Most apple-growing districts in the state are still located along the banks of major rivers. The average size of an orchard is about 100 acres, but some cover as many as 3,000 acres and employ 300 or more workers year-round. An estimated 35,000 to 45,000 pickers are employed during the peak of harvest. Washington state growers successfully harvest a wide variety of apples including Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonagold, Fuji, Gala and many others. Orchardists continually improve growing methods to produce apples that are crisper, juicier, more flavorful and store better.
Growers now use dwarf trees in high-density plantings to bring new orchards into production faster.
This allows orchardists to get faster return on their investment and to respond more quickly to consumer demand for popular new varieties. The smaller trees also improve harvest efficiency because the apples are easier to reach. Short ladders can be used by pickers. Each apple is handpicked. Translate this site to Spanish French German Italian Portuguese Some pages and formatting not available with this feature.