Apple and pear trees are perennial crops. The second year after they are planted they can be harvested, however, the amount of production is still small. These years the trees do not need to be pruned much. The need to do so increases from the third year. By pruning trees in winter, the worn-out branches are cut off and the trees are structured.

It is of importance to maintain the orchards well. Multiple activities need to be done. Branches are tied up by using plastic strings, when necessary the crop is protected against infections by spraying crop protection products, sick trees are treated by pruning of the sick parts, trees that lack certain nutrition elements (as can be shown by examining the leaves) are given the required nutrition. Ultimately, too many fruits on the tree decreases the size of the apples/ pears. On average, a tree can grow 100/120 apples or pears per year. Therefore, part of the upcoming harvest is taken off in June. To make sure fruit gets enough color as well as taste, fruit needs to be exposed to sunlight. Some branches are pruned off to realize this. This is called summer pruning. The harvest begins in August and the apples and pears can be picked. This is the start of the most chaotic period for any fruit grower.
The harvest is stored in cold stores to extend the shelf live. These are huge chambers that contain a low temperature and a low degree of oxygen. When fruit is sold, a cold store opens and the fruit is sorted by size and quality. The fruit is packed in the preferred package and is ultimately transferred to the customer by truck.