Summer pruning of fruit trees: Why and how

Pruning fruit trees in summer may seem counterintuitive, but it is an important step in the care and health of productive trees.

The El Dorado County master gardeners on Saturday, Aug. 2, will hold a workshop on “Pruning and Care of Fruit Trees in Summer.” The class will run from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville.

 “Learn the benefits of summer fruit tree pruning: what to prune in the summer vs winter, the reasoning, creating fruitful trees, and more,” the master gardeners note. “In this informative class for beginners as well as intermediate learners, different pruning techniques will be demonstrated along with general fruit tree care of pome, stone, persimmon, and citrus trees.”

 Registration for the free class is requested but not required. Register here.

In the meantime, the Sherwood Demonstration Garden — which includes an orchard among its garden areas — is open for strolling Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, through October. That of course includes this weekend, July 25 and 26. Master gardeners are on site to assist with any gardening questions, either about Sherwood or visitors’ personal gardens.

The garden’s availability depends on the weather, but this weekend shouldn’t be any problem: Temperatures in Placerville are expected to be comfortable, topping out in the low 80s. Parking at the site, which is adjacent to the Folsom Lake College satellite campus, is $2 per vehicle.

For more information on El Dorado master gardener events, go to https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-master-gardeners-el-dorado-county