SUMMER Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop

Sunday, Aug 3^rd, 2008, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Summer’s the time for relaxing in the garden, and going on vacation, right?  Sure, and for a unique opportunity to learn about summer fruit tree pruning!  Why is summer pruning important for fruit trees when historically we’ve all been ingrained with fruit tree pruning in late winter?

Good news:  Summer pruning is less labor and time compared with dormant season pruning, but it takes special techniques and strategies, less material is removed in a more skilled and finessed manner which you can learn in this practical workshop.

Pruning fruit trees in the summer has not been commonly talked about, and many gardeners might even be surprised by the topic.  Now universities and experts across the country are touting the benefits of summer pruning.  Fruit trees for both quality production and ornamental value can thrive with summer pruning.  It is important to understand that the term summer pruning is not the opportunity to perform the late winter/early spring pruning that you just never got around to doing.  You’ll learn the difference, and about how winter or dormant pruning stimulates growth, often too much, resulting in unsightly and unhealthy water sprouts, and traps you into a yearly cycle of removing excessive vegetative growth and lessened fruit production. 

Be on the cutting edge of the best fruit tree techniques!  

This is a private workshop, offered in affiliation with PlantAmnesty, members of the Permaculture community, and local fruit tree groups.   PlantAmnesty receives 50% of the proceeds, so come and learn and support an important new opportunity for everyone.

The basics of fruit tree pruning will be covered in a morning talk, followed by demonstrations for the different types of fruit trees.  There will be an opportunity for some hands on work and lots of time for your questions.  You’ll learn what to do with water sprouts, how to get more and better fruit, the best way to keep your fruit tree a manageable size, and you’ll be privy to the latest information learning from real life examples.  There will be sections for old neglected trees, young and dwarf trees, espalier, and a once in a lifetime special segment on rehabilitating from major storm damage the largest known Shiro plum tree in Puget Sound.

The workshop is ideal for home gardeners, landscape professionals, horticulture students, Master Pruners.  Complete details and materials will be mailed or emailed to you prior to the workshop.  This workshop will take place at a private residence that’s transitioning to an urban farm teaching site in NE Seattle, at 7359  33^rd Ave NE.  Lunch is included.

Questions:   

Lacia Lynne Bailey at 206-356-7768 (please leave a message if we miss your call), or LLB@consultant.com. 

For information about the Master Pruner  program visit http://www.plantamnesty.org/classes.htm