standard fruit tree planting
Realized:
2017
performed by:
Naturnetz Mittelland
Since the 1950s, around 4 out of 5 standard fruit trees have disappeared in Switzerland. The majority of these have fallen victim to the easier mechanical cultivation of agricultural land. In many places, the labor-intensive orchards have been cleared, and the land has been ploughed instead or used purely as pasture or meadow. In addition, many of the old, dead trees have not been replaced and the areas have gradually lost structural diversity. Standard fruit trees are extremely valuable for many animal species, such as the treecreeper, the green woodpecker and the little owl.
Green City Zurich has been trying to counteract this trend for several years. Planting of standard fruit trees takes place regularly in rural areas of the city of Zurich. This year, we were also able to plant nine standard fruit trees in Unteraffoltern for Green City Zurich.
On a plot near the Unterdorf church, we supplemented the last remaining old tree with nine young trees - two apple trees and seven pear trees. To do this, we first had to dig sufficiently large planting holes and line them with mouse protection mesh to protect them from voracious voles. We then hammered in posts that will serve as support for the young fruit trees as they grow. Now we could plant the fruit trees in the planting holes, fill them with soil again and attach the trees to the posts using coconut fiber rope. Finally, the trees needed water - LOTS of water! 30-40 liters are needed per tree so that the soil is properly washed to the fine roots and they can quickly resume their function after planting.
It was an impressive and educational experience for the volunteers - who at their age can say that they have ever planted a tree these days?