Neal Augenstein, wtop.com
GERMANTOWN, Md. – On what was supposed to be the first day of apple-picking season, Butler’s Orchard in Germantown is attempting to quickly work out a dispute with a nearby landowner.
“The apple orchards, which we’ve operated since the ’80s are not on Butler’s Orchard’s land,” says co-owner Wade Butler.
Butler says the four-acre apple orchard is located on adjoining property.
“We’re working out the issue with the landowner, and hope to be back up and operating tomorrow,” says Butler.
The popular pick-your-own orchard on Davis Mill Road has been operated by the Butler family for 60 years.
A long-standing verbal understanding with the landowner allowed his family to care for the apple orchard, Butler says.
He declined to discuss details of the agreement, or why it needed to be renegotiated Tuesday.
“We’re hoping this will be a 24-hour delay in apple season,” says Butler.
“I’m confident we’ll be able to resolve this quickly.”
Butler says visitors can pick raspberries and blackberries on the 300-acre orchard, and the farm market remains open.
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