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Intro to Fruit Tree Pruning: From the “Old and Neglected” to the “Just Planted” Fruit Trees

Grant McCarty demonstrates the proper pruning of a Fruit Tree
Event Date(s)
Location
On-line via Zoom
Event Fee
$5.00
County
Stephenson

Fruit tree pruning is a task that backyard and commercial growers try to do during the wintertime, but some years can go by without any pruning. Yet for the tree’s health and productivity, these trees deserve some attention each winter. This course will go over the basics of fruit tree pruning, steps to take to get started, and guidance on pruning trees that have never been pruned to those that have just been planted in 2019. Apple, pear, cherry, and others will be covered with a focus on the central leader and open center styles.

“Since 2017, I’ve taught this fruit tree pruning course due to demand in our area” states Grant McCarty, Local Foods and Small Farms Educator. “This comes from growers who have young trees, purchased a new home with old fruit trees, or trees that haven’t been pruned in the last 3-4 years”

This year’s fruit tree pruning classes will be held virtual, using the zoom platform. “While you might think that you cannot learn to prune using a virtual format, I’ve developed a color-coded system for teaching people how to prune that works really well to help you understand what to prune and what to leave behind. Participants will be able to submit photos of their trees and may have them utilized in the presentation” states McCarty.

There will be three offerings of Intro to Fruit Tree Pruning: From the “Old and Neglected” to the “Just Planted” Fruit Trees:

Thursday, December 17 at Noon to 1:30 p.m. 

Wednesday, January 20 at Noon to 1:30 p.m. 

Tuesday, January 26 at 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Registration is required to attend. Registration cost is $5. For more information contact University of Illinois Extension at (815) 235-4125.