Winter
Pruning apple trees in winter
Many are under the impression that apple farming is a three-month commitment, at harvest time, and that the remaining months of the year are free from work. While the harvest of the apples is approximately three months in duration, the actual farming process is a year-round commitment.
During the winter months, all of the trees are pruned to rid the tree of unproductive wood and promote new growth in the coming season. The pruning is done in the winter months while the trees are dormant. Once the pruning is complete the prunings are removed from the orchard and discarded. During the winter months it is also extremely important to keep the centers of the tree rows tilled in order to maximize water absorption.
During the winter months, all of the trees are pruned to rid the tree of unproductive wood and promote new growth in the coming season. The pruning is done in the winter months while the trees are dormant. Once the pruning is complete the prunings are removed from the orchard and discarded. During the winter months it is also extremely important to keep the centers of the tree rows tilled in order to maximize water absorption.
Spring
Apple trees blossoming
Once the pruning is finished and the rainy season is on its way out the door, the apple blossoms begin to set. This season, referred to as “bloom-time,” generally spans over six weeks.
During the time that the bloom is set, the tree is most susceptible to disease and frost damage. Just as humans take vitamins to maintain good health during the flu season, the apple trees are treated with nutrients to help maintain their health during bloom-time. After the blossoms have fallen the fruit
begins to grow. Apples, at their youngest age of formation, are approximately the size of a cherry seed. Once the apples have reached approximately 3⁄4 of one inch in diameter it is time to begin thinning. Thinning is the process of clipping out the smaller fruit and eliminating large clusters. The chief goal of thinning is to eliminate the smaller, weaker fruit so that the growing energy is directed towards the larger, healthier fruit. Thinning takes place in late May and lasts until late June.
During the time that the bloom is set, the tree is most susceptible to disease and frost damage. Just as humans take vitamins to maintain good health during the flu season, the apple trees are treated with nutrients to help maintain their health during bloom-time. After the blossoms have fallen the fruit
begins to grow. Apples, at their youngest age of formation, are approximately the size of a cherry seed. Once the apples have reached approximately 3⁄4 of one inch in diameter it is time to begin thinning. Thinning is the process of clipping out the smaller fruit and eliminating large clusters. The chief goal of thinning is to eliminate the smaller, weaker fruit so that the growing energy is directed towards the larger, healthier fruit. Thinning takes place in late May and lasts until late June.
Summer & Fall
Apples ready to be harvested
Another essential task that is performed
during the same time of late May
through late June is that of weed
control. It is very important to maintain
a clean, weed-free orchard so that
work, especially harvesting, can be
done with ease. During the months of
June -September, water is applied
approximately three times per week to
the orchard. Watering is extremely
important for the health of the tree and the quality/size of the fruit. During the month of July the fruit begins to size rapidly and more nutrients are applied to maintain optimal health. At the end of July and the beginning of August preparations begin for the harvest and sales season. Towards mid to late August the harvest begins with the Gala variety. The harvest generally lasts through the end of October and fresh apples are usually available through the beginning of November. Once the harvest and sales are complete, the cycle immediately begins again!
Apple farming at Trapple Orchard is a year-round commitment that demands a dedicated team of workers and specialists to ensure that the operations run smoothly from the time the first blossom opens to the time the last apple is sold.
Apple farming at Trapple Orchard is a year-round commitment that demands a dedicated team of workers and specialists to ensure that the operations run smoothly from the time the first blossom opens to the time the last apple is sold.