Abstract: In order to explore the reasonable branch number of Jinhong apple tree,Jinhong apple was used as experimental material,through 4 years′pruning,three kinds free spindle tree structures with different branch number were cultivated,which were 17 branches,23 branches and 30 branches respectively.By using the method of field experiment,the characteristics of tree structure,fruit yield,fruit quality and the correlation between them of Jinhong apple with different branch number were studied,and the effect of fruit thinning was discussed.The results showed that the single fruit weight of the tree with more branches increased by 11.6%and the longitudinal diameter of the fruit increased by 5.7%compared with that of the tree with less branches,the increase of branch number was beneficial to the enlargement of fruit.Under the condition of similar branch number,the fruit shape index and soluble solids content increased by 3.8% and 8.3% respectively.Fruit thinning was beneficial to the improvement of fruit shape and sweetness.Fruit size was related to branch number,branch diameter and branch length,while branch number was related to tree trunk height.Branch number,branch diameter and length were related to ground diameter.Tree trunk height and ground diameter were the basis for forming ideal branch number and fruiting branch.Therefore,free spindle shaped Jinhong apple planted for 4 years,the increase of branch number is beneficial to the increase of fruit yield and single fruit weight.The increase of tree trunk height is beneficial to the increase of branch number.For trees with low trunk and few branches,the trunk height should be properly cultivating first,then more fruiting branches should be cultivated,and fruit thinning should be combined to improve the yield and quality.