Why Modern Apple Trees Look Like Grape Vines

Driving down the highway or interstate you may have noticed Iowa Apple orchard trees are starting to look a little different, and Brian Letchen of Iowa Orchard explains why. The USA is simply catching up with the newest Apple growing trend. It's not an accident Apple orchards are looking like vineyards.

Brian Etchen with Iowa Orchard explains the era of the large apple trees is no more. Instead, orchards like Iowa Orchard are growing trellised trees that are planted only 3 feet apart. This makes their Iowa Apple orchard appear more like a vineyard and less like a giant row of trees. 

In the United States, we are really far behind in our management of growing Apples. For years we plant trees 30 to 40 feet apart and wait 10 to 12 years for them to fruit. But today growers can get fruit in as little as 18 months in the trellis system using wires and planting trees in close proximity. Countries like Italy are so advanced, they are now planting trees almost 1.5 feet apart! An added benefit of these smaller trees is that they require less spraying of insecticides because the interior canopy dries quicker.

There are more than 6,000 varieties in the world, but what most people know is that planting an Apple like the Honey Crisp, for example, isn't an easy task. If you plant the seed of a Honeycrisp, you will NOT get Honey Crisp. They Honey Crisp apple only results from careful cross-pollination from mindful growers. 

It's important to know that Apples purchased from an Iowa Apple orchard, or any local orchard for that matter, are often a healthier choice than one bought in the grocery store because growers allow them to reach proper ripeness for the full amount of vitamins and minerals, plus local growers don't need to add the wax coating most national distributors add. 

As you go pick Apples this season, it's good to know there is a massive amount of hard work that goes into this healthy and delicious treat. As you reach to pick your favorite, Etchen has some advice: do not pull or twist when picking an Apple, place your finger on the stem, and roll the apple up. If you'd like to visit Iowa Orchard go here.


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