A Stemilt orchard managed by Dale Goldy is planted using a tall spindle system. The orchard was part of the first day of the IFTA Washington tour on July 15, 2015. (TJ Mullinax/Good Fruit Grower) —Trees are planted at densities of 1,000 to 1,500 trees per acre (typically 3 or 4 feet between trees and 11 to 12 feet between rows). —Precocious dwarfing rootstocks are used because early cropping is essential to pay for establishment costs and help control tree vigor. —Highly feathered nursery trees are used. Transplant shock caused by a high top-to-root ratio helps keep trees within the […]