Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop #2

It’s time for fruit tree pruning! This workshop focuses on developing observation skills and equipping participants with the basic techniques and knowledge to maintain many common types of fruit trees. You will leave with a good grasp on foundation skills, as well as tools for continued learning, as you continue to pay close attention to trees and work to shape them to their environment and function.

We’ll start outside looking at the trees. Noticing how they grow and heal. Getting our senses attuned to their habits and desires. Then in the warmth of the indoors we’ll talk about what we’re doing with pruning (reasons, theories, things to be considered). After a short lunch break, we’ll look closely at the techniques and tools for the job. Then it’s back outside to gain hands-on experience on neighborhood fruit trees. We’ll look at tree structure, prune out those dead ends, and establish the direction of the growth and abundance to come.

Topics covered include:

Observing growth habits of trees. (What is the tree’s desire?) Objectives of pruning. (How can we help?) Pruning tools (and their appropriate/safe use.) Proper pruning technique. Where to start. Timing and priorities for fruit tree pruning. Please bring your own pruning tools if you have any (pruners, loppers, pruning saws, etc.) Please also bring a lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Workshop will be instructed by Chris Reynolds of Linnaea Farm (Cortez Island, B.C.) We will begin promptly at 10 AM and end at 4 PM.