The choice of rootstock and spacing is dictated in large part by the type of production system the grower wishes to use. Soil fertility and variety requirements are two other factors to consider in choosing rootstocks. The initial costs to establish may be higher but the orchard operations usually do not require investment into large expensive machinery. The other advantage is that all the work can be conducted from the ground by fewer people. The major disadvantage is that a trellis system requires greater attention to detail and someone who is more highly trained and skilled in handling the trees.
Good growers can get comparable yields from either type of production.
Currently there are no good methods either chemically or culturally to grow dwarf stone fruits. Dwarfing rootstocks for stone fruit are either unavailable or have not performed well in Pennsylvania. In establishing an orchard, site selection is often overlooked. Unfortunately, there is no variety or cultural practice that can overcome a poor orchard site. In Pennsylvania, key considerations in selecting a site should be elevation, exposure, temperature, soil and marketing strategy.