Doll's Orchards, LLC

So, it’s conclusive – a “standard” size apple tree is not what will be the best choice for your planting.  Any other options – how about considering a semi-dwarf tree?

Almost all modern apple varieties in commercial use are propagated as semi-dwarf or dwarf trees.  Smaller size trees are easier to manage in an orchard setting and thus in greater demand by growers.  Since there is a definite distinction between semi-dwarf trees and dwarf trees, this post will be a discussion of semi-dwarf apple trees.

Rootstocks not produced by germinated seeds are propagated vegetatively.  These rootstocks are “clonal” rootstocks.  Clonal rootstocks produce smaller trees and sometimes are referred to as “dwarfing” or “size controlling.”  Several cloning techniques are used but basically cloning involves cutting back, and/or cutting from a tree to make the tree produce “suckers.”  These “suckers” are cut and rooted in sawdust, humus or loose soil.  After reaching a certain stage of development, scions are grafted to the rootstock and viola’, a compact alternative to a regular (standard) size tree.  This explanation oversimplifies the process for sure, but that’s the general idea.

Semi-dwarf as well as dwarf trees develop from clonal rootstock.  A semi-dwarf fruit tree is often used for backyard and commercial plantings.  Many nurseries and lawn and garden stores market semi-dwarf apple trees during the spring.  With proper pruning and management, semi-dwarf apple trees can grow to about twelve (12) to fifteen (15) feet tall and twelve (12) to fifteen (15) feet wide at maturity.  Semi-dwarf trees require annual pruning to maintain a desired height and width.  These trees will produce in four to six  years after planting and will produce larger crops than a dwarf size tree – about six  to ten  bushels per tree.

Because the rootstocks of semi-dwarf trees are genetically modified, their root systems are not deep.  Semi-dwarf trees need rich, slightly moist but well drained soil and are more prone to fall over in a very windy area.  Most semi-dwarf apple trees are not self pollinating and at least two trees will be needed to produce fruit.  Choose varieties that bloom at the same time and are classified as good pollinators.  Consult with your local nursery for advice regarding pollinators.  Semi-dwarf rootstocks from which to choose are MM111, MM106, MM7 and Geneva 30.

If  ” April showers bring May flowers,” we are beginning to wonder what these two weeks of March rains will bring other than soggy and very wet ground in the orchards.  Pruning is finished and cleanup almost complete but work on hold for awhile as the rains continue.  Trees are beginning to “green tip” but not too much Spring push yet as the temperatures have been other than Spring-like.  As it looks now, we will have a later bloom period than the past few years.

Up next — discussion of dwarf size trees.  Happy Easter!

Apple trees do not reproduce true to seed.  If you plant a seed from an apple variety that you thoroughly enjoy, such as a Gala, the tree that grows from that seed may taste really different or in fact, may have no distinct flavor at all.  The only way to get a tree identical to that of your favorite apple is to clone it by grafting.

Grafting involves cutting a piece of wood (scion) from an established tree and attaching (grafting) this piece of wood to another tree’s roots.  These roots are termed “rootstocks.”

Seedling rootstock is used to make a “standard tree.”  Standard trees are so named because these trees are what are considered the norm when discussing tree types.  A standard tree is what the general public perceives an apple tree to be, tall with a broad outreaching leafy canopy.

Seedling rootstock is developed by planting seeds from well established apple varieties such as Bittenfelder or Antonovka.  When the tree which sprouts from these seeds grows to a certain stage, scions from a desired variety, such as Gala, are grated to it to produce the variety of the chosen scion.  This is usually done at a nursery.  “Seedling” rootstock is used for the development of standard size trees because it is vigorous and strong with deep roots that are adaptable to poor soil and drought.

Standard trees grow to an average of twenty-five (25) in height, trunk size is eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) inches in diameter with a leafy canopy of thirty (30) feet.  These trees make great shade trees and produce firewood but require more equipment and labor to maintain their vigor and growth.  While standard trees take seven (7) to ten (10) years to bear fruit, with proper care and maintenance they have a very long life span.  Although more disease resistant, a standard tree is really less economical in an orchard setting  because of the space and maintenance it requires.  Standard trees would work in a backyard setting.  However, make a thorough assessment of space available and your ability to maintain and manage its growth before choosing a standard size apple tree.  Happy planting!

We continue the annual pruning in our orchard.  Making progress but not finished yet!  Next post will be a discusssion of Semi-dwarf apple trees and their rootstock.

Our previous posts have had numerous references made to “rootstocks.”  What is rootstock and what role does rootstock play in an orchard planting?

Rootstock is basically what is underneath the ground or the roots of the tree.  It is the part of the apple tree that is below the grafted scion.  The rootstock works its way into the soil and sends nutrients to the rest of the tree encouraging growth and fruit development.  There are many varieties of rootstock available to growers, some more vigorous than others.  The type of rootstock determines the actual size of the apple tree.  Besides size, rootstocks also determine how soon a tree will produce fruit.  Apples have a greater variety of rootstocks than other fruits.  Most types of rootstocks available, but not all, were developed at research centers and universities.  Rootstocks are identified by a code of letters and numbers.

A general guideline for plantings of trees are standard, semi-dwarf and dwarf.  Standard trees have a strong, deep root system and grow very tall, about twenty-five (25) feet.  They grow seven (7) or more years before they produce fruit.  Semi-dwarf trees are more commonly used for backyards and commercial plantings.  This type of tree varies in height from fifty (50) percent to seventy-five (75) percent of the standard tree, usually fifteen (15) feet.  Dwarf trees can be used for landscaping purposes as well as fruit production.  This type of tree grows to about ten (10) feet but need special attention to promote proper growth and fruit production.

Our orchard has plantings of various types of rootstocks.  Over the years we have been satisfied with some types more than others.  It would be advantageous for us as a grower, if we could predetermine what rootstock would grow best in what area of the orchard.  However, it is a “trial and error” process as the topography in our orchard varies considerably.  This is just one of the challenges of growing fruit, nothing is the same and we learn something new every day.

Our next post will be a further explanation of the “standard” apple tree.  We continue to move forward with the winter pruning and look forward to attending the Horticultural Show in Indianapolis where we exchange ideas and learn new growing practices.

The past weeks have been spent in an all out effort to finish harvest before the change of weather.  October weather in Indiana is always unpredictable, thus the extra effort to finish the picking.  The Yellow/Golden Delicious apples have been harvested and taken to market as have the Black Twig Winesap, Chesapeake and Gold Rush.  The Gold Rush apple has become a “come back for” variety.  Somewhat new for our orchard, it has become a popular variety because of its long term storage capability.  Black Twig Winesaps could be considered “heirlooms” as this variety is a cross between the Stayman Winesap and Arkansas Black and not grown in all orchards.  Developed in the 1850’s, it mellows in storage and has a long shelf life.  Several of our customers refer to this apple as the “Christmas Apple”  because this is the time frame it develops its true flavor.  As of last weekend our visits to the local Farmers’ Markets are finished.  We will be taking apples yet to the White’s Farm Market in Brookville, Indiana this Wednesday.  After Wednesday, our inventory will be depleted to the point where we will close for the season.

Overall it has been a few good season for our orchard.  Challenges, yes, but nothing insurmountable.  If there wasn’t an opportunity for a visit to our orchard or to the markets this year, we certainly look forward to next year as we are already making plans for another apple season