The word renovation can mean different things to different people. Since this is a horticultural blog, we will look at it from the perspective of fruit crops.
What does renovation mean?
The origins of the word renovate are derived from the Latin renovatus, a past form of the word re-novare, meaning “to make new”. In one modern dictionary that I looked at, the word “renovate” had two definitions, both of which can apply in fruit production situations. The first definition is “to restore to a former better state”, while the second is “to restore to life, vigor, or activity”.
What is the fruit production context for renovation?
For the most part, the only times I have ever really encountered renovation in questions or practice is in June bearing strawberry production, and in orchard bush fruit production. For strawberries, the practice of renovation is conducted annually in established plantings. For bush fruit (at least on the Prairies), the practice of renovation is most common in old, overgrown, abandoned, or neglected orchards, or occasionally in orchards that do not prune regularly.
Why renovate?
The basic purpose of renovation is to reinvigorate a planting to a state of peak health, productivity, and vigor. It encourages more young, healthy growth, which typically leads to increased yields. It removes old, unhealthy, unproductive, or dead tissues. It re-establishes row widths and heights. It may restore lost nutrients, as a part of the process. Various pests may be controlled at this time.
What is involved in renovation?
Renovation can include the following activities, along with the associated purpose. I will break it out for both the annual practice for June bearing strawberries, as well as the intense and infrequent practice in bush fruit orchards (if you are not pruning regularly)
June bearing strawberries (established)* |
*not all practices may be carried out each year | |
| Renovation is typically carried out in early August once the crop harvest has been completed. If harvest is not completed prior to the first part of August (August 5th, as a general rule), all or some portions of renovation may be skipped. | ||
| Activity | Specifics | Purpose |
| Apply fertilizers |
Apply approximately 50 pounds/acre of each nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium immediately after harvest is completed (very early August) An additional 15-20 pounds/acre of nitrogen may be applied in mid-August Avoid late applications, which can delay plant hardening and acclimation |
Replenish nutrient levels post-harvest
Positions plant for setting up branch crowns, which form the foundation of next year’s crop
|
| Mow off old leaves |
Mow off old leaves to a height of 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) above the crowns (if done prior to August 5 in Alberta) Mow top 3 inches off if mowing later than August 5, but before August 15 Mowing should not happen after mid-August |
Removes old, unproductive, and diseased leaves Rejuvenates the canopy, which helps to recharge the plant prior to overwintering |
| Narrow rows (through cultivation) | Cultivate/rake on either side of the row |
Removes unrooted or weakly rooted plants Prevents encroachment on the aisle |
| Apply broadleaf herbicides |
Apply registered products provided the planting is healthy and unstressed and will not be unduly impacted May be done as spot treatments, as required |
Knock back weeds populations Treat weeds that have been exposed by mowing |
| Irrigate | Done as required (e.g. incorporate fertilizers and herbicides) | Ensure sufficient moisture for vigorous growth |
Bush fruit orchards+ |
+ not all practices may be carried out | |
| Renovation (a.k.a. rejuvenation) is typically carried out in the dormant season, either in fall or very early spring. It is a restorative practice to take an overgrown, unhealthy orchard back to youth and vigor. This results in the orchard dropping out of production for a couple of years and will require pruning to reestablish correct shape and canopy density, but the overall benefits are significant. | ||
| Activity | Specifics | Purpose |
| Remove all branches and growth as close as possible to ground level | This can be done using any number of methods, but may include mowers, pruners, chainsaws, brush hogs, or other mechanical tools |
Removes all diseased, damaged, oversized, and unproductive tissues, resetting the plant Brings down plant height to appropriate levels |
| Burn the areas at/above the crown with a flax straw | The flax straw is laid on top of the old crown area and burned |
Sterilizes the crown area of diseases Narrows the crown and row width Removes all aboveground stubs, which can be doorways to infection and disease Regrowth should be stronger and less thick |
| Narrow hedgerow (remove wide sucker growth) to approximately 1 foot in width | This can be done mechanically, or by burning with flax straw | Crown/row width will be more in-line with mechanical harvesting requirements |
| Apply fertilizers in spring following renovation | Follow normal fertilization protocols (To Do Lists) | Encourage new growth |
| Prune to restore canopy density | Remove excess shoots, avoiding massive bushy growth |
Improves airflow Reestablishes canopy density and future annual pruning practices |
| NOTE: Orchards scheduled for rejuvenation should NOT have any Casoron applied in the year prior to renovation, as the nature of this product will prevent new shoots from emerging | ||
Conclusions
If things go as planned, renovation can help to keep a planting and orchard at peak productivity and health for years. In years like 2020, complete renovation of strawberry plantings may not happen for all varieties, but some of the practices (e.g. fertilization) might be carried out.
Rejuvenation of older orchards can make good sense compared to establishing a new orchard from scratch. Care and consideration must be taken when looking at this practice, as it might be more appropriate for some crops rather than others. Regular pruning (e.g. removing one quarter of the branches annually – larger than a toonie) can remove the requirement for sweeping renovation.