The past 35-40 years has seen huge changes in fruit growing similar in nature to the computer industry evolving from mainframes to ipads. Tree training systems, rootstocks, plant densities and varieties have all changed radically. Apples have evolved from low density single leader pyramid orchards with Granny Smith and Red Delicious as varieties to modern day, high density orchards on multi-disease and pest resistant rootstocks with controlled varieties such as Honeycrunch®(Honeycrisp c.v.), KORU® (Plumac c.v.) and Envy™(Scilate c.v.). The cherry industry has evolved from Dawson as a single variety on seedling rootstocks to well over 40 varieties on clonal rootstocks.
McGrath Nurseries Ltd has been at the forefront of these changes and has been New Zealand’s leading fruit tree nurserymen for innovation and change. We have lead similar changes within the nursery industry being the first nursery to introduce individual color coding of trees, new rootstocks changing the planting densities in orchards, and importation of varieties that have increased production and marketability of fruit for our New Zealand orchardists.
While some things have changed, some very basic plant management skills remain the same but sometimes need a quick review.
The following technical information and resources are intended to be a useful tool for experienced fruit growers and beginners alike.
Resources
Caring for New Trees
The way in which trees are cared for will have an important effect on the establishment and future production of the tree.
Ideally, plant all trees as soon as they arrive. Trees should never be allowed to dry out at any time between lifting and planting.
Please read and follow these storage and planting instructions carefully to ensure healthy trees in your orchard...
Colour Codes by Year
McGrath Nurseries Ltd was the first to use painted colour coding in New Zealand replacing labels that are easily faded in our New Zealand sunshine or accidentally removed during the digging, shipping or planting process.
This identifying non-toxic paint is a means of positively identifying the tree variety for several years.
Below for your convenience are the codes for each year of use since 2005...
Consulting Service
McGrath Nurseries Ltd are specialists in the production of fruit trees and rootstocks. We know most commercial fruit varieties well and how they perform in your region. Growing quality fruit requires the right trees in the right environment with proper care. Basically, it's all about planning...
Conversion Charts
Orchard Layout
This can be a bewildering experience for new orchardist or even the most experienced orchardist when new varieties are involved.
McGrath Nurseries Ltd's expertise in orchard layout can help your new plantings become a success.
Please contact us as 'part of the team'...
Orchard System Puzzle

A successful orchard system is the result of a designed integration of a group of component parts.
The components include the rootstock, tree density, tree arrangement, tree quality, support system, pruning and training management techniques.
The pieces must fit together for success...
Process of Growing a Tree
McGrath Nurseries Ltd focuses the bulk of their production and sales on the production of a traditional high quality maiden tree produced by budding in a multi-year process.
We are often asked how a tree is produced and at times queried about the price of trees. Producing a high quality tree is an extremely labour and input intensive process taking several years. Like all horticulture, the crop is totally at risk to the elements at all times and highly trained, detail conscious staff are required to craft a tree for best results in the orchard.
Here is a description of the process we use to grow your tree at McGrath Nurseries Ltd...
Pruning
Shapes of Fruit
In our variety information sheets, reference is made to the shapes of different types of fruit.
Following is a visual representation to each of these shapes for your convenience...
Starch Pattern Index
Any data on the KORU® Plumac c.v. site will be referenced to the old or new index.
Tree Density
Spacing of fruit trees (tree density) depends on fruit variety/rootstock combination, soil type and a number of other factors.
Tree density and orchard management systems are integrated.
The following information should be helpful in calculating the number of trees to order for your orchard...
Library
Glossary
The following is a list of general nursery terms that may be helpful in understanding our nursery business...
Useful Links
Industry Partners
FAQ'S
Below is a list of answers to some of the questions we are frequently asked at McGrath Nurseries Ltd.
If you do not find the answers to your questions here or in our website, please contact us with your question by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 07 827 8281.