Applewood Orchard is owned and operated by Ryan Oberlander. Located on one acre in Hamilton, MT, the orchard is home to 60 fruit trees, and hopes to one day share its bounty with the community.

Originally from Colorado, Ryan developed a love for organic farming practices and an appreciation for soil and plant health. During those years he worked on several farms in Mancos, CO, built trails in Juneau, AK, and managed an organic fruit tree orchard in Sedona, AZ. In 2022, he moved to the Bitterroot Valley to pursue his love of everything fruit tree related.

For 4 years Ryan apprenticed under an orchardist with over 30 years of experience. He focused on building soil and tree health with the help of holistic sprays (including compost, vermiculture, and lacto-bacterial teas). Most of the practices are inspired from Michael Phillips from Lost Nation Orchard, Chris Trump (Korean Natural Farming), and Dr. Elaine Ingham (Soil Microbiologist), John Kempf (Regenerative Agriculture Agronomist).

He also acquired skills and expertise in pruning, thinning, harvesting, pressing and bottling raw cider, and organizing and running a small business. In 2024, he decided to branch out on his own, and Applewood Orchard was established.

When Ryan isn’t working in the trees, you can find him mountain biking, hunting, foraging, rock climbing, and spending time with his family and friends.