Care For New Plantings

Many growers have been planting new orchards this spring, which is optimistic for our industry. But buying and planting the trees is just the first step. The investment in a new orchard will approach $10,000 per acre to bring the planting into full production. So here's a checklist to ensure that this investment pays off:

• Make a map. Include number of trees, cultivars, rootstock, source of trees and planting date. This information may be useful later for tree census, and if problems arise.
• Install the support system now. Research has shown that support (trellis, stakes, whatever) encourages the tree to direct energy to fruit buds rather than structural wood.
• Control weeds now. Research has shown that any weed growth in the first three months will reduce tree growth, and that yields from weedy trees will be reduced two years later. Concentrate your efforts (and money) from planting until July.
• Use irrigation or mulch to prevent water stress. Water stress can happen very early in the season, sometimes during May. 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. Use information from many sources, including preplant soil tests, leaf analysis, and evaluation of terminal growth.
• Manage insects and diseases to maximize growth. Weekly scouting is very important and can be done quickly. Refer to "Guidelines to Protect Non-Bearing Apple Plantings" on p. 64 of Publication 360.
• If nematode levels are high (as indicated by a test of moist, cool soils), see recommendations on p. 19 of Publication 360.
• Avoid pruning cuts where possible. Lateral branch removal is only recommended if one (or two) strong shoots are present. It is preferable to tie strong laterals below the horizontal to slow growth and encourage fruiting.
• If fruiting is expected in high density orchards, use a foliar calcium spray program to reduce bitter pit.
  

The biggest challenge is finding the time to do these tasks on a timely basis in the planting year, but doing it right will pay dividends for years to come.