WSU Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop

Prune Fruit Trees Now, Harvest More Later

Learn to prune your fruit trees from ‘the guy that made the video!’

One of the keys to good tree fruit production is developing an effective pruning regimen and sticking to it. Properly pruned fruit trees are more disease resistant and produce better fruit crops. However, knowing how and when to prune is essential for success. Lucky for folks in Western Washington, the expert on pruning fruit trees lives right in our midst.

In 1990, Gary Moulton starred in the 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. The video is still available and Gary Moulton is still helping people learn proper fruit tree care through workshops around the region.

WSU Snohomish County Extension is pleased to present Westside tree fruit expert Gary Moulton in a hands-on workshop on Dormant Pruning; Sat. Feb. 25, 2012; 10:00am-3:00pm. Cost is $70 per person and includes a catered box lunch. Location is Ed’s Apples in Sultan, 13420 339th Ave SE just off SR 2.

Topics covered include the basics of pruning with an emphasis on the techniques and goals of dormant pruning. You’ll learn what issues can be addressed or exacerbated, the physiology of a tree’s response to pruning, along with what to look for when deciding to prune, or not to prune. Dress for weather & mud; bring gloves & pruners for hands-on practice in the orchard.

Instructor Gary Moulton started in 1980 with the Fruit Horticulture department at the WSU Research Station in Mt. Vernon. In 1991, he took over management, direction, and leadership of the program. When the Western Washington tree fruit program was eliminated due to budget cuts, Gary continued his work by hiring out as a consultant and workshop speaker. He holds a Master’s from WSU in Plant Pathology specializing in fruit diseases, and a Bachelor’s in Pomology/Fruit Science from Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo. He has authored several WSU Extension publications, taught workshops at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture, and has been a guest expert on the popular program "Gardening with Ed Hume.”

Enrollment is limited. Registration and prepayment is required to hold your spot; Gary’s workshops often sell out. To register online, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/210026, or download the form at www.snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/Pomology2012.pdf and mail with your check. Contact Karie Christensen at (425) 357-6039, e-mail christensen4@wsu.edu.

For more information on the workshop, contact Andrew Corbin, corbina@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6012.

Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office or to the WSU Center for Human Rights. Persons with a disability requiring special accommodation can request accommodation 21 days before training at (425) 338-2400. If accommodation is not requested in advance, we cannot guarantee availability on-site.

Karie L. Christensen

WSU Snohomish County Extension

600 - 128th Street SE

Everett, WA 98208

(425) 357-6039

christensen4@wsu.edu