). Removing side shoots allows the auxins to be most concentrated in the tip of the central leader therefore encouraging fast growth in height.
It is a good idea to get the tree to grow to its full height as quickly as possible, once side branches get established low down then they divert sap from the leader.