Without regular care of both the meadow and the trees, a meadow orchard would become wild and overgrow within a few years. The following important points should be taken into account when caring for them.
How do you properly care for a meadow orchard?
Caring for orchards includes mowing the meadow twice a year in the second half of June and August, as well as regular care and training of the fruit trees, especially in the winter months. In addition, the root area around the trees should be kept free of vegetation.
Mow the meadow twice a year
Orchards should be mown about two to three times a year, with the cutting dates should, if possible, be outside the breeding season of birds. After all, orchards are popular breeding places for rare birds. The optimal times for mowing are the second half of June and August. The clippings can remain on the meadow - chopped as small as possible - and thus fertilize it. However, the mulch should be removed before autumn, otherwise it will attract field mice and voles.
Care for fruit trees
Caring for a meadow orchard definitely includes regular pruning and training of the fruit trees. Most fruit trees are pruned towards the end of winter; only cherry trees and young trees can be pruned immediately after the harvest. Fruit tree care also includes keeping the root area (the so-called tree disk) free of any growth between April and July.
Tips & Tricks
Check the fruit trees regularly, especially when they are young, for game browsing and take appropriate countermeasures. To do this, you can wrap the trunks with wire mesh (€208.00 on Amazon) or lime them - the latter also protects the sensitive bark from drying out in winter.
