Estimated Cultivation Potential and Productivity – 6,600 m² Summit Edible Landscape

The total area was initially estimated using Google Earth. A more precise measurement will be obtained once an informal group of interested residents is formed or when the Board authorizes a formal Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate the project.

 Here’s a practical, conservative sizing plan for 6,600 m² (~0.66 ha / 1.63 acres) if we design it as an edible landscape (paths, seating, pollinator strips—not a dense farm). I’ll show counts and annual yields once plantings are mature (years 3–5+).

Plan at a Glance (balanced, low-maintenance mix)

Land split (example):

• 35% fruit trees (orchard-style pockets & allees): 2,310 m²
• 25% berry shrubs (rows/hedges): 1,650 m²
• 20% veggie beds (raised/keyhole beds): 1,320 m²
• 20% herbs/groundcovers (edging, under-story): 1,320 m²

Plant counts (conservative)

• Fruit trees: ~92 trees @ 5×5 m spacing (semi-dwarf mix: citrus, apple/pear, stone fruit, fig, persimmon, pomegranate, etc.).
• Berry shrubs: ~550 bushes (footprint ~3 m²/bush incl. paths)—mix of blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, gooseberry, currant.
• Veggie beds: ~924 m² of net bed area (assumes 70% of the 1,320 m² is actual beds after paths/edges).
• Herbs/groundcovers: ~2,640 plants (approx. 2 plants/m²): rosemary, thyme, oregano, chives, mint (contained), strawberries, edible flowers.

Annual production (steady-state, conservative)

• Fruit trees: avg ~40 lb/tree ⇒ ~3,680 lb/yr
  (semi-dwarf average; some trees vary 25–150 lb depending on species and age)
• Berry shrubs: avg ~4 lb/bush ⇒ ~2,200 lb/yr
• Veg beds: ~2.0 kg/m²/yr → ~924 m² ≈ 1,848 kg ⇒ ~4,074 lb/yr
  (low-input, HOA-friendly rotation; not intensive market-garden levels)
• Herbs/groundcovers: ~1.0 kg/m²/yr → ~1,320 kg ⇒ ~2,910 lb/yr
  (culinary harvests + living mulch; harvested gradually)

Total (conservative): ~12,900 lb/year

 (~6.4 tons)

That’s plenty for weekly harvest tables in-season, cooking classes, and “take-what-you-need” bins—plus surplus for food-pantry donations at peak.

Alternative tree scenarios (choose what fits Summit best)

• Higher tree count (dwarf focus): Use 3×3 m for dwarf apples/pears/stone fruit inside the same 2,310 m² tree allocation → ~170 trees.
  
• Lower per-tree yield (say ~25 lb avg) but more trees ⇒ ~4,250 lb fruit/yr.
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• Lower tree count (heritage/full-size): 8×8 m pockets → fewer than 60 trees, bigger canopy, longer ramp-up, larger shade benefit, similar total fruit once mature.

Maturity & ramp-up

• Year 1: Establishment (mulch, irrigation, stakes, minimal harvest).
• Years 2–3: Meaningful berry/herb/veg harvests; first proper tree crops.
• Years 4–5+: Trees hit stride; totals approach the conservative figures above.
• Longevity: Well-chosen perennials provide 10–30+ years of production with moderate care.

Water & maintenance (HOA-friendly)

• Irrigation: Drip on trees/shrubs; micro-lines for beds. Mulch heavy (5–8 cm).
• Labor model: Flexible—(a) resident volunteers; (b) small annual fee to fund a contractor; (c) add edible-care line items to the existing landscape contract; (d) HOA Committee oversight for standards.
• Seasonality: Schedule 2–3 community workdays (spring/fall) + light weekly tasks (pruning touch-ups, harvesting, path keeping).
• Access & aesthetics: Keep clear paths, benches, signage (“Pick-Here”), and pollinator strips; this maintains curb appeal and reduces complaints.

Quick cost-savings logic (why this pencils out)

• Replacing thirsty ornamentals/turf with mulched, drip-irrigated perennials cuts water and mowing.
• Fruiting shrubs/trees have fewer cycles than flower-heavy annuals (less replanting).
• Residents’ participation + modest contractor line item often net to lower annual spend while adding an amenity.