The increasing acceptance of high-density orchards and specifically the Tall Spindle Planting System to improve orchard profitability has made orchard replanting more expensive than previously. Our data from Cornell and that of many leading NY growers indicates that the increased planting cost of a tall spindle orchard is offset by much higher early and mature yields than we had previously achieved. Thus, our most recent economic analysis continues to show that the tall spindle system with high quality trees purchased from a reputable nursery is the most profitable planting system. Nevertheless many apple growers are looking for ways to reduce the cost of planting a new orchard by reducing tree costs through the development of an on-farm nursery to produce the trees they will plant in their new orchards. Before a grower enters into an on-farm nursery venture, there are a number of issues to consider. These include intellectual property, tree quality, risk, management demands, potential savings and overall orchard profitability. After careful consideration of these issues, we believe that most growers will decide not to produce their own trees but for the few who will decide to produce their own trees, this article (see complete article in attached pdf document) will address the major issues a grower should consider before beginning an on-farm nursery. Note: This nursery information was originally presented at the 2010 Cornell In-Depth Fruit School On-Farm Nursery Management, March 19, 2010.

The Pros and Cons of an On-Farm Nursery (pdf; 410KB)