Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
also use relatively small tractors and other equipment, compared to those
used with standard-sized, freestanding trees.
VERTICAL OR SPLIT CANOPIES?
Fruit trees can be trained to either vertical shapes or split canopy V or
Y shapes. Split canopies in low and moderate tree densities increase
yields and intercept more light. They are most often used for apricot,
peach, nectarine, and pear and are sometimes used for sweet cher-
ries. From a practical standpoint, split canopies can be more expens-
ive and difficult to establish than vertical systems, and they can make it
more difficult to scout for pests and diseases and apply spray materi-
als. Older split canopy systems made getting tractors and other equip-
ment through an orchard problematic and were generally miserable to
work around. Some of the newer designs are more practical.
On the downside, support systems make it more costly to establish and
maintain an orchard. Systems that use horizontal wires make it difficult for
workers to move between rows. Depending on the system, supported trees
can also require greater skill and time to manage than non-supported trees.
Trellis Systems
Trellis systems have traditionally used two to five horizontal wires to sup-
port trees that are up to about 6 feet tall. Trellises are used almost exclus-
ively for apples and pears, and many variations exist, with trees trained ver-
tically, diagonally, or as palmettes. The idea is to create a narrow wall or
hedge of fruit, with the branches tied to and supported by the trellis wires.
Trellised trees are easy to prune and harvest, and they make it easy to con-
trol pests and diseases. For an organic home landscape or orchard, trellising
