High-Density Apple Planning Budget

By Ryan Milhollin and Justin Keay et.al

Using this budget, Missouri farmers can estimate the costs and returns for growing apples in a high-density commercial orchard. Careful planning is necessary. A high-density orchard is a significant capital investment and will take several years to produce enough apples to provide potential positive yearly financial returns. Assumptions in this budget can be modified for your situation. The important budget topics discussed in this guide can serve as a checklist in your budget planning.

High-Density Production

In a high-density apple orchard, tree density tends to be more significant than in a traditional orchard. Typically, trees are planted with in-row spacing of 3 to 5 feet and between-row spacing of 10 to 14 feet. Specific in-row spacing recommendations depend largely on rootstock/scion combinations, site characteristics and the type of training system chosen. Row width should allow for trucks, tractors and any implements used to travel between rows.

Advantages of a high-density orchard can include improved production (e.g., earlier and increased yield, higher fruit quality, improved fruit packout) and efficiencies (e.g., labor, pesticides). Disadvantages can include higher establishment costs and greater need for management (e.g., training, pruning) than in a traditional orchard.

High-density apple production is a relatively new system and most research to-date has been performed in Michigan, Washington, New York and North Carolina. Missouri-specific recommendations for this system are not available, although the system is being widely deployed amongst new apple orchards in the lower Midwest. Networking with local and regional growers, and staying up to date on current research can help guide management decisions in this system.

Site Selection

Location and scale are important for a commercial orchard site. Apple orchards need full sun, well-drained soils and protection from frost and wind. Avoid low areas; rolling land with some elevation can provide frost protection. For wind protection, avoid hill tops or ridges. To help minimize investment costs, avoid land that needs clearing or drainage. Several web-based tools  such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Web Soil Survey and MU Extension’s AgSite Assessment Tool  can help assess the soil and hydrologic characteristics of a given site.

Scale is important to allow for efficiencies in equipment (when fixed costs are spread over more acres, cost per acre decreases), purchasing discounts for bulk inputs and access to better markets.

Rootstock and Cultivars

Dwarf rootstocks are required for high-density apple orchards. Many factors  such as climate, soil type, apple variety, planting system and disease/pest resistance  affect rootstock selection. Select scion cultivars that match your end-market needs and grow well in your area. Use a reputable nursery and plan to order well in advance of planting  up to two years beforehand.