Working Together - Orchards and Nurseries
Hilltop utilizes orchards throughout the U.S. as a vast testing laboratory for successful innovations that can be passed on to other growers. These include soil improvement, experimental orchard layout, disease control, tree training and a large-scale program for testing promising new varieties. Hilltop works closely with Horticultural and extension departments of universities throughout the country and has a close working relationship with Michigan State University. Many important developments have come from these collaborations.


Pioneered Dwarf Trees
In its constant effort to improve the quality, develop superior orchard and practices and achieve greater productivity, Hilltop has pioneered in advanced technology and taken an active role in other developments in the industry. As far back as as 1950 Hilltop saw the possibilities of dwarfing rootstocks and was one of the first to introduce the Malling series to this country and to produce them in commercial quantities. This meant "missionary" work for several years until growers were confident of their value. It was from this initial interest in dwarfing rootstocks that IDFTA (International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association) was formed starting with a few growers in a Hilltop storage room. Today, IDFTA membership is international and is actively encouraging rootstock research.


Better Trees Through Technology
Under our system, trees are dug in November when they have reached full maturity and are rushed immediately to cold storage where they are carefully inspected for defects. The result is that growers receive a prime, dormant tree in the most vigorous state of health.


Innovators in Improved Varieties
In Hilltops continuing search for better trees and fruit, Hilltop has had an intensive program of discovery and development of premium varieties. Out of this program have come a group of outstanding patented cultivars with superior qualities.

The Redchief Red Delicious variety is a phenomenon of the fruit tree industry. Starting with an array of outstanding traits, it has gained immediate acceptance of the grower community and is now the most widely planted Red Delicious in the world.

Hilltop has profited from these developments through its history and has in turn helped further the industry through contributions of its own. Many exciting things are in the offing and we look forward to many more in the years ahead.