Apple orchards, regardless of their size or operation, will always need a reliable source of apple trees.
You will find that most orchard owners or potential owners are always looking for where they can purchase trees in bulk at wholesale prices to minimize costs while ensuring they get access to high-quality plants that will guarantee higher yields.
If you are looking to start an apple orchard or you already own one, below are the top places to buy apple trees at wholesale prices.
Where Do Apple Orchards Buy Their Trees at Wholesale Prices?
1. Specialized Wholesale Nurseries
This is one of the most common sources where apple orchards buy their trees. These nurseries cater to the needs of commercial growers by making available a vast array of apple cultivars that are ideal for different climates and growing conditions.
Keep in mind that most of them tend to offer discounts for bulk orders, which makes them one of the best choices available for orchards. Some well-known wholesale nurseries that supply apple trees include:
- Cummins Nursery (NY, USA)
- Stark Bro’s Nurseries & Orchards Co. (MO, USA)
- Wafler Nursery (NY, USA)
- Willis Orchard Company (GA, USA)
2. Tree Brokers and Agricultural Distributors
For a very long time, apple orchards have been leveraging the expertise of tree brokers and agricultural distributors.
These businesses act as intermediaries between nurseries and orchards when making bulk orders, ensuring that they can benefit from bulk pricing and in most instances even logistical support for shipping.
You will also find that a good number of them have exclusive relationships with nurseries, and this gives them access to specific apple varieties or preferred pricing.
3. Cooperative Buying Programs
In a good number of places, apple orchards can join or rather take part in cooperative buying programs where growers come together to make their orders and receive discounts.
You will appreciate the fact that they make large-volume purchases, ensuring each one of them can benefit from the reduced prices that come with bulk buying.
Aside from the savings, cooperative programs also provide orchards with the platform to exchange knowledge as well as obtain recommendations on the best-performing trees for specific regions.
4. Rootstock and Scionwood Suppliers for Grafting
It is also possible for apple orchards to graft their own trees, especially if they prefer to have more control over the varieties they plant.
In such situations, orchards will get rootstocks and scionwood separately, and this can be more cost-effective, particularly if the orchard has the appropriate knowledge and experience.
This is particularly a very good idea for small, family-owned orchards that won’t mind experimenting with different varieties without the commitment of planting a massive amount of trees.
Some well-known suppliers of rootstock and scionwood include: Treco (OR, USA), Willamette Nurseries (OR, USA)
5. University-Affiliated and Research Nurseries
A good number of modern universities, especially those that possess agricultural programs or experimental stations, tend to make available apple trees to commercial orchards, often at wholesale prices or reduced rates.
Note that these institutions grow unique apple varieties that have been developed via breeding programs and might make disease-resistant or climate-adapted cultivars that are readily available.
In recent years, Cornell University and Washington State University have carried out well-detailed research in apple cultivation and can make specific cultivars available to commercial growers in partnership with local nurseries.
6. International Wholesale Suppliers
This is another viable option, especially for high-density orchards and commercial apple growers. You can take for instance Europe, more precisely the Netherlands and Italy, which are well renowned for their advanced fruit tree nurseries and are always willing to export high-quality apple rootstocks and trees to North America, South America, and other regions.
Howbeit, note that sourcing from international suppliers will necessitate detailed planning as a result of the numerous regulations that govern the importing of plants, such as quarantine measures and full compliance with phytosanitary standards.
However, note that growers most likely consider these suppliers when they want specific rootstocks or cultivars that are not readily available locally.
7. Local Agricultural and Horticultural Shows
Agricultural and horticultural trade shows remain valuable sources of networking for orchard owners since it allows them to link up directly with wholesale nurseries and tree suppliers.
Aside from that, note that these events provide orchards with the platform to see the available varieties firsthand, evaluate their quality and pricing, and in most instances get wholesale deals for upcoming planting seasons.
You can consider going to events like the National Fruit Show (UK) or the Great Lakes Expo (Michigan, USA) that bring together both domestic and international nursery representatives.
Both are a superb option for orchard managers to obtain new information as regards suppliers while also negotiating bulk purchasing.