08/25/2026
We want to clear up some confusion about our orchard and the recent comments about “poisoning” the apples.
Like any managed apple orchard, we have to protect both the trees and the fruit from insects, pests, and fungal diseases. Apple trees are susceptible to a number of problems that can damage the crop, weaken the trees, and in some cases ruin the fruit completely. Protecting the orchard is part of responsible fruit production.
We are also actively working toward using products and a spray program that are less persistent and less harsh than some of the traditional conventional options. One trade-off with many of these products is that they don't remain effective on the fruit and foliage for as long. That can mean more frequent applications are needed to provide the same level of protection for the trees and crop. More spraying does not necessarily mean more toxic—it can actually be part of using products that break down more quickly and have a shorter residual period.
There is also an important misconception that “organic” automatically means a spray is harmless to consume immediately. That simply isn't the case. Organic growers use pest and disease-control products too, and those products have application instructions and required waiting periods before fruit should be harvested and eaten. Conventional products have those requirements as well.
The reason we specifically posted that nobody should eat the apples from the trees until we give the all-clear is because the orchard had just been treated that day. Unfortunately, we have also had people entering the orchard without permission and taking apples. Aside from the obvious issue of people taking something that doesn't belong to them, people entering the orchard can damage trees, break branches, and interfere with the work we are doing to care for the crop.
Our warning is intended to protect people, our trees, and our harvest. We don't want anyone eating fruit before the appropriate waiting period has passed, and we don't want anyone entering the orchard, picking apples, or potentially damaging the trees without permission.
We understand that seeing an orchard being sprayed can raise questions. We would much rather explain what we're doing than have someone make assumptions that “sprayed” automatically means “poisoned.” We are making thoughtful decisions about how we manage the orchard, while balancing tree health, fruit quality, pest and disease pressure, and the safety of the people who enjoy our apples.
Please respect the signs, stay out of the orchard unless you have permission, and wait until we announce that the apples are ready to be picked and eaten.
We appreciate everyone's understanding—and we appreciate everyone who supports the work that goes into growing these apples. 🍎🌳
