Above: A poorly pruned tree, photo by John E. Woodmansee
Do you have pruning anxiety? Have you wondered what to do about tree branches that just don’t look right? Purdue Extension in Whitley County will be offering “Tree Risk Assessment and Tree Pruning” free to local residents on May 15, 2023, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Whitley County 4-H Center.
Recognizing tree risk factors will comprise the first part of the program. Phil Woolery, Purdue Extension Educator and ISA Certified Arborist with a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification will teach about tree risk assessment. He will go over the general process of evaluating tree risk, and cover some things to look out for in the tree branches, roots, and trunks. He will conclude by talking about some mitigation strategies for risky trees.
Some trees with risk factors could have been assisted early in their life with some prudent pruning. John Woodmansee, Extension Educator in Whitley County, will cover best practices when pruning. He will focus on pruning younger trees so that they are better positioned for long-term survival. Woodmansee will cover why we prune, the best times to prune, how to best make pruning cuts, and the tools used for pruning. He will cover the overall goals of pruning, including establishing one central leader, eliminating non-beneficial plant parts, and branch spacing on the trunk. If time allows, shrub pruning may also be covered.
If you would like to participate in this free program, please call the Whitley County Extension office at 260-244-7615 by May 12 to reserve your spot by simply giving us your name and phone number.
Click here for a printable flyer.
