Fruit Tree Training and Pruning Workshop in 2021 To Be Announced This Winter
Here is a brief overview of what I will be including in this workshop:
After covering general principles of pruning (for example, identification of the branch collar, type of cuts, response of tree to different types of cuts, tree structure options, etc.), training and pruning practices for each stage of a fruit tree’s development will be covered. The sequence of pruning interventions in the first few years lead to a tree that can more easily be maintained and harvested in its productive years (vs. needing to correct limb structure after the tree is already in production). The workshop will cover the quite distinctive pruning principles used with apples, pears, peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries, taking into consideration the typical growth patterns of the different varieties, differences in location and characteristics of fruit buds, structure options, etc. Along the way I will also be commenting on the effects of rootstock and variety combinations that influence tree vigor and fruiting patterns relevant to training and pruning interventions. The use of various fruit tree training strategies (spacers, twine, clothespins, etc.) will be covered.