Site Selection for New Plantings
Selecting the best site for your new orchard is a critical factor in the success of your planting. Just because there WAS an orchard in a field doesn’t mean there SHOULD be an orchard there. So it’s important to critically assess your site before proceeding (Figure 1). Collecting soil samples, topographical maps, drainage maps, weather and wind information are an important first step. Also a long-term cropping history of the site will be helpful.
Excellent water drainage is important for apples and especially for certain rootstocks. Apple trees do not like “wet feet”, especially during the growing season (Figure 2). Many sites should be systematically tiled before planting (Figure 3), although some may be improved by installing an additional tile line between existing tiles. Another consideration is to plan the tile lines to avoid planting trees or support posts directly over them.
Soil type and fertility is another consideration. Sandier soils often have better drainage, but may not have good water-holding capacity. Soils with high levels of organic matter are preferred, both due to natural fertility and to improved water-holding capacity. Your soil test will indicate nutrient deficiencies and soil pH issues that should be corrected before planting (Figure 4). Most new planting systems use tall trees as a natural way to manage growth, and fertile soil with good water holding capacity will make it easier to achieve tree height in less time.
Availability of water for irrigation or spraying may be a consideration for some orchards. Many new orchards will be trickle irrigation or fertigated so a reliable source of quality water nearby is important.
Air drainage is also important, to avoid cold pockets during winter freezes, and frost pockets during bloom or at harvest. Windbreaks and neighbouring forests can create problems with cold, although these features may offer some benefits with wind abatement. Recent losses due to spring frosts has encouraged some Ontario growers to invest in wind machines (Figure 5), so it may be prudent to consider where machines could be located to be effective if needed.
Wind can also be a concern for orchards. Strong winds can hamper good spray coverage, which can be critical during wetting periods in the spring. Strong winds may also hamper bee activity during pollination time. Mild winds are useful as apples enlarge to promote quick drying and less russetting. But wind and soil erosion during this period may increase skin russetting.
Consider whether it will be practical to align rows north-south. The orientation of “hedge-rows” of trees is important to align N-S to capture the most sunlight and allow quality fruit to be produced throughout the canopy.
Previous orchard sites should be assessed for the risk of Apple Replant Disease (ARD). Replant issues can rob 30-50% of an orchard’s profitability, but is not always present, and is difficult to predict. Sampling for nematodes, presence of fungal diseases, and soil fertility and pH is important to start. Analyze issues in the previous orchard as a start. The longer a site is left without apples, the risk of replant issues will be reduced.
Take a hard look at this short list of potential problems, and decide what can be done to correct things before proceeding with a new orchard.
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