Greg Lang explains how he removes buds in order to develop a whorl of limbs around the tree axis.

Greg Lang explains how he removes buds in order to develop a whorl of limbs around the tree axis.

  • High tunnels will reduce damage to sweet cherries from rain, birds, diseases, and insects, and reduce pesticide use. Under high tunnels, no sprays were needed over the last five years for either Japanese beetles or cherry leaf spot.
  • Gisela rootstocks and tunnel protection from the stresses of wind and cold will allow cropping in the third leaf and full yields by the fifth season.
  • High-density planting will give high cropping efficiency. The high density and narrow canopy will provide optimal light interception and distribution, optimal spray penetration, and minimal shading.
  • Low tree height and close spacing will result in high labor efficiency for harvest and pruning. No ladders will be needed, and harvest and pruning can go on in any weather.
  • Manipulation of the time of covering to regulate growing degree accumulation will help target fruit to the best market dates.