Planting & Care of the Young Apple Orchard

(by the Atlantic Committee on Fruit Crops)

Considering the cost of trees, support systems, labour, and materials, an orchard is an investment of a considerable sum. New, high density plantings can represent grower investments in excess of $25,000 per hectare.  Orchard establishment is a long-term investment with newer orchards having a life expectancy of 20 years.

It is very important to have a well-designed plan for site preparation, planting and tree care in order to maximize yields and returns over the productive life of the orchard. Mistakes made in planning and planting of an orchard can be very costly and are very difficult to correct in later years.  To be successful, careful attention must be paid to aspects such as site selection, soil quality, soil preparation, nursery tree quality, as well as cultivar/rootstock selection and early tree care.

For more information on planting and care of the young orchard including:

• Site and soil

• Field preparation

• Trees

• Planting

• Tree training and pruning

• Fertility

• Water management

• Weed control

• Mowing and mulching

• Disease and insect spraying

• Preparation for winter

• Reducing trunk injury

• Protection against mice

• Orchard care before bearing

• Bringing the orchard into production

Download article at Planting & Care of the Young Apple Orchard or contact the NSFGA office.