Do you have a big old apple tree on your property that desperately needs pruning? So do we! Join Nick DelPrete of Twin Oak Forest Farm to learn the basics of pruning apple trees by practicing on our favorite “wild” apple tree to improve its vigor and productivity. This is intended to be an introduction to pruning for beginners. 

Apple trees have been planted in Maine since the state was settled by Europeans 400 years ago. Historically valued both for their easily storable fruit, as well cider both fresh and hard, apple trees proliferated across the state. No homestead was complete without at least a small orchard. Many of these remnant orchards still exist, tucked in beside stone walls and nestled in reforested places once farmed by hardy Mainers. The quality of the fruit produced by these abandoned trees can range from pithy and bitter to surprisingly delicious, but pruning helps improve the flavor and production of fruit- whether for you or for wildlife! Our particular apple tree has delicious apples so we’re excited to see what a little skilled pruning, done during its dormant period in late winter, will do for future crops of apples.        

Please bring your favorite pair of pruners/loppers and a handsaw, if you do not have one Midcoast Conservancy will provide extras for use during the workshop. Wear warm boots and gloves and come dressed to be outside for two hours in seasonal weather. If the weather is truly horrid, we will postpone the workshop to Sunday, March 22 from 10am-12pm and email registrants of the change on Friday afternoon. Please email isobel@midcoastconservancy.org with any questions.

While this is a free event, space is limited, so we appreciate your registration below which is essential for our planning.

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