Some one asked about pruning some old trees (I have lost the
original message) at McLaren Vale or somewhere near Adelaide. I can help
with the questions but more research is needed for the answers.

1. Presuming that they are the classic wineglass shape what is the
diameter of the trunk? This will determine the sort of mechine picking.
Shakers will not work efficiently on large trunks. I thought 125 years old
was mentioned? They are probably too big for shakers and will need the
tractor mounted beaters. Is mechanical collection of the fruit planned
also?

2. The two shapes for younger trees are monoconical (Christmas
tree) and polyconical (wineglass). Many experts claim that the monoconical
is the ONLY shape for mechanical picking but the protagonists of the
wineglass are fighting back and it would be wise to read up on the debate
before making a decision.

Cheers Brian Chatterton