Already, it looks like it might be a dryer summer than normal. So, how much watering do I need to apply to the orchard?
how old are your trees?
what rootstock are they on?
what means of watering do you have (drip, sprinklers, hose)?
these all effect how much water a tree needs - more info and we can better answer this question...
karen
Well, the trees are about 20 years old, I'm guessing. It was an existing orchard, so I have no idea what that rootstock is. Besides Apples, there are plums, pears, quince, and almond, and a coupld of small walnuts (seven years old my guess). There is no drip system, and the water supply is the well for the entire place.
thanks,
rr
You do not say whether you are in the PNW, but I will take a clue from 'almonds'!
Past 3 years or so, I no longer water grape plants or apples, figs, pears or plums. In the PNW many have adequate soil moisture the whole growing season without adding any water. Quince seem to be more shallow rooted, and the younger ones get a little more attention, although I have some on very shallow soil (12 inches max) that do fine without added water.
I have walnuts on some very shallow soil, and while they got no water and looked about average, they bear few nuts after 12 years. I think that is a soil depth issue with them.