Care for New Orchards
Many growers have planted new orchards this spring, but buying and planting the trees is just the first step. The investment in a new orchard will approach $44,000 per acre over 7 years to bring the planting into full production. Attention to little details this year will ensure that your investment pays off:
- Make a map. Include number of trees, cultivars, rootstock, source of trees and planting date. This information may be useful later, but these details fade from memory too quickly.
- Install the support system as soon as possible (Figure 1). Research has clearly shown that supporting the tree changes how the tree grows, directing its energy to fruit buds rather than structural wood. If a full support system cannot be installed in the planting year, ensure that each tree has some support.
- Control weeds early, and continue at least until the end of July. Research has shown that any weed growth in the first three months will reduce tree growth, and that when weed growth is allowed near trees, yields will be reduced even two years later. Concentrate your efforts (and money) from planting until late July. (Figure 2)
- Use irrigation or mulch to prevent water stress. New trees have limited root systems, so will require weekly watering (Figure 3). Water stress can happen early and quickly due to high UV levels, usually within 7 to 10 days of heavy rains. This is especially important on sandier soils, but in most years and on most soils, additional water will be needed.
- Maintain good and balanced fertility levels. A preplant soil test should be taken, followed by leaf analysis in July, as well as evaluating terminal shoot growth and leaf colour.
- Manage insects and diseases to maximize growth. Weekly scouting is very important and can be done quickly. Scab, powdery mildew, and fire blight are the main diseases of concern in new orchards, as well as leaf feeding insects. Refer to “Guidelines to Protect Non-Bearing Apple Plantings” on p. 66 of Publication 360. (Figure 4)
- If nematode levels are high (as indicated by sampling soil when it is cool and moist), see recommendations on p. 193 of Publication 360.
- Avoid pruning cuts where possible. It is preferable to tie strong laterals below the horizontal to slow growth and encourage fruiting. (Figure 5)
- Encourage a dominant leader in the tree by removing competing shoots. It may be necessary to repeat this procedure.
- Most new plantings should be defruited to encourage the maximum tree growth. If fruiting is expected in the highest density systems, use a foliar calcium spray program to reduce bitter pit.
Scheduling time each week to inspect and care for your investment in new orchard will pay dividends for years to come.
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