1930s orchard planted

• The orchard was planted just west of the Roeding home. 

1970s nursery became a park

• The last 20 acres of the 463 acres were designated a city park. When the city took over the care of the old nursery property, the orchard was still intact. A nursery leased some of the park property and the trees may have been taken care of for a while.  Over time, the trees died.

2002 apricots replanted

• About 40 apricot trees were planted in the historic Roeding Test Orchard. At that time, there were still some of the historic trees left - some apples and apricots. Also planted were cherries, peaches, and nectarines. 

2010s

• The trees were beginning to decline. 

2015 last good crop?

• there was a pretty good crop and ripe apricots fell unpicked onto the orchard floor. They were delectable! In 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 there were virtually no apricots. Why? 

2018 Orchard "Task Force"

• In 2018 a task force met to figure out how to renovate the orchard. The members had wide knowledge and experience. Team members had experience with fruit trees from many organizations such as: LEAF, Tri-City Ecology, California Rare Fruit Growers, Master Gardener program, and UC Cooperative Extension. The conclusion was that there was really nothing to be done until the orchard was properly irrigated and pruned. The trees may need to be sprayed with a fungicide.

2025 August 

• Phil Stob and the City of Fremont agreed on a contract to restore the historic Roeding Test Orchard. The remaining  original apricot trees have since died from lack of care.