If you don’t already have an orchard, the design process helps you to clarify your ideas and to make decisions you do not regret later on. The main elements of orchard design are:

 1. Objects of management of a local orchard

What are your objectives, and how are they ranked in importance?

 2. Site description

 Site factors include soil, climate, vegetation, wildlife, topography, aspect and exposure. They influence all aspects of orchard design.

 3. Orchard design in relation to site

 For instance, site factors affect the vigour of the trees hence planting distance, the likelihood of frost, disease, shading etc. hence choice of varieties, layout and boundary treatments.

 4. Orchard design in relation to management

 Relevant variables include protection measures if required, grass management, use (or not) of biocides, whether access for animals is desired and landscape considerations.

 5. Rootstocks

 The stages above lead to decisions about rootstock, which influences tree size and area required per tree, hence to a first approximation of the number of trees desired.

 6. Varieties

 Choice of varieties is largely determined from the objects of management and site factors, and is one of the more involved aspects of local orchard design.

 7. Layout plan

 Trees/varieties are likely to be arranged according to site gradients (not just slope), position of the access, boundary features, flowering times (to promote good pollination), picking times etc.

 8. Projected yield

 This gives an indication of scale, suggesting appropriate harvesting methods, storage facilities, labour and equipment needed.