How does hedgerow planting help fruit growers reduce labor costs?

In the context of fruit farming, the term "hedgerow" refers to a system of close-planted trees, such as apples or pears, rather than a boundary fence of shrubs.

Hedgerow planting helps fruit growers reduce labor costs primarily by facilitating the use of machine pruning. Because these trees are planted in dense, uniform rows, commercial growers can use machinery to mow across the tops and sides of the trees. This mechanized approach significantly reduces the amount of manual work required compared to traditional pruning methods. Following the machine work, a smaller crew can then perform necessary thinning using pneumatic clippers and hand-powered saws from elevated platforms, further streamlining the maintenance process.1