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Tree Maintenance and Pruning Information

 

Pruning

Master Gardeners teach pruning classes each spring. Learn how to prune apple trees and help maintain the orchard. Trained volunteers are also available to assist people at the pruning parties which will be held at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Saturdays:

Feb 11,

March 10 and 24,

April 14 and 28,

May 19

People are also welcome to come at their convenience to prune their trees. Recommended pruning tools include work gloves, hand pruners, loppers, and hand saws. Some tools available on site.

FREE MASTER GARDENER PRUNING CLASS

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

7pm - 9pm

Location: United Church 3912 Grandview Drive West, University Place.

Novice and experienced pruners can also recieve free instructions from Master Gardeners during the Saturday pruning parties.

Also, for more information on pruning techniques utilize our Master Gardeners link or go to our tree care page

Insect Management Classes

Learn how to control undesireable insects and get the best fruit from the tree. CORE sponsors classes on Apple Maggots in late Spring.

Apple Maggots -- Saturday June 9, 2012from 10 a.m. to noon at the barn.

Fee $5. Learn how to concoct a sticky solution to eradicate the dreaded apple maggot. All participants get a free sticky apple to take home. After the class, help volunteers hang the apples throughout the orchard. To register, call Parks & Recreaction at 253-460-2530

Tree Maintenance

Apple trees should be thinned in early June when the fruit is approximately the size of a nickel. The fruit should not touch each other. Gently twist off the excess fruit and dispose of the clippings in the dumpsters near the barn. Thinning allows the remaining fruit to grow.