Feb. 19, 22: Get hands-on practice at pruning workshop

By Kate Halstead, WSU Extension

pruning-160EVERETT, Wash. – The winter dormant season is a good time to prune fruit trees, and a pruning expert who lives in western Washington will conduct a lecture and hands-on workshop Feb. 19 and 22.

Pruning can combat insect and disease problems affecting fruit quality and tree health.

Gary Moulton will discuss dormant pruning 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Washington State University Snohomish County Extension’s Cougar Auditorium, 600 128th St. SE, Everett, inside McCollum Park. He will continue 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Ed’s Apples orchard, 13420 339th Ave. SE, Sultan, Wash.

pruning-250Cost for the lecture is $35; lecture and hands-on workshop cost $60. Those attending the Saturday workshop must attend the Wednesday lecture. For Saturday, please dress for weather and mud; bring gloves, pruners and saws.

Enrollment is limited. Registration and prepayment is required to hold a spot. To register online, visit www.BrownPaperTickets.com
/event/438394
. Or download the form at http://snohomish.wsu.edu/documents/Pomology2014.pdf and mail with a check. For more registration information, contact Karie Christensen at 425-357-6039 or christensen4@wsu.edu.

Basic techniques and goals of dormant pruning will be discussed. A tree’s response to pruning and how to decide to prune or not will be covered. Theory will be put to practice Saturday as small groups prune trees at Ed’s Apples.

Moulton starred in the 1990 video, “Easy Steps to Fruit Tree Pruning,” demonstrating to western Washington orchardists and backyard gardeners how to safely and effectively prune for maximum tree health and fruit production. He has authored several WSU Extension publications, has taught at the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture and has been a guest expert on the popular program, “Gardening with Ed Hume.”

 

Contacts:

Drew Corbin, WSU Snohomish County Extension agriculture educator, corbina@wsu.edu, 425-357-6012

Kate Halstead, WSU Snohomish County Extension, khalstead@wsu.edu, 360-794-6081