A north facing slope will be colder, warming up late in the spring. Deep, sandy clay loam soils are best for orchard sites. Before selecting a site, consult a county survey map. Soil survey maps are available at most Soil Conservation Services in Vermont. These publications are valuable in determining if your site has the requirements for a long-term viable orchard operation.
Soil drainage is probably the most important factor in the longevity of an orchard.
If the soil does not have good drainage, there are some options available, such as tiling , but they cost money to implement. If possible, use a backhoe to dig holes 5 to 7 feet deep so that the soil profile can be examined. Poorly drained soils often have horizontal layers of light colored material. Soil fertility is important, but not as important as drainage. Soil fertility can often be corrected by applying fertilizers and by increasing the amount of organic matter.