This stage may take from two to ten years depending on the level of input, initial density of blueberries, topography of the land and existing trees and weeds. During this period, the blueberry grower receives little if any income from the operation. Field under Development Click picture to enlarge The second stage, management of existing fields, is a continuous operation involving weed control, pest control, pruning by mechanical methods or burning, ensuring pollination of the crop and occasionally applying fertilizer. There is no defined life span for a lowbush blueberry field. Once established, a field could continue to produce indefinitely if properly managed.
Initial development varies with the type of land and the existing trees and weeds.
Blueberry fields can and have been developed from abandoned farmland, woodland, and brushland. The cost of development, production methods and length of time required to bring land into production vary considerably depending on the initial land type and the amount of plant cover. The most cost effective and simplest land type to develop is abandoned farm land, where the blueberry plant has become established. Initial development may simply require pruning and an overall application of the appropriate herbicide. Often, scattered brush and shrubs are associated with this type of land.