Selecting the Tree Farm Site

Whatever the dimensions of the farm area that a prospective fruit or tree crop grower will use
for this type of agriculture, several points should be carefully considered before planting. The most
important consideration is the site. The best sources of information for fruit and tree crop farming are
those people who are successfully engaged in this industry.

1. Slopping site. Select a gentle slope rather than a level land. Generally, rolling lands, uplands,
or sloping lands that are not too steep are better than level areas on river bottoms or valley
flows. A slope generally provides good water drainage: fruit trees cannot thrive with “wet feet”.
A good slope also gives trees good air drainage. On the other hand, avoid very steep slopes
which can be tilled with difficulty and are likely to be top wind-swept. A slope of four to five feet
in a hundred is sufficient. The general point to keep in mind is not to put the tree farm on flat
lands or land pockets but to select a gentle slope.
2. Exposure of the tree farm. The subject of exposure is especially important in tree planting
for commercial purposes. With small fruit gardens, however, it is of much less consequence.
Generally, planting should be done on the northern slope when late blossoming or ripening of
fruit desired. Plant on the southern slope when earliness is desired. If there is danger of fruit
trees being cut off by strong typhoons in your locality, a southern slope should not be chosen.
Trees, particularly caimito, mangoes, and bananas, blossom several days earlier so they
should be planted on the northern slope where they are less liable to injury.
Generally, the slope opposite the direction of prevailing winds is richer and deeper than
the slope facing the wind. One should consider this factor and locate the tree farm on this
slope where watering, tilling, spraying, harvesting, and other farm operations can be performed
with ease.
3. Type and drainage soil. The soil must be well drained and must provide extensive root range.
Fruit and tree crops thrive on a vaiety of soil types but they will not tolerate wetness. For trees
to have a long life, there roots must be able to penetrate the soil thoroughly. Good trees can be
grown in almost any kind of soil, provided it is not very sandy, rocky, shallow, or wet. As a
general rule, the soil should have at least three essentials, namely: good drainage, good
texture, and a fair amount of plant food. Good texture means soil that is fine and mellow, not
hard or lumpy.
4. Consider the market where produce will be sold. This market may be one that is some
distance away or the local market nearby. For the distant market, growers should be able to
transport their products in trucks, jeepneys, or buses. The larger the quantity that can be
supplied, the greater consideration should be received from dealers and the more readily the
grower can make a permanent place for himself in the market.