A 2-ac block of `Bing'/Colt, Mahaleb or GM61/1 was planted 8×15′, Feb 1991 so that 7 treatments were arranged in 6 blocks. We imposed water stress during 2 distinct periods, June or July in 1992. Once trees had stopped growing water was added (estimated @ 50% ETc) to maintain leaf turgor, but not to initiate further shoot growth. Well-watered (100% ETc) trees were summer pruned to check growth. Water stress was monitored by measuring water potential of basal bagged leaves with a pressure chamber at midday. Shoot growth was stopped by water stress. Shoot growth ceased at a trunk water potential of approximately -17 bars in both Colt and Mahaleb rootstocks although Colt rootstock went into stress more rapidly than Mahaleb. Colt may be more sensitive to water deprivation at this site than Mahaleb rootstock. Well-watered GM 61/1 trees had tree sizes much like those of water stressed Colt trees. A combination of early season stress and summer pruning (heading) may be the best combination used to control growth. Flower bud formation was noticed by season's end in these 2nd leaf trees. Water stress can be used to control tree growth, save water and encourage fruitfulness when integrated into an appropriate orchard system.