Apple Tree Pruning Workshop

Now is a great time to prune apple trees. Pruning in late winter determines a tree’s summer growth and health, which is then reflected in both the quality of the fruit in the fall and bud set for the following year’s fruit crop. Join us to learn the basics of how to prune apple trees and how to identify and remove overwintering insect pests. Following a 40-minute indoor introduction, participants will go out to the heritage apple trees of Oak Point Farm for demonstrations and hands-on experience. Instructors Ron Ross and Fred Kraeuter have 70 apple trees, representing 50 heirloom varieties, in their River Rd orchard in Boothbay. Many of their young trees, initially grafted 4-5 years ago, are just now beginning to flower and bear fruit. In addition to the young trees, a few alternate-year-bearing mature trees have been producing thousands of apples. Ron is founder and presenter of BRLT’s Annual Apple Talk, Tasting, and Tour, which last September attracted 175 attendees. Space is limited and registration is required. To register contact BRLT Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org or 633-4818.