Fall Preparations for New Orchards
Harvest is busy, but if you are planting a new orchard next spring, a few minutes to prepare may help your investment pay off.
September and October are ideal times to control perennial weed problems. Scout to determine what weeds are present. If weeds are at susceptible stages (Figure 1), apply glyphosate at the higher rates. Glyphosate is most effective in the fall. Otherwise, mow as soon as possible and wait for regrowth before spraying.
Early September is the best time to establish grass for the orchard floor (Figure 2). We’ve had good experience with a mix of grass species – one example is 40% creeping red fescue, 40% turf-type tall fescue and 20% perennial ryegrass. It may be easier to plant the entire field and spray out the planting rows either fall or spring.
Fall soil sampling is important to determine the need for preplant fertilizer or lime (Figure 3). Where soil tests show the need for phosphorus, the ideal time to apply it is either fall or spring before planting. This allows deep placement where the tree roots grow. Also, if soil pH needs adjustment, fall applications of lime allows enough time to activate and change pH.
Also, sampling for nematodes is most accurate in early fall, when soils are warm and moist. Check with your lab on when and how to deliver these, as populations need to be alive for accurate counts.
Assessing replant issues is important, including nematodes and other potential disease and fertility issues. If your site previously grew orchards, it is important to consider ways of avoiding the potential stunting problems of replant, including siting tree rows to avoid previous tree sites, fumigation (Figure 4) or biofumigant cover crops (Figure 5), and addition of organic matter.
And finally, check on your tree order and work with your nurseryman to ensure purchase of the best quality trees available. Paying a little more for good quality trees will ensure your investment in new orchard pays off.
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