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Hill Creek Farm uses a cultivation method called "vertical axis apple planting." This method of growing dwarf apples originated in France and is now used worldwide. In this system, trees are trained and maintained in a narrow pyramidal shape with a dominant central leader. This shape maximizes light penetration into the tree canopy. The trees are supported by a trellis, with a single metal pole supporting each main trunk and all poles steadied by horizontal wire (7 feet in the air) that connects the top portions of the poles. Wooden posts, placed 50 feet apart, support the trellis. An anchor system at the end of each row stabilizes the entire system.
Trees are spaced 6 feet apart in rows, with all three varieties alternating in a row. The rows themselves are a generous 14 feet wide, making for plenty of strolling space.
Our trees are grown on what's known as M.9 rootstock. Trees are grafted to these roots so that the trees are about 12 feet tall at maturity. Our trees are being pruned to maximize yield and make caring for the trees easy. Of course, the dwarfed stature of these trees contributes to that end. But as the trees continue to mature they will be pruned (by members, if you'd like to learn how) to create "scaffolds" of horizontal branches and a single vertical leader. Regular pruning along with appropriate thinning of fruit in the spring produces remarkably productive, healthy trees.
Wooden supports hold trellis wire, steadying the metal poles at each tree.
There are lots of advantages to this system. Pruning and harvesting is much easier due to the small size of the trees. Less spray material is applied to the dwarf trees because, quite simply, they are smaller. But the system requires care. Because the trees are more closely spaced than in other orchards, disease and pests can spread quickly among them. So, the Hill Creek Farm maintenance program is rigorous, with regular fertilizing and spraying of trees. Our website posts the timing of such maintenance and an automatic email can be sent to you alerting your family to such "down" days. Clearly, you don't want to be wandering the orchard while we are spraying in it.
Fred will be giving informal lectures on this cultivation method this fall and in the spring. For those interested in learning more about the method, it's practice and theory, a pamphlet is being prepared (and will find it's way to this website, too).
The pond.
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2009 Grand Opening
September 15th
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Hill Creek Farms is opening to the public on September 15, 2009. Everyone is welcome and we have ample parking.
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Pick Your Own
or Buy from Our Store
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The farm will be open six days a week, every week during apple picking season:
Tuesday to Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
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