The tall spindle system, with tree densities around 1,000 to 1,500 trees per acre, is highly competitive and productive and has potential for mechanical harvesting and pruning. Dr. Terence Robinson is on a quest to find apple orchard systems that will improve the profitability and competitive position of the U.S. tree fruit grower. He recently conducted an economic analysis of existing orchard systems and found that the tall spindle system may be the most profitable for New York and other eastern region orchardists. “Unfortunately, the most competitive apple system can’t be done on existing orchard systems and has to be […]