gary:

Probably the only way to get spurs to become branches is to cut off everything above them. Even then only one may shoot up as a branch. If the later happens cut it off next spring just above where you want branches. Keep cutting back until you get the branches you want.

I've not had any lower branching on my sweets. I think you'd have to chop it back a lot. I'm sure there is some good research on this. I'll see what I can find.

I found a reference to Promelin for inducing secondary branching, I wonder if it would help in this situation.

Gary:

That might help but I doubt you will find it retail or in small quantities. I haven't found it necessary. I either accept the tree the way it wants to grow or prune it back. Pruning will push low buds maybe not the way you want the first year but usually it will by the second year.

Early pruning does delay bearing so I usually cut back at planting and then go with what that provides.

The lowest branches on my trees on CR178 are at 30 and 34 inches. Not "too" bad, but the Gisela 5s are at 34 and 42 inches. That last one is way too high to just go with.

I'll crop all of them at about 24" next year and hope for the best. They'll probably all go in the ground then, too.

I'll have to work on developing cherry-tree patience. It would be easier if there was a good u-pick orchard around here.

Waiting:

The longer you wait to cut them back the less the chance they'll sprout down low. It's kinda late to cut back real low but that's my take on what you are talking about.