Dr Suzanne Slack, assistant professor of fruit production at Iowa State University, will be sharing her knowledge on pruning.

“These workshops are an excellent opportunity for fruit tree owners, gardeners, tree care professionals, and really anyone interested to learn from an expert about the best practices for pruning and maintaining healthy, productive trees,” said Linda Cline, program coordinator for ISU Extension and Outreach in Webster County.

The first session will have two pruning opportunities, one for grape vines and the other for apple trees.

The grape vine pruning workshop is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cooper Vineyards in Humboldt, 1860 130th St. In this session, Randall Vos, ISU commercial fruit field specialist, will explain and demonstrate various grapevine pruning techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to practice pruning as well.

It is required to bring pruning tools to use as none will be provided.

There will be a complimentary lunch provided as well.

To RSVP, please call or email Jerry Cooper at 515-890-0712/cooperjt@wccta.net, or call or email Randall Voss at 641-660-5710 /rjvos@iastate.edu.

The apple pruning workshop will follow the grapevine workshop, but it will be held at River Valley Orchards and Winery in Humboldt, 1645 220th St. from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The session in Humboldt will begin with an informative presentation on fruit tree pruning followed by an outdoor demonstration where participants will have the opportunity to practice pruning a fruit tree.

Both the grapevine and apple workshops are free to attend.

The second session will be held at Webster County Extension office in Fort Dodge, 822 Central Ave, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This session will also have a presentation, after which attendees will travel to the Fort Dodge Area Gardener’s Apple Orchard from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to practice hands-on trimming of apple trees.

There is a $10 fee for the Webster County class for non-garden members. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and to bring their own pruning tools if possible.

“Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to enhance your fruit tree care skills and prepare your trees for a bountiful season,” added Cline.

For more information or to register for these workshops, please contact the Pocahontas County Extension Office at (712) 335-3103, the Humboldt County Extension Office at (515) 332-2201, the Webster County Extension Office at (515) 576-2119 or the Hamilton County Extension Office at (515) 832-9597 or to sign up for the Humboldt one online at: https://go.iastate.edu/6CMRWV and the Webster County workshop at: https://go.iastate.edu/Z4NLJG.

Virtual session on tree selection also offered

Along with their fruit tree pruning workshops, Webster County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has teamed up with Hamilton, Pocahontas, and Humboldt to host a live virtual learning opportunity to teach those who are interested about tree selection, placement and planting, post planting maintenance, and pruning in the Spring to help keep trees healthy.

This workshop will be held on Thursday evenings beginning on March 27 from 6 p.m. to 7p.m. Other virtual sessions will be held at the same time on April 3 and April 10.

“Since our area has been hit with bad wind damage due to storms and the emerald ash borer killing all the ash trees, we thought this workshop would be perfect for all those who have lost trees and planted new ones to learn the proper way to care for their new trees and help keep them thriving,” said Line Cline, program coordinator for ISU Extension and Outreach in Webster County.

Dr. Jeff Iles will share his expertise and along with the three virtual sessions, an in-person session will be offered on April 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hamilton County Office in Webster City, 311 Bank St. There is a $15 fee for the three virtual sessions and in-person session.

For more information, please contact the Webster County Office at 515-576-2119 or register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/UIGPIG.