We are considering some land that has one side of it partially sharing a border with a peach orchard with ~500-600 trees. The buildable area would be about 400ft from the first row of trees.

I don't know the first thing about growing peaches but have two small kids (4yo and 6mo). I was going to call them but other than asking if they spray pesticides/fungicides (which I'm sure they do) is there any other useful information I could gather? I have done a lot of Googling and there is a lot about living on previous land that was an orchard but not living near one.

I'm hoping someone here has some knowledge or experience they could share… Is it safe to live that close to such an operation?

All I can say have you ever heard of mosquito trucks and 90 percent of the posters are still alive from doing that

I'd worry more about how good the peaches are, is the property fenced, and can your wife bake a pie.

Is the fence jumpable? Would be a great afternoon snack

I grew up in an area that was relatively well known for its peaches (among other crops like blackberries, roses, ornamentals, etc.) grown by a handful of different families. My great grandparents and grandfather were growers.

Typically, as much land as possible was used, which means orchards closely encroached homesites. As in walk out a door, take a few steps and you were there. Yes, pesticides, etc. were used with not-so-precise application equipment. Along with piles of burning tires to fight off untimely frosts. PPE consisted of occasionally needing to hold your breath.

Most of the orchards are long gone. So are the growers, but I don't recall any that didn't live well into old age. What I've seen of current orchard practices are a hell of a lot "cleaner" than they were back when.


I can think of lots worse things to live next to and things to fret about than a peach orchard. Neighbors in a subdivision would be at the top that list if I was making one.

Probably would be better to just stay in the 'burbs...

Stay in the city better smog and chemicals. Seriously I think your over thinking it.

Grew up in and around pecan and peach orchards. Managed a pecan orchard right out of A&M. Orchard owners/managers are very careful these days about how/what they spray. They know there are risks to being careless, plus they are very judicious in their use of chemicals. They cost a lot of money and margins are already slim. If you have concern, I would suggest talking to the owners. You'll likely find a conscientious and responsible farmer that knows his stuff.

Take it from an environmental consultant who works for a nationwide homebuilder...These aren't much to worry about especially if you're next door.

Former orchard properties tend to have trace levels of pest/herbs in surface soil but not to the extent that it's a concern. Normal use and application doesn't even trigger additional investigation. The big red flags come from barns, irrigation systems, etc where the substances are loaded, stored, and mixed.

Next door I wouldn't worry much at all.

We ran large orchard for quite a few years (1500 trees) at our place here in hill country. Youve got nothing to worry about, you,ll see beautiful blooms, all the birds and bees and wildlife. Play you cards right and you,ll likely be hip deep in peaches. We sold ours to whole foods, randalls, simon david etc. some if the best peaches most people ever tried, including Fredericksburg.

up wind or down wind?

Here's an anecdote.

I was reviewing cancer rates in California. I thought the Central Valley and its heavy agriculture including peaches and every produce you can think of would have the highest rate of cancer due to pesticides and herbicides. Not so. It was Del Norte county in extreme Northern California coast. And that area is pristine. I just figured perhaps they had heavy metal mine industry before and contaminated the water.

This is my opinion...not based on any scientific studies.

I'm willing to bet that whatever you live near now is more dangerous than peach trees.

You don't want to live there. Also, post the address; sounds like a nice place to live stay away from.

ttoad4000t said:

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Is it safe to live that close to such an operation?

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do you identify as a coon or opposum? if not, then youre good

What about rodents and rats?

I bet the squirrels taste good!

Yeah, be a good neighbor and you might get blemished ones that can't sell.

Don't know what fungicides might be involved, but lot of Insecticides you can eat nowadays.

maddiedou said:

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All I can say have you ever heard of mosquito trucks and 90 percent of the posters are still alive from doing that

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Its the remaining 10% he's concerned about…

Spent my early years in Georgia - frozen peaches were great summer treats

Only concern I would have is my dog eating a bunch of peach pits.