Planning and Planting a New Traditional Orchard
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Guidance Notes for PLANNING AND PLANTING A NEW TRADITIONAL ORCHARD TRADITIONAL ORCHARDS traditional orchards should be avoided where Traditional or old orchards are a distinctive there is evidence of archaeological and feature in the local landscape. They can be historical features unless the site was recognised by the wide planting distance of previously an orchard. large majestic trees of old and often scarce varieties on a standard rootstock. These Avoid a planting where a tree of the same orchards consist of apple, pear, cherry, plum type stood previously due to specific replant and damson which are at least fifty years old. This also includes cob nuts (Hazel), which are SPECIFIC REPLANT DISEASE grown in orchards known as platts. These Specific replant disease is found in the soil traditional orchards contain a large number of where fruit trees were previously grown. The varieties and provide a valuable habitat for disease is caused by the build up of nematodes flora and fauna. and pathogenic fungi in the soil; mature trees are large enough to withstand any adverse effects. However, when the original trees are removed at the end of their life a high proportion of these harmful organisms will remain in the soil. New young trees planted into this soil will struggle to establish. Overcome the effects of replant disease by either planting 1m to one side of the original planting keeping to the same side in each row or incorporating compost into the planting hole, providing nutrients and conserving moisture by mulching. Alternatively, planting apple or pear trees where cherry, plum and damson were or vice versa can reduce the risk of this disease. Commercial production of fruit has changed dramatically over the last fifty years with the disease which will inhibit good establishment. mass removal of less viable traditional orchards In general fruit trees love sun but hate leaving just a few scattered throughout the waterlogged roots and need space. Some countryside. Now the true value of these cultivars will put up with adverse conditions. neglected traditional orchards as a landscape feature is being realised, instigating the Once the species have been decided, the restoration of those surviving orchards. This varieties should reflect those that have been will help to conserve our local heritage and grown traditionally in that area, as well as increase the biodiversity of wildlife. consideration for the future use of the fruit. Traditionally the orchard was grazed by sheep developing the pasture and creating a more SITE SELECTION extensive wild flower population. Landscape and elevation is important but fruit is grown in a wide variety of locations, typically A SUITABLE SITE FOR A TRADITIONAL between sea level and about 400 feet (122 ORCHARD metres) above sea level, although in There are various aspects which should be favourable situations, orchards can be grown considered before embarking on planting a new satisfactorily at higher altitudes. Fruit can be traditional orchard. The site should not impact grown on low lying levels, such as the Isle of on the landscape but reinforce the local Ely or undulating countryside like that found in landscape character and help to link with the Mid Kent Downs. existing habitats. In general, planting of new traditional orchards should be focused where Sheltered sites with protection from prevailing traditional orchards are a typical landscape winds generally facing south or south-westerly feature are preferable. Natural windbreaks which filter and slow the wind can be planted where they It is important to initially discover as much do not exist. Too much shade from nearby historical information about the site on which vegetation can cause drawing growth on the you propose to plant an orchard before trees and a lack of light will result in the fruit committing to your chosen species. Past not developing or ripening. Avoid really steep planting will determine the management slopes and sites prone to spring frosts and required for the new orchard. Planting of new strong winds. GRASSLAND If the grassland is rich in FROST species it may be that the A late frost can decimate blossom resulting in site has greater the potential crop being lost. conservation value as it stands rather than planting Avoid planting in Frost Pockets which are fruit trees, seek advice created when cold air becomes trapped in low from an ecologist. lying land such as valleys. Trees planted on these sites could suffer damage if frost builds RAINFALL up at critical growing periods, causing damage An average annual rainfall of 50 – 75 cm is to developing shoots and killing flowers. adequate; too much rain during the summer Where frost is a problem it is better to plant may cause fungus problems reducing the later flowering species or varieties which are quality of the