Artificial hives may be introduced if required Fruit

To achieve good fruit size if over-pollination results in a high fruit set. If in doubt, it is better to provide the maximum number of colonies for pollination rather than the minimum since an overset can always be corrected by thinning and fruit losses to pests and diseases in organic systems are anyway likely to be quite high. In protected cropping, it is important to roll back the covers and open tunnel doors to allow pollinating insects access to the plantation during flowering.

If natural bee numbers are low, and it is not possible to introduce honeybee hives, many bio-control companies now offer artificial bumblebee colonies for both outdoor and protected production. It is now possible to obtain artificial nests for red mason bees to encourage the species into the area. Native red mason bees are very effective pollinators of fruit crops since they forage within a much broader temperature range than honey bees. They also have the advantage of not being susceptible to varroa mite.

 In advance of the orchard or fruit plantation, so that adequate shelter is provided during crop establishment. Most common windbreak species such as poplar, alder and evergreens can be planted in single rows 1.8m apart, although closer spacing of 0.6-1.2m apart may be used where rapid development and maximum shelter is required quickly. The windbreak may later be thinned by removing alternate trees. Single rows of trees are generally less attractive to troublesome bird species such as bullfinches.

As a general rule, windbreaks and shelterbelts should have a permeability of around 50 per cent during the season when protection is required and a good windbreak of moderate density should be able to reduce wind speed over a distance of up to twenty times its height on its leeward side, provided the site is moderately level (the greatest reduction in wind speed occurring at four to eight times the height of the windbreak). Dense windbreaks are undesirable since they restrict the flow of air through the orchard or plantation and, more importantly, can increase the risk of frost damage in certain situations. In most cases, windbreaks sited at right angles to the prevailing south-west wind will provide the best form of protection, although those sited against cold spring winds from the north and east may be more desirable in other situations. Growers should assess their own site carefully in order to decide on windbreak placement to protect their crop at its most sensitive stage. Care should be taken not to site windbreaks where they will assist in the creation of frost pockets — cold air must be allowed to drain freely from the site without impediment. If placement of a windbreak across a sloping site is unavoidable, the base of the trees or bushes should be trimmed to allow cold air to move through effectively so that a frost pocket does not develop.