Heritage Apples
We hadn't wandered very far into our property before we discovered some apple trees, and it was evident that some of them are very old. We have walked through much of that area of the property to discover, much to my delight, a hidden apple orchard, just waiting to be rescued and restored. Such a monumental task, but we suspect many of these trees may be a least a century old. They are beautiful and with some tender, loving, care, perhaps can once again flourish into the varied delectable apple orchard it once was.
Heritage Apple Orchard Restoration Project
Step 1:
Light
Step 2:
Infusion
Step 3:
Regenerate
Clearing the Canopy
Nutrient Restoration to the Orchard Floor
Pruning for Producing
This monumental task starts with identifying all the apple trees within the designated work area. Then carefully selecting trees to bring down, and selecting the best angle in which to bring them down. Keeping apple tree casualties to a minimum is top priority!
With the canopy cleared out, not only does the upper, visible areas of the tree benefit from the glorious sunlight, but the orchard floor begins to recover the much needed, depleted nutrient balance.
The roots, once growing again in nutritious soil, will be able to restore the apple tree, providing the best start for healthy apples.
Great care is taken as we assess each tree for pruning. Dead limbs need to be removed and older limbs that may become dangerous need to be cut back to new growth shoots to best ensure no future damage.