New Systems of Apple Tree Culture1

Abstract

The American fruit industry in the last. 25 years has gone through a evolutionary period exemplified by the changes in equipment, cultivars, rootstocks, culture, and handling and marketing. In addition, land values have increased steadily during this same period. The slow change has been interesting and stimulating. The next 25 years will bring more changes and refinements of orchard practices. This report summarizes some changes in planting systems and describes trends in tree densities related to present and future orchard culture. Various systems, new to this country, have been used in Europe for many years and some have been adapted to North America.