Matthew,
To approach this strictly from a mathematical perspective: The rule of thumb is for row width to be 1.3 times the tree height for north/south oriented rows and 1.5 times the tree height for east/west oriented rows for sunlight penetration. If we start with “short” spindle trees being 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall for easy picking by the average customer and multiply by 1.3 we get 7.8 feet (2.37 meters), which translates into 93.6 inches for row spacing. If you allow 60 inches (1.5 meters) for your 54 inch tractor that leaves you with 33 inches for both trees to grow, or about 16 inches (40 Centimeters) for each tree to grow out from the trunk. This could bring you above 2000 trees/acre depending on scion vigor, rootstock vigor, and other factors that determine your in-row spacing. That takes care of the math. I don’t think I would plant them that close. You can add in more room for your tractor operator to wobble out of the row when looking behind if you wish. I might be concerned about spray burn and fruit russeting given the very close proximity of sprayer nozzles and fruit. You may also wish to observe if your spray coverage is adequate that close to the machine. Given the nozzle spacing on my sprayer the spray pattern does not offer complete coverage closer than a foot. Somebody must have experimented with rows very close. I am sure they will have input. Ernest Rollins ---------------- Rollins Orchards 262 Dexter Rd Garland, Me 207-924-3504 www.rollinsorchards.com A Family Farm Since 1821 From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Matt Pellerin Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 3:56 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [apple-crop] Narrow Tall Spindle Layout I am a grower in central Maine that operates a pick-your-own orchard. I will be planting a tall spindle orchard next year. I would like to plant the rows as narrow as possible in combination with shorter trees so the customers can reach more of the fruit. My orchard tractor is 54" wide. How narrow can I plant my tall spindle orchard with this equipment? Also, what would be the appropriate tree height at the narrow row spacing? Thanks, -- Matthew Pellerin Agricultural Manager Treworgy Family Orchards 3876 Union St Levant, ME 04456 www.treworgyorchards.com 207-884-8354 _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4592 / Virus Database: 3986/7761 - Release Date: 06/28/14
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