New York Apples: Acreage Down, Tree Density Up

By Growing Produce Staff|December 11, 2012

The total number of apple trees in New York has increased 22% in the last five years, from 9.46 million to 11.6 million, according to King Whetstone, Director of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York Field Office. Acreage decreased 2% from 42,400 in 2006 to 41,000 in 2011. The number of trees per acre increased 24% from 223 trees per acre in 2006 to 277 trees per acre in 2011. This increase continues the trend of higher density planting methods.

Much of the increase in apple trees can be attributed to Honeycrisp, where tree numbers more than doubled since 2006. There were 754,000 Honey Crisp trees in 2011, compared to 317,000 in 2006.The number of Empire trees increased 13%; McIntosh trees increased 10% since 2006. Increases were also notable in Gala, Jonagold, and Zestar!.

Niagara County showed a 25% decrease in acreage, Columbia County showed a 14% decrease, and Orange County showed a 23% decrease in acreage since 2006. Wayne County showed a 3% increase and Orleans County showed a 10% increase in acreage.

Additional details, including other fruit trees, fruit varieties by regions and counties, and acreage details, will be released later. For more detailed information by county, click here.