Establishing
the High Density
Supported Apple Orchard
Part 6: Tips for Successful Establishment 
Table of Contents
- More Tips for Successful
Establishment
- Pest Control
- Rodent Control
- Sod Covers
More Tips for Successful
Establishment
M.9 and other dwarfing rootstocks can have the disappointing habit
of not growing as vigorously as expected the first year in the orchard.
To reduce the possibility of this problem every effort must be made
to encourage tree performance.
The new trees should be irrigated as necessary to ensure
that growth will not be reduced due to lack of adequate soil moisture.
Until growers become familiar with dwarfing rootstock/cultivar combinations
it is recommended that the new trees be defruited at bloom in the
planting year.
Cultivating to loosen soil around the base of the trees will also
promote growth. This cultivation should be at regular intervals
before weed and grass competition gets well established. It should
be shallow in depth so tree roots are not disturbed. It should be
discontinued in July to avoid stimulating late tree growth that
may be susceptible to winter injury. Weak weed growth under the
trees by late summer can help trees harden off, and reduce soil
erosion over winter.
Herbicides for first year plantings can be used as recommended
in Publication 75, "Guide to Weed Control" or Publication
360, "Fruit Production Recommendations" to reduce early
weed competition.
Pest Control
Proper integrated pest management practices are encouraged in the
new planting. Aphids, leafhoppers, caterpillars, apple scab, fireblight
and powdery mildew are the most important pests of young apple trees.
Regular monitoring and well-timed pesticide applications minimize
stress to young trees and maintains sufficient leaf surface for
photosynthesis, respiration, and growth.
High density supported plantings often require less pesticide for
effective pest control. For details on how to make this determination,
consult factsheet "Guide For Spraying Fruit Trees", Agdex
210/606.
Rodent Control
The issue of rodent guards for vole and rabbit protection will
depend upon grower experience in the area. Major losses are possible
if rodent populations get out of control. Emphasis should be placed
on grass cutting, elimination of suitable hiding areas and the use
of bait stations. For more details, consult factsheet "Rodent
and Deer Control in Orchards", Agdex 210/681.
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Sod Covers
Many growers prefer to plant a sod cover in the late summer of
the first year. This cover should be of a non-legume grass mixture
that is not overly vigorous or aggressive, resists traffic damage,
and will not host nematodes. Tall fescue or creeping red fescue
make excellent sod covers. Over time, legumes like dutch white cover
may help maintain sod health if present in the sod. This grass strip
should be precise so no competition is placed near the trees. A
minimum of 1 m bare strip for the tree row is usually adequate to
reduce grass competition and to discourage rodents.
If weed competition in the bare strip gets out of control, a herbicide
recommended for first year plantings should be used as outlined
in Publication 75, "Guide to Weed Control" or Publication
360, "Fruit Production Recommendations" .
Some growers have established their sod in the fall before planting
and killed out the tree rows with systemic herbicides. For more
details on Sod Cover and its management, consult factsheet, "Soil
Management for Orchard and Vineyards", Agdex 206/510. See Product
Order Form.
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1 | Chapter 2
| Chapter 3 | Chapter
4 | Chapter 5
| Chapter 6 |
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