Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
systems support the trees on wires or poles, reducing the need for a strong
structure and emphasizing fruit production. Other training systems are used
for decorative effects in landscapes.
Freestanding Trees
For thousands of years, domestic fruits have been grown as freestanding
trees. Freestanding trees are the least expensive to establish because there
are fewer trees per acre than in high-density systems and no supports are
needed. Depending on the crop and rootstocks, trees are allowed to grow to
about 7 to 20 feet tall and are generally trained to a central leader, modified
central leader, or vase shape. For most training systems, early training in-
volves developing strong trunks and branches, rather than fruiting. Some of
the newer freestanding systems place greater emphasis on early yields and
frequent branch replacement. Apricot, bush cherry and plum, European and
Japanese plum, tart cherry, loquat, medlar, quince, and saskatoon are most
often grown commercially as freestanding trees or bushes.
Growing freestanding apple, pear, peach, nectarine, and sweet cherry trees
is less technically challenging and requires less-intensive management prac-
tices than some of the modern higher-density systems. The trade-offs are
that your early yields are lower, it can be more difficult to control pests and
diseases, and the labor costs for pruning and harvesting are typically greater
than for smaller trees on supports. Freestanding trees take longer to come
into bearing and generate less early and overall profit per acre than higher-
density systems.
For home and market fruit growers who do not need the highest yields
nor want to pay the high establishment costs or perform the intensive man-
agement practices that go with high-density plantings, freestanding trees re-
main a good option.
Whether to use freestanding trees for a commercial orchard depends on
your goals and philosophies. If economic returns over a 10- to 15-year peri-
od are your driving concern, you probably should not go with freestanding
apple, pear, and sweet cherry trees. If you are planning to keep your orchard