crop, particularly in cherries less susceptible to frost damage. When which will split therefore resulting in the loss of planting on a slope, do not plant a hedge on crop. With low rainfall, fruit quality may suffer the down slope side. This will trap the frost and irrigation may be needed to establish and prevent it from rolling down hill away from young trees. the trees. WIND WILDLIFE If the site is windy consider planting a The planting of a new traditional orchard can windbreak, this could be a fruit hedge or a bring huge ecological benefits to the area range of other species e.g. Alder. Ideally particularly if it joins and forms a network of windbreak species should be fast growing and orchards so that there is a large enough area respond well to trimming since they can for wildlife to travel between varying orchard provide excellent protection yet not drain the habitats. These habitats are an important soil of essential nutrients. Leave enough space feature for a wide range between the fruit trees and the windbreak to of species such as bats, avoid competition and allow movement around birds, wildflowers, the orchard. Exposure to wind will make it lichens, fungi, small difficult to establish and train new trees, wind mammals and insects rocking will damage roots leading to disease. including the Noble The planting of a wind break will also reduce Chafer beetle, now an the possibility of wind endangered species. frost and provide better Combined with conditions for bees, hedgerows and the essential for pollination. orchard floor, orchards provide a haven for a The fruit will also have wide range of wildlife if managed sensitively. better protection from the wind during ripening. SOIL Orchards can be found on a wide range of soil If a windbreak is needed types however, fruit trees prefer a good depth preferably plant it before of fertile, well drained, loamy soil which will the fruit trees are planted. have the capacity to hold water yet with good Make sure you plant drainage. Dig a hole to have a look at the soil species that are type. indigenous to the area such as Rosa canina (Dog . Sandy soils could result in leaning trees, Rose) Sambucus (Elder), which may eventually fall down. They could Crateagus (Hawthorn), also be susceptible to drought. Corylus (Hazel), Prunus . Clay ground which is often waterlogged, (Wild Cherry), and Malus especially over winter, is unsuitable (Crab Apple) these will . A loam soil which has nearly equal provide both fruit for quantities of clay to silt to sand with plenty wildlife as well as of humus is ideal. This soil will maintain additional fruit from the good moisture levels. orchard. Once a windbreak is established Test your soil to check the ph (acidity or vegetation can be allowed alkalinity); a reading of between 6.3 and 6.8 is to develop at the base ideal. Also test for other nutrient status of the which will provide a soil which can be corrected before planting. valuable habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife. TREE SELECTION Fruit trees are sold in a Plums – The Brompton rootstock is very number of forms, potted or vigorous and suitable for standards. Some bare rooted with varying varieties, like Pershore, produce fine trees on rootstocks depending on what their own roots. Many damsons will come is required. If you are planting almost true to type from seed. Plums should a traditional orchard, be planted at a spacing of 6 - 8 metres purchasing of trees as bare- approximately 185 - 260 trees/ha. rooted one year (feathered maidens) or two year (straight VARIETIES lead) are generally the most Varieties indigenous or historically grown in the accepted forms. local area should be chosen initially to preserve historical continuity and cultural heritage and TREE SIZE reinforce local distinctiveness. Local fruit Rootstocks determine the tree's growth habit groups will be able to give advice. To obtain and growth rate, hardiness, cropping, disease the varieties on the traditional rootstocks will resistance and eventual size. mean ordering from a specialist nursery at least one year ahead of when you plan to plant. Choose a disease resistant variety so you can raise it organically. A mix of varieties is needed to ensure cross pollination and fruit-set. Take careful note in your planning of varieties to pollination period, Very Dwarf Dwarf Semi Dwarf Semi Vigorous Vigorous cropping season, keeping qualities and distinctiveness of the local area. Location is Dwarfing rootstocks which are used to grow also important since some varieties are more bush trees are not suitable for the full-size suited to different areas. Specialist tree (standard) trees planted in traditional nurseries are happy to advise you on suitable orchards. These trees require a vigorous varieties. rootstock to develop a good root system to with-stand the risks of grazing animals and POLLINATION support the large tree canopy that will develop.