WSU News Archive

SULTAN, Wash. - Pruning and grafting fruit trees, typically thought of as a winter-time chore, can in fact be done during summer to improve tree health by opening the canopy for circulation and helping the fruit to ripen. It’s also much more enjoyable than clinging to a ladder during a blustery winter day.

 

In order to address these topics, WSU Snohomish County Extension will present two separate workshops on summer fruit tree care on Saturday, Aug. 18, at Ed’s Apples.

 

10 a.m.-noon - Summer Fruit Tree Pruning: This workshop will cover the basics of pruning with an emphasis on the techniques and goals. Participants will learn how to avoid exacerbating problems, the physiology of a tree’s response to midseason pruning, and what to look for when deciding to prune or not to prune. Bring gloves and pruners for hands-on practice.

 

Gary Moulton, WSU Extension fruit specialist, demonstrates what to look for during a summer pruning session at Ed’s Apples in Sultan. Photo by Kate Halstead.

1-3 p.m. - Bud Grafting: This workshop will look at different types of grafting, how to choose and take bud wood, choosing a receptor site, how to make the graft and seal it properly. Each attendee will receive a Victorinox grafting knife. Bring gloves for hands-on practice.

 

Both workshops will be presented by Gary Moulton, a fruit specialist with WSU Extension. Moulton started with the fruit horticulture department at the WSU Research Station in Mt. Vernon in 1980. In 1991, he took over management, direction and leadership of the program. He holds a master’s degree from WSU in plant pathology, specializing in fruit diseases, and a bachelor’s in pomology/fruit science from Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo. He serves as a consultant to the Western Washington fruit industry, has authored several WSU Extension publications, and has produced a widely regarded video on pruning fruit trees.

 

Class size for both workshops is limited to ensure a quality experience. Registration and prepayment is required. Workshop cost: Summer Fruit Tree Pruning, $25 per person; Bud Grafting, $40 per person (includes a Victorinox grafting knife), or both for $60.

 

To register, download the form from the Snohomish Extension website and mail with your check or contact Karie Christensen at 425-357-6039, e-mail klchristen@cahnrs.wsu.edu. Ed’s Apples can be found at 13420 339th Ave SE, just off SR 2 in Sultan.

 

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

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