Yes, we do. However, because we raise bees and are concerned about the orchard as an operation that exists in harmony with nature, we use as many of the Integrated Pest Management techniques as we can. What does this mean? We monitor pests in the orchard, not applying pesticides until a critical level of pest is apparent We use methods such as sanitation (removal of diseased apples from the orchard floor) to prevent re-infection or recurrence of disease We try to ensure the free flow of air through the trees, using generous spacing of trees and pruning. We plant disease-resistent apples when we can (and provided there is a market for them). And we only chose the products that are relatively non-toxic to bees.

Colour depends on the type of apple, the local weather conditions, and the position of the apple in the tree. Some apples are green by nature, such as the Russet. Other apples are green because there has not been enough sunshine or because the apple is not yet ripe. And some are green because they were protected by the leaves of the trees, keeping them away from the sun's rays (sort of like staying inside playing on the computer instead of running around outside). You can tell if an apple is ripe by cutting it open: brown seeds usually indicate a ripe apple.