2023 Fruit Tree Pruning

Proper pruning of fruit trees helps to ensure that your fruit trees stay healthy and produce the highest quality fruit.  In this popular workshop, our expert instructor will cover topics such as choosing the most effective pruning tools and determining pruning goals (size, shape, light penetration, etc.) and will demonstrate how to properly prune different types of fruit trees to maximize their health and productivity.  Students will have an opportunity to both observe pruning of multiple types of fruit tree (pear, Asian pear, apple, plum, nectarine, pluot, and aprium) and to prune our larger apple, Asian pear, and/or peach trees under the guidance of the instructor.  Our teaching gardens also feature the quite unusual columnar-type apples and a mini dwarf nectarine, so students will observe a wide range of tree types and sizes.  

Please dress for working in the garden, and bring gloves, a hat, sunscreen, water bottle and bypass (not anvil) pruners and/or loppers if you have them. This class will be held even in mildly unpleasant or chilly weather, but we will cancel via email the day before if it's expected to be a total downpour or snow storm.  Let's hope for nice weather, and let's get pruning!

Note that this workshop will not address other aspects of fruit tree care, such as variety selection, watering, fertilizing, or disease and pest management.  Please see our separate Organic Fruit Tree Care class for in depth training on those topics. 

This workshop is always very popular and usually sells out, so don't delay registering! 

COVID-19/masks:  As of January 6, 2023, Salt Lake County is at low community COVID-19 transmission levels, during which masks are optional for in-person gatherings in WCG's outdoor spaces.  We invite you to wear a mask based on your personal preference, informed by your personal level of risk. During registration, you will be asked to read and agree to our COVID safety agreement.  To check your local community level, visit this CDC site.

This workshop is $25.

Discounted rates available to community gardeners with WCG or the WCG Network.

Online pre-registration is required.  No walk-ins.

Please email us immediately at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you find you are unable to attend after you register.

NOTE: We offer reduced-tuition scholarships for low-income individuals.  If you would like to apply, please fill out and submit our scholarship application before continuing the on-line registration process. 

Workshop Instructors: Katie Mulliken

Workshop Facilitator:  Marybeth Janerich