Summer Pruning for Fruit Tree Success

This hands-on class introduces home gardeners to the principles of summer pruning for size control and improved productivity in fruit trees. We’ll draw from the Backyard Orchard Culture philosophy, made popular by Dave Wilson Nursery, which promotes small, manageable trees in home gardens. Participants will learn how and why to summer prune, and how it differs from traditional dormant pruning. The class will include live demonstrations, where participants will observe pruning techniques in action and learn how to assess plant structure, identify key branches, and make cuts that promote graceful, healthy growth. In the final 15-20 minutes, participants will have the opportunity to practice their new skills under guided supervision. We will begin the workshops in the classroom to have a presentation about pruning, and also the time to ask questions. Then we will walk out to the orchard to practice pruning. Please be mindful that this is about a .25 mile walk out to the orchard from the classroom.