Pruning Dates
& Insect Classes
FREE Pruning Class
Learn how to prune apple trees at a FREE pruning class on Thursday, January 26, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at The University Place Primary School Cafeteria.
Master Gardener and professional arborist Robert Sweet will discuss proper pruning techniques as well as appropriate tools. UPP is located at 2708 Grandview Drive W. in University Place. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting which is sponsored by CORE, the volunteer group dedicated to maintaining the Curran Apple Orchard Park.
Volunteers are also needed for a variety of tasks at the Curran Apple Orchard Park including hanging tree tags, pruning (instruction and tools available) and hauling branches to the dumpsters.
Tree Adoptions are also now available for the general public. For more information, CurranAppleOrchard@gmail.com.
*2023 Pruning Dates – Trained volunteers and Master Gardeners are available to assist people at pruning dates held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Saturdays at the orchard:
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February 4 & 18
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March 4 & 18
People are welcome to prune at their convenience AFTER receiving appropriate instructions. Recommended pruning tools include work gloves, hand pruners, loppers and hand saws. Some tools available on site. Please carry all trimmings to the dumpsters.
Adopters are also encouraged to view pruning videos online including Carol O’Meara Apple Tree Pruning on Youtube.
Core Revised 2020 Pruning Powerpoint
Other pruning info: W. WA Pruning Tree Fruit – The Basics – WSU Extension
Seeds of Change – Pruning Apple Trees: How and When for both young and old (video online)
To arrange for additional free guidance, please contact apples@curranappleorchard.com
Informational signage regarding proper pruning techniques and tools are also located near the Curran Barn as well as by the Espalier Fence off the Grandview Drive entrance into the park.
Click here to download the Student Volunteer Liability Form
*Insect Class at the Orchard Barn
Saturday, May 6, 2023
9am – 10 am
Learn how to deal with the dreaded apple maggot and other pesky insects at a FREE class taught by Master Gardener and Western Cascade Fruit Society member Bill Horn. The class is scheduled from 9am – 10am in the orchard barn, located at 3920 Grandview Drive West in University Place.
Please pre-register at apples@curranappleorchard.com.
Be sure to wear old clothes and bring gloves.
Mason Bee Class
FREE Mason Bee Presentation
Join local beekeeper Rick Mercier for a fascinating discussion on Mason Bees – the stingless little heroes that help pollinate the Curran Apple Orchard Park each year!
I have been raising these amazing PNWs very own, non-aggressive, and highly efficient pollinators for more than 15 years. With native bees in decline, it’s more important than ever to do our part. Let me show you how. Join us at the
University Place Library on Saturday, January 28, from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Mason Bees – Check out Orchard Mason Beekeeper Rick Mercier’s video on “How to ‘bee’ successful raising orchard mason bees” at “It’s all the Buzz.com”
*Tree Care – Visit the Tree Maintenance page to read about proper pruning techniques and tools. You can also visit the WSU Master Gardener site.