A trellis collapse comes down to two factors — a soil failure or a material failure. (Courtesy of Mark De Kleine) After a yearlong review of trellis failures in Washington apple orchards, an engineer has created a tool that growers can use to calculate loads in orchard systems to better design trellises and prevent failures. In order to remain standing, trellis systems must be built to withstand the balance of forces above ground — wind, canopy type, anticipated fruit load, wire span and the superstructure, including shade cloths or netting — and the soil type and foundation below ground. A […]