Traditional orchards can be found throughout the UK, and they are a wonderful place to source local, organic produce. To maintain the greatest biodiversity, the upkeep for orchards is low intensity but still necessary. There are a few compact tractor attachments to help with regular maintenance tasks.
All the Trees
The most important part of an orchard is, of course, the trees. When starting a new orchard, or rejuvenating an old one, new trees will need to be planted. The best time to plant the trees is when they are dormant, which is usually between November and March, though you may want to research the chosen species as it can vary. It is advisable to wait until the ground is not frosted or waterlogged to be able to dig a hole big enough to accommodate the root ball.
The trees will be heavy, so finding a tractor attachment to carry and move them to their planting site is essential. Winton and Deleks Pallet Forks can carry small trees on a pallet. For more secure transportation, Winton and FTS Tipping Transport Boxes have enclosed sides and a removable back panel for easy unloading. Those with more to move than a transport box can handle can look to the Winton range of tipping trailers, which can carry up to 3tn. All three options can also be used after the initial planting to transport any produce during harvest.
To get the best results with the fruit, branches will need to be pruned from the trees. This could be diseased wood, or simply overcrowding of the limbs which should have plenty of air flowing between them. The healthy branches can be left in situ or piled on the edge of orchard to make a habitat for fungi, creepy crawlies, and other small animals.
Alternatively, the PTO driven Winton Wood Chipper can reduce branches of up to 5” down to small chips. These can then be used as mulch around the base of the trees. The RHS note that chips from diseased wood usually do not pose a risk to healthy trees growing in good soil conditions.
The Grass Between
When an orchard is established, grazing animals can be brought in to keep the grass under control. However, young, and even mature trees can be damaged by livestock. In these cases, a mower may be necessary. The size of the mower will depend on the distance between the trees and the power of your compact or small tractor. A Winton Compact Flail Mower is budget-friendly and can fit any space that a tractor can with cutting widths from 85cm (33 inches). For a more versatile mower, a verge flail or side-shift flail mower can mow between the trees and underneath the branches without the tractor being in the branches too. A hydraulically operated model allows the position of the cutting head to be offset without leaving the tractor cab.
Fruit trees do not like to compete with any other plants for nutrients, even the grass. Mulch is an ideal way to keep new growth away. This mulch can be bought in or made from off-cuts left over from other maintenance. As mentioned, wood chips from pruned branches can be used but also mulched grass cuttings. The hammer blades on flail mowers produce ready-mulched clippings.
Lay of the Land
Whether you want to keep grazing livestock in, or deer that may damage any new buds out, putting in a sturdy fence is essential. The Winton Post Hole Borer is ideal for drilling holes for posts which serve as a foundation for a strong fence. The interchangeable augers come in three diameters and can bore down to 90cm (about 3 ft).
If rainfall is less consistent orchards need to be watered for some periods. The Winton Ripper & Pipe Layer is a quick and easy solution for laying flexible pipe to transport water from the main supply to the orchard. As the pipe is laid at the same time as the furrow is ripped in the ground, it negates the need for digging out a trench and allows the furrow to be easily flattened afterwards.
Farm Tech Supplies offer a wide range of attachments for compact tractors. Stocking the full range from our premises in Hampshire we’re ready to fulfil all your orchard machinery needs – contact us now!
We have an extensive network of dealers throughout the UK. If you’d like to find a local or would like to become a dealer, please get in touch.
