In addition to the workshop on pruning, the Valencia County Extension Master Gardeners will provide free garden tool sharpening for up to two tools per person. Submitted photo
LOS LUNAS — Pruning can be a daunting and intimidating task but proper pruning is important to the tree’s health and future growth.
To help homeowners gain skills and confidence in pruning their trees and grapevines, New Mexico State University Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service is offering a free, hands-on workshop in Los Lunas.
A workshop on pruning fruit trees, ornamental trees and grapevines will be provided from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 8, at NMSU’s Agricultural Science Center in Los Lunas, 1036 Miller Road.
“It’s always difficult for a homeowner to watch a video or read a book on pruning and then go out and apply it to their landscape,” said Newt McCarty, Valencia County agricultural agent. “The pictures never seem to match the plants in their yards.”
The focus of the workshop will be hands-on instruction in pruning. Since participants will be outside working on actual plants and trees with the guidance of professionals, they should bring pruning tools, hat, gloves and sunscreen.
The workshop instructors include Gil Giese, NMSU Extension viticulture specialist; Marisa Thompson, NMSU Extension horticulture specialist; Curtis Smith, retired NMSU Extension horticulture specialist, and Joran Viers, city of Albuquerque city forester.
“Recommended pruning techniques have changed, and continue to change with new research. There are often more reasons not to prune, than to prune,” said Thompson. “Come to our pruning workshop and learn when and how to make appropriate pruning cuts.”
“Since the research farm has a wide variety of trees and plants, this is a great opportunity for homeowners to practice pruning and gain experience on someone else’s trees,” said McCarty.
As an additional service, the Valencia County Extension Master Gardeners will provide free garden tool sharpening for up to two tools per person.
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The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
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April 18, 2024
