The end of winter is approaching, and Rocky View County’s (RVC) agricultural and environmental services department is getting in the spring spirit by hosting an educational workshop on tree pruning for RVC residents this week.
The online seminar will feature a self-proclaimed tree expert and internationally certified arborist who will be leading the interactive seminar.
Laura Poile, agricultural services officer with RVC, said the workshop will cover the basics of tree pruning, including proper timing, pruning techniques, cuts, disposal, tools to use, and sanitation of equipment.
She added the webinar, which will be held virtually from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 2, is one of several educational workshops hosted by the County between January and May each year.
“This workshop we have tree expert Toso Bozic, International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist from Yard Whispers [a leading tree, forestry, and agroforestry consulting company],” Poile said.
According to Bozic, the best time to prune your tree is from late-February to early March, prior to foliage emerging, which can obscure the appropriate places to make cuts.
He added the second reason is because during the growing season, it is much easier to spread diseases when pruning.
“Cold days like today for sure will not spread any black knot, fire blight, cytospora, and other diseases,” he said.
Bozic added pruning is one of the most important cultural practices for keeping trees healthy, and a practice he refers to as both an art and a science.
“An art in making the pruning cuts properly, and a science in knowing how and when to prune for maximum benefits,” he said.
The arborist said a simple rule to remember when it comes to pruning trees is to avoid pruning unless you have a good reason for it – including safety, removing dead, diseased, or damaged parts, or to improve the overall health and aesthetic of the tree.
“Each tree has its own natural shape, form, and growth habit that has been developed through the process of natural selection,” he said, adding the webinar will help residents to learn all about proper pruning techniques, time, safety, pruning cuts, disposal, and more.
In addition, he mentioned when it comes to pruning fruit trees, extra care and attention should be made to avoid damaging the tree.
“Besides knowing pruning techniques, pruning fruit trees and shrubs requires more in-depth knowledge about fruit as a crop,” he said.
The most important piece of knowledge when it comes to tree pruning includes timing and methods of fruit tree pruning that may enhance the amount and quality of your crop.
“Proper pruning methods and timing are the key to bountiful crops and healthy trees,” Bozic said.
Lastly, he added participants in the webinar will learn the importance of “dormancy” during the two-hour session. Dormancy is the process whereby trees shed their leaves (if they are deciduous) and develop cold-hardiness to survive the winter and start to grow again in the springtime.
“Pruning always adds stress, but you prune now, and you have the whole year ahead for the tree to recover.”
To register for the webinar and get an opportunity to learn more about tree pruning, visit Rocky View County’s website.
