Fruit Tree Pruning Clinic & Work Party

One of the perks of being a gleaner is to be able to learn from experts such as Master Gardener  Doug Van Allen on how to keep fruit trees in top shape. This year's workshop for pruning apple, pear, asian pear, and Italian plum trees took place in January after the last heavy freeze and before the February thaw when things start growing again. Stone crop trees (such as cherries and peaches) are pruned in the summer after the fruit is picked and when conditions are dry.

About 30 people assembled to learn about which tools are the best. Doug likes the Silky hand saw and its bigger partner Gomboy. He also gave the pros and cons of using extension pruners which have a good reach if you want to stay on the ground vs. a ladder, but they aren't cheap. 

During the two hour session, Doug covered the nuance of why trim just above "collar” at the branch joint (it reseals better), how to cut to encourage lateral growth, and why it's important to keep light & air flowing through the limbs.

He also went over the basics of safety before everyone took to the trees.

• When using a saw, have your non-cutting hand to one side and not under the place being cut.
• Keep one hand on the ladder at all times.
• Don't step beyond the top two rungs.
• Make sure the ladder is securely anchored to the ground by stepping on the bottom rung with all your weight.
• Use an 3-legged orchard ladder vs. a four legged version for better stability on uneven ground. 
• Sterilize tools before starting to prune and when detecting disease in a tree being worked on (70% Isopropol Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide)

Once everyone learned the basics, they were turned loose on one of the "backyard orchards" gleaners pick each year. The day was a win win for gaining instruction, applying what was learned, and getting a private orchard shaped back up at the same time. 

The next weekend, more pruning knowledge was applied at the Blue Heron Middle School Orchard where gleaners shaped up 70 fruit trees keeping them low enough so that students could easily pick the apples.

"Learning by Doing" is the best way to gain a new skill while giving back to the community. We have a whole season of learning ahead of us. Volunteer at one of the Food Bank Gardens now or wait until fall and work with the Gleaners -- learn something, make friends, and take home some fresh food.