I’ve been writing gardening articles about grafting and growing apple trees for at least a year now, but I keep tripping over what people who grow fruit trees call themselves. Besides “obsessive apple fanatics” (speaking for myself here).
I keep using “orchardists” or “growers” in my articles, but these terms don’t seem right. I don’t think I’ve heard anybody say “I’m an orchardist” the way you’d say “I’m a horticulturist.” It’s usually “I have an orchard” or “I grow 362,283 apple trees and 5 peaches.”
Honestly, I’m probably overthinking it, but it bugs me that I don’t have a perfectly cromulent term that covers this specific area under the silvicultural umbrella.
@Rosefiend
There are many venues among those who grow fruit trees, and several motivations among them. “Fruit growers” will cover all of them.
Your query is similar to asking for a specific term for people who walk. If you want a single word that will limit it to a specific walking activity, then you’ll need an accomodating language.
orchard keeper, orchardist, fruit grower. Chat says the common professional term in English is orchardist, which I have often used over the years.
in English, the word “orchardist”is the correct and standard term for someone who owns, manages, or works in an orchard growing fruit or nut trees. It is used professionally and informally, particularly in agricultural and horticultural contexts.
by what authority is orchardist the word
ChatGPT said:
Good question—and one that deserves a grounded answer.
The word “orchardist” is widely accepted in English by usage, and it’s recognized by all major English dictionaries. Its legitimacy as a word comes from:
Lexicographic Authority
1. Oxford English Dictionary (OED)
Defines orchardist as:
A person who owns or manages an orchard.
2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary
A person who cultivates an orchard.
3. American Heritage Dictionary
One who cultivates fruit trees.
These dictionaries include the word because it has long been in documented, standard usage—especially in agricultural, academic, and government contexts.
Historical Use
The term orchardist has been in use since at least the 19th century, and perhaps earlier.
Found in agricultural bulletins, extension publications, and horticultural journals throughout the English-speaking world—particularly in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
Common Use in the Field
In practice:
State agricultural agencies (e.g., Washington State Dept. of Agriculture, NY State Ag & Markets) use the term routinely.
University Extension Services and horticultural societies refer to fruit tree growers as orchardists.
Used by professional growers and nurserymen to distinguish themselves from general farmers or gardeners.
I dont think im a Farmer, nor an Orchardist myself.
If anything i might be an Orchardman (a term rarely used as its an old term). I do plan on selling, trading bartering my fruit. And to some extent feed my chickens which i plan on selling, trading and bartering eggs.
Im not a Botanist or Horticulturist or a Plant Pathologist… but i think at some point or another i do wear those hats.
I am a Fruit Explorer i think by definition somewhat- To be that i have to be a forager, a fruit historian, an orchardist and a nurseryman. I really enjoy every aspect of being a Fruit Explorer. I reckon where some folks like to ‘hunt’ wild game or big game… or even fish… going from water to water to catch various things… I get great enjoyment growing things that i ‘hunt’ and have to ‘fish’ for. Maybe its some kind of deep rooted instinctual thing but i have it pretty bad.
For myself… i think of Machiavelli “the end justifies the means” really hits home. I think alot of us have sacrificed money, effort, time, and resources to grow things.
I do find myself having to be cunning, manipulative and i have a strong drive to use whatever means necessary to grow things here. Perhaps i am a Machiavellian Orchardman?
Is there a term or name for me? I dont think so. I think Freud or whomever said “Sometimes a Cigar is just a Cigar” rings true.
So for me i guess the specific word is complicated to say the least…
I think sometimes a picture says a thousand words…
Lexicographic Authority
Historical Use
Common Use in the Field
