Dendric Estate is planting 3,250 new trees this spring — its largest single planting yet — expanding the orchard to more than 6 acres of trellised, high-density plantings at 6,400 ft in Kamas. “Since our first planting in 2020, we’ve trialed over 40 varietals across 3 acres to identify w hich apples are best suited to our climate and soil,” said Dendric Estate Founder Brendan Coyle. “This planting marks the beginning of our transition from a research-and-development orchard to a full production orchard and reflects a shift toward planting only those varietals that naturally succeed here.” As an organically operated orchard, Dendric Estate aims to be as low-impact as possible by prioritizing varietals that do not require intensive inputs to grow successfully in the unique environment. This spring’s planting includes 1,550 Virginia Hewes and 1,700 Redfield, two cider-specific varietals that thrive in the high-elevation orchard. The semi-dwarf trees begin producing fruit in year three and reach full production by year five, which supports long-term estate cider production. Similar to a vineyard, the orchard is planted using a trellis system, allowing for efficient maintenance, precise irrigation and streamlined harvesting. All trees are grown on disease-resistant, drought-tolerant rootstocks. In-row micro-sprinkler irrigation directs water to the root zone and significantly reduces evaporation loss and overall water use. The orchard incorporates hardwood mulch sourced from local partners, which helps retain soil moisture, reduce water usage and naturally enrich the soil as it breaks down, which the cidery said supports the broader ecosystem. Dendric Estate grows exclusively cider-specific apples, which are naturally high in tannins and acids, creating the structure and complexity needed for sparkling cider, and distinctly different from culinary apples found in grocery stores. In addition to estate fruit, Dendric Estate sources apples from partner orchards across the Mountain West, particularly for varietals that do not thrive at higher elevations. Planting will take place in the first half of May, with the orchard reopening to the public afterward for guests to stroll during bottle shop hours, Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Dendric Estate’s flagship cider, Dry Cut, is available in 750ml and 375ml formats at the bottle shop and can be purchased by the bottle or by the case (12 bottles per case, both formats). As Dry Cut’s availability expands, updates will be shared at @dendricestate on Instagram. For more info, visit dendricestate.com. The post Dendric Estate to plant over 3,000 new trees in May appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less