Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Frecon Orchards

Frecon Orchards is a pretty big orchard (~100 acres) about 30 minutes away from home.  We go there to get orchard supplies.  It looks really pretty - the old orchard blocks are on a hill, with the classic twisted limb look. 

With the newer rootstocks trees need support in order to remain upright in storms / when they are full of fruit.  It was interesting to look at Frecon's new apple bocks.
Two Wire Trellis Trees
In one block I was  surprised at how dense they were planting their trees.  One block (on the left) was on a two wire trellis system that was only a third of the way up the post, suggesting that more wires will be added. Reminded me of grapes. I knew of some research plantings that had this many wires, but not any production. 


The other thing I found interesting was in another block they had a post per tree.  Consider that the post would probably rot in 10 years (ours did) they must have a very vigorous rootstock in order for the tree to need the support in 10 years.  I wonder what happens after the post rots away - won't the tree fall over, or is it meant to be removed?

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