The trees, posts and trellis anchors are ordered. The field has been selected for its topography, air and water drainage and fertility. What else needs to be done to ensure the success of this new planting? It is challenging to manage harvest and prepare for a new orchard, so here are suggested timelines:

August

  • If you want to plant this fall, talk to your nursery to ensure they are ready to dig trees as soon as they are dormant.
  • Improve drainage where necessary. Trees do not like "wet feet", so systematic tile drainage, and surface catchments should be installed as soon as possible.
  • Soil sample to determine nematode populations and soil fertility. The soil should be moist for nematode sampling (not a problem this year), but soil fertility samples can be taken anytime. Request a complete range of nutrients, including pH and organic matter. Don't forget that nematode samples should be taken to a depth of 6–8 inches, with the top inch of soil removed due to exposure to temperature extremes.
  • Control weeds to prevent weed seeds (annuals) and to reduce patches of perennials. Mow and allow perennials to regrow to a susceptible stage.
  • Establish short season cover crops to add organic matter and improve soil structure. Oats, rye, and mustards or radish are a good choices for late summer.

September

  • Where soil tests indicate the need, lime, phosphorus and potash can be applied in the fall before planting.
  • Sod can be established now, either in row middles only, or across the field (with planting rows killed out before planting). Grass mixes containing no more than 20% perennial ryegrass, with creeping and/or tall fescues work well. Turf-type grasses are available that handle traffic and require less mowing. Use at least 15–25 lb/acre.
  • Cover crop establishment and weed management is still timely if not done in August. See the Midwest Cover Crop Council Decision Tool.

October

  • If soil conditions are not too wet, there is still time to install drainage. Be sure to map this to avoid damaging tile with your support system. Note how surface water flows in the orchard and plan to manage water to prevent ruts in the future i.e. consider catch basins or French drains in strategic locations to prevent water collecting in areas.
  • Mustard cover crops should be shredded and immediately incorporated before frost to achieve nematode suppression. Soil temperatures should be at least 50°F (10º C).
  • Perennial weed regrowth can be successful even after a light frost e.g. glyphosate on quackgrass, 2,4-D on dandelion, Lontrel on thistles.
  • Work closely with your nursery to determine when trees become dormant and shed their leaves. Time will be short to achieve fall planting, so it's important to be ready.