An important element of managing the fruit trees in The Close and Community Orchard is pruning to keep the trees healthy, encourage strong growth and improve the fruit harvest.
Although our trees are newly planted they still need some pruning and we were pleased to secure funding from the Coronation Living Heritage Orchard fund to gain advice from a Wiltshire based professional horticulturalist, Richard Cripps.
Richard ran a small workshop in mid March to explain the importance of correct pruning. During the winter, November to March our pip fruit trees; apples, pears and quince should be pruned. This should be done whilst the trees are dormant. In the summer our stone fruit trees; plums and cherries should be pruned.
After running through practical tips on equipment and pruning methods Richard visited The Close and Community Orchard and inspected all of our fruit trees. It was pleasing to hear they were all considered to be in good health.
Richard also shared his wider horticultural knowledge and gave general advice on the management of both The Close and Community Orchard.
Later in the year Richard will revisit our orchards and provide guidance on the pruning of the stone fruit.