Pruning Strategies for High Density ‘Montmorency\u27 Tart Cherry

The tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) is the most significant fruit tree crop in Utah, accounting for roughly 51% of the total statewide commercial fruit acreage. In order to accommodate harvesting equipment, tart cherries are grown in conventional orchards with large trees spaced up to 5.5 meters apart. New methods of harvest are adapted to smaller trees in tighter spaced high density (HD) orchards. HD orchards bear fruit earlier in the orchard life than conventional orchards, but likely require different pruning and management strategies, which have not yet been determined for tart cherry. Experimental HD orchards were used to determine the type of renewal pruning cuts to maintain orchard productivity, and to determine whether mechanical pruning (hedging) could be used to maintain tree size. It was found that when removing branches during pruning, leaving the branch stub at least 10 cm long greatly increases the likelihood of getting adequate renewal growth. Mechanical hedging at bloom or 45 days after bloom did not change yields or fruit quality when applied to a well-pruned and maintained orchard. Spray pattern analysis in these canopies suggested that hedging creates a more consistent canopy density than unhedged HD canopies. This research provides distinct guidelines on renewal pruning of tart cherry to maintain productivity, and shows that mechanical hedging strategies can be a viable option for maintaining tree size in HD plantings without increasing pruning costs

Crabapples in the Landscape

Crabapples are ornamental trees closely related to common apple trees and are distinguished by fruit size. There are approximately 100 commonly planted varieties of apple trees. Crabapples make an excellent addition to Utah landscapes as they are considered to be drought tolerant, low maintenance, and versatile trees that can withstand the sometimes harsh climate conditions in Utah. Crabapples proved year round interest with profuse spring bloom, bright fall colors, and persistent fruit that can be brightly colored and attractive to native birds in the winter months

Maples in the Landscape

Maple trees (Acer sp.) are a common fixture and beautiful addition to Utah landscapes. There are over one hundred species, each with numerous cultivars (cultivated varieties) that are native to both North America and much of Northern Europe. Trees vary in size and shape, from small, almost prostrate forms like certain Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) and shrubby bigtooth maples (Acer grandidentatum) to large and stately shade trees like the Norway maple (Acer platanoides). Tree shape can vary greatly, ranging from upright, columnar, rounded, pyramidal to spreading. Because trees come in a range of shapes and sizes, there is almost always a spot in a landscape that can be enhanced by the addition of a maple. Maples can create a focal point and ornamental interest in the landscape, providing interesting textures and colors, and of course, shade. Fall colors typically range from yellow to bright red, adding a burst of color to the landscape late in the season. This fact sheet reviews recommended cultivars and their planting and care

Training and Pruning Tart Cherries

Training and pruning tart cherry trees is critical to the production of quality fruit. The benefits of proper pruning and training are abundant yields of high-quality fruit. Pruning and training early in the life of the tree is critical to establish the desired tree form, and to make future pruning and maintenance less complicated. It is important to note that not every tree will be picture-perfect, as trees are unique in their shape and form, however, following proper pruning principles will give imperfect trees the best opportunity to produce fruit. The main objectives of pruning are to 1) develop good structure and strong limbs, 2) control the height of the tree, allowing for easier harvest, 3) maintain a new supply of limbs that are of optimal fruit-bearing age and placement, and 4) remove any damaged, diseased, or non-productive growth

Thriving Hives, Beekeeping Monthly Calendar

This calendar was created in an effort to simplify and make beekeeping easier to understand and learn for the beginning beekeeper. The calendar offers a broad understanding of what is happening in the hive in addition to guidelines for basic beekeeping tasks on a monthly basis. The calendar also provides users with lists of in-bloom plants to look for in the landscape as the beekeeping season progresses. This can help beekeepers assess resources available for the bees in the landscape. In addition to the monthly tasks, suggested recipes for some of the feeding supplements and treatments mentioned in the calendar are included to aid the beekeeper in implementation of these tasks

Setting Up Your Hive and Installing Bees

Getting your hive set up and your bees installed is an exciting first step for a beekeeper. However, it can also be a confusing and anxious time if it is your first experience. As there are many different methods for installing bees, this fact sheet provides a guide for the first time beekeeper. As you become more comfortable and experienced with your bees, you may modify these recommendations and methods to you own preferences

Tart Cherries in the Garden

Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus), also known as sour cherry or pie cherry, is an excellent addition to home orchards that is often overlooked. Trees can easily be tucked into landscapes and can provide an abundant supply of cherries for freezing, drying, canning, juicing, and preserves. Several cultivars are available for selection and may be purchased on semi-dwarfing rootstocks to help trees maintain a manageable size. Trees generally grow well in Utah climates and conditions and are relatively easy to maintain and prune. Potential insect and disease problems are minimal and include Powdery Mildew and Western Cherry Fruit Fly. These potential problems can be well managed using integrated pest management techniques

Landscaping for Season Long Color

This fact sheet describes plants that can give landscapes color all season long with blooms in spring, summer, fall and winter interests. It includes a listing of trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, ground covers, bulbs, and ornamental grasses

Splitting the Hive

Warming late spring temperatures mark the beginning of swarm season in Utah, especially for beehives that have successfully overwintered. Swarming is when bees naturally divide the existing colony roughly in half, with half the bees remaining in the hive and the other half leaving (with the queen) to look for new accommodations. Colonies that swarm are often left with limited resources, do not produce much honey, and can be rendered too weak to overwinter. Splitting your hives in anticipation of swarming can help reduce the negative effects of swarming, giving bees a chance to build up resources and strength before the next winter. This fact sheet explains how to split hives, which is a better alternative than swarming that can prove detrimental to colony strength and longevity

Beginning and Small Acreage Farms: Nonmotorized Tool Selection

Farming on 2 acres or less can be challenging, especially when considering equipment selection. It is important to carefully consider the equipment options available. Tools should be cost-effective, task and operation appropriate, of high quality and durability, and provide labor savings. Appropriate equipment contributes to farm viability by enhancing labor efficiency and crop quality. This fact sheet briefly describes equipment beginning farmers commonly need or use on small farms