Starting in the fall, growers do site preparation for planting and use tillage or herbicides to remove competing grasses and weeds. They also contact nurseries to order their planting stock. In April, trees are either planted by hand or machine. Hand planting involves using tree planting bars, shovels or spades to plant the trees, making sure they are planted straight and at the right depth to produce a high quality tree. After planting, growers must apply a layer of organic mulch for weed control or use one of the registered herbicides to prevent weed and grass competition during the growing season.
Weed control is required every year on every tree until they are marketed.
During much of the spring and summer the trees must be monitored for insect and disease problems. In addition, the growers face other biological obstacles including deer, gopher, ground squirrels, mice and voles. Birds cause deformed leaders by perching on them as they expand in the spring. Weather and climate also have impacts including damage from too little or too much precipitation, winds, ice and snow. Newly planted trees may require staking to correct leaning trees and to correct multiple leaders during their first three years.