An apple a day keeps Doctor David away

"I welcomed the lastest snowfalls, making my job a little easier while I prune nearly 600 trees. An important job in an orchard and I've picked a perfect day, light wind and sunshine."

Our family orchard is located south of Audubon Lake near Audubon, Minnesota, a short drive from Detroit Lakes. The orchard is nestled above a meandering creek that divides farmland from surrounding woods. The rich and deep fertile soil sits above a clay base providing the perfect mix for developing trees and fruit.

This is our fifth year of planting with tree numbers approaching 600. The varieties include: Zestar, Chestnut Crab, Honey Crisp, Sweet Sixteen, Haralson and Honey Gold. We are evaluating small numbers of Beacon, Cortland, RedCourt and Fireside.

One of our goals has been to keep the trees free from insecticides, pesticides and similar products. After 4 years, we can honestly attest that we have fulfilled that claim. Instead of chemicals, we have concentrated on developing a healthy tree and root system, enabling the tree to tolerate its environment, producing a delicious, high quality fruit. It is our hope that we will have significant numbers to sell this year.