Create A Successful Apple Orchard: How To

Chose the Right Site

The site chosen for an orchard can mean the difference between a crop and no crop.

The most important factor is the occurrence of frosts during flowering.  In a low-lying site, cold air will pool during still nights and frosts are likely to occur.  A site on a hill where the air is draining down toward a lower area, or a site near a large body of water that moderates the temperature will be far less likely to experience frosts during this critical period.  While most of us have little choice in placing an orchard, sitting in the most advantageous position will play an important role in its success.

Best Soil Types for Apple Orchards

Soil is the basis of all life, but soils differ tremendously in their ability to provide nutrients to an apple tree.

To provide for the needs of the apple tree, the soil should contain the minerals it will need to create healthy foliage and fruit.  Soils are usually a combination of three basic constituents-sand, clay, and silt.

Soils that are sand-based may be lacking in some of these minerals, as sand is essentially silica, and will only break down over time periods that are beyond our reckoning.  In such soils, the nutrients needed must be provided by organic matter, which is the remains of plants and animals.  If the soil has little other than silica sand and stone, the task of providing enough organic matter may be difficult to near impossible.

Clay soils have advantages and disadvantages.  Clays usually contain a host of minerals and are far more productive than sandy soils, but if the percentage of clay to sand and/or silt is too high there can be problems with drainage and the texture may not allow easy access by the roots.

Silt soils occur where either water or wind has deposited very fine particles over centuries.  Silt soils are very productive, although it is essential that the underlying soils are well drained.

The Ideal Soil

The ideal soil is a blend of sand, clay, and silt.  Such soils can provide a wealth of nutrients and, unless they are sitting on an impermeable layer, will have good drainage.

The best orchard soils have a high organic matter content.  Organic matter is vital to growth, as its gradual breakdown releases the nutrients held within the particles and its spongy texture helps hold both air and water.

Soil Drainage

Good drainage is essential for a successful apple orchard.  In poorly drained soils the roots may be subject to long periods when the soil around them is saturated.  The lack of oxygen will kill the roots.  It can also create a condition where the roots of the tree can only exist near the surface.  Shallow roots will not be able to properly support the tree during high winds, especially if there is a large crop.

How to Provide Soil Drainage

If the soil does not drain well, drainage can be provided by installing perforated drain pipes that carry away excess water.  These should be located below the root zone.  You can also form the land so the rows of trees are on built-up berms separated by lower swales that carry the water away.  It is obvious that such measures add a great deal to the cost of an orchard and may still not create the ideal conditions the trees need.

While less-than-ideal soils can be adjusted, such measures will add considerably to the cost of establishment.

Soil Acidity

Another soil-related issue is the acidity level of the soil.  This level is measured using the pH (potential hydrogen) scale.  The scale runs from 0 (think hydrochloric acid) and 14 (think lye).  In this system 7 is neutral, neither acidic nor alkaline.

Apples grow best in soils with a pH of 6.5-7.0.

In acidic soils, many nutrients such as calcium and magnesium are chemically bound up in molecules that are not accessible by the roots.  If ground limestone is added according to need, the pH can be raised over a period of years to the desired level and maintained by the addition of lime every six years or so.  As the pH nears neutral, the elements are released from their bonds and become free-floating ions that are easily absorbed by the roots.

Although not as common, if the soil is alkaline, sulfur can be added to lower the pH toward neutral.

For young trees to grow to their potential, an orchard should not be planted until the pH is at the proper level.

Rootstock for your Apple Tree

An apple tree is both the cultivar (what most people call a variety) you want to harvest and the rootstock the top is grafted onto. 

The rootstock you use should be carefully chosen.  Seedling rootstocks will vary in size, productivity, and speed at which the cultivar comes into bearing.

The advantage of seedlings lies in their diversity.  In a difficult winter, chances are not all trees will be affected.  If you are growing on only one type of clonal rootstock then a possibility exists that all will be affected by an adverse weather event.  The advantages of a clonal rootstock are that its size, productivity, and precocity (the speed at which it comes into bearing) are known factors.  There is more uniformity in the trees.  There are now a large number of clonal rootstocks available, and a bit of research will be invaluable to the future of your endeavor.

Apple Cultivar Choices

Just as important as the rootstock are the cultivars you choose to grow. 

There are early, mid-season, and late cultivars.  Generally speaking, the earlier apples do not keep as well and are often used for cooking (sauce, baking, etc.).  The later apples tend to be firmer and keep better.  For a family’s use, one or two early apples will be enough once they are in full fruit.  Usually, the bulk of the trees should be later ripening.

Pests on Apple Trees

Everything wants to eat the apple. 

There is no greater challenge than producing high-quality clean apples.  

The list of insects, birds, and mammals that can create challenges for the grower is long.  Dealing with this assemblage of pests is what will occupy you for the life of the orchard.  However, this is an exciting and rewarding time to grow apples without the use of harsh chemicals.

Here is a partial list of pests and products that can be used against them.

Apple maggot

Naturalyte (GF 120 commercially) is a product that contains Spinosad, which is produced by soil microbes.  It is non-toxic to mammals and is used in very small quantities.  Using a backpack sprayer with the spinner removed you need only whip the wand a few times to put droplets on the underside of the leaves.  You need only do this to every second or third tree in the row.  The maggot flies that arrive in early July (N.B.) are attracted to these feeding stations and die after feeding on the droplets.  Use a yellow plastic ball or sticky card as monitors to lure the flies.  Once they appear the product is applied.  After heavy rains and every week or so apply again until near harvest.  If well applied, you will have no maggot damage.

European sawfly

Entrust is another product containing Spinosad.  It should be applied to the trees just before flowering or just after.  Do not use it during flowering, as it is toxic to bees.  This will prevent the sawfly from injuring the flowers and fruit.

Codling moth

Larger orchards can use mating disruptors that are hung in the top of the tree.  Over the season they release a synthetic pheromone that fills the air, thus confusing the male looking for a mate.  Small orchards can place cardboard bands on the trunks in the late summer.  The larvae will try to overwinter in these and can be destroyed.

Leafrollers

There are several leafrollers that feed on new growth and the developing apples.  Just before flowering apply Btk (Bacillus thuringensis ‘Kurstaki’).  This is a bacterium that only affects the larval stages of butterflies and moths.  Once ingested the insect stops feeding and dies.  Repeat this in early August to insure a second generation does not develop.

Don’t Be Discouraged

Reading about the challenges of growing apples can be daunting and, possibly discouraging for some, but take heart. 

The apple is a tough tree and will withstand conditions that are not ideal and still produce usable fruit.  By trying to create the best possible situation for your apple trees you can increase the probability you will be picking fruit you can be proud of, and that will keep your family happy and healthy.