.jpg)
TIMELY TOPICS
Recent days have brought some welcome relief from winter’s grip. After a series of mild winters, the first months of 2025 may have seemed harsh but the cold temperatures and restorative precipitation bode well for our soils and many of our favorite plants adapted to climates with a distinct winter dormancy period.
At this writing, the forecast indicates we are in a very good window for pruning many types of trees, especially fruit trees. After some bitter cold days in January and February, our trees have been thoroughly “put-tosleep” and this period of late dormancy heading into spring is considered ideal for pruning many (but not all) tree species common to the Rockbridge region.
From Virginia Cooperative Extension’s excellent publication “Tree Fruit in the Home Garden” we read: “The general purpose of pruning fruit trees is to regulate growth, improve fruit size and quality, control tree size, and (make the tree and fruit easier to manage). . . .
Most pruning is done during the dormant season, preferably just before active growth begins in the spring. At this time, pruning wounds heal faster, flower buds can be easily recognized, and injury from low winter temperatures is avoided. Summer pruning may be done to help train young trees to the desired shape, remove water sprouts and other undesirable growth, and maintain smaller tree size. It should be remembered, however, that all pruning has a dwarfing effect. For maximum yield of high-quality fruit, prune only as necessary to establish a tree with a strong framework capable of supporting heavy crops annually without damage and to maintain a tree sufficiently open to allow penetration of sunlight, air, and spray material for good fruit development and pest control. Although pruning procedures vary according to the type, age, and variety, all newly planted fruit trees should be pruned in the spring before growth starts. This is necessary to stimulate lateral bud development from which to select good scaffold limbs.”
“Tree Fruit in the Home Garden” has some helpful accompanying illustrations. Printed copies of this publication are available at no charge at the Rockbridge Extension office and online at ext.vt.edu where you type the full title in the search box in the upper right corner of the site. Also, at the Rockbridge Extension office there are printed materials on pruning deciduous trees, evergreen trees, and also shrubs.
We still have space available for those who wish to attend the fruit tree grafting two-part clinic being held tomorrow (Part 1, Thursday, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.) and Part 2 (Tuesday, March 18). Complete information and sign-up are available at rockbridge. ext.vt.edu or email [email protected] or call Tom Stanley at (540) 463-4734.
People are welcome to participate in the Food System Security Networking Event scheduled for Thursday, March 6, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Advancement Foundation Building at 245 W. 21st Street Buena Vista. Learn more online at https:// theadvancementfoundation. org/. Anyone wishing to attend can register by calling the Advancement Foundation at (540) 572-4542 or email nickie@theadvancementfoundation. org.
