Pruning & Care of Landscape Fruit & Nut Trees

A UC Davis Extension course coming up January 25, 2008. From the brochure:

"Learn how to prune all major types of fruit trees for aesthetic beauty, maximum fruit production, good fruit size and optimal annual production. Look at the bearing habit and proper pruning methods used to maintain productive fruit and nut trees. While the program is primarily designed for professional landscapers and arborists, it is an excellent course for home landscapers as well, because of the focus on trees in the home landscape.

"The instructors give specific pruning instructions in lecture format for apple, pear, quince, peach, plum, cherry, apricot, almond, walnut, citrus, persimmon, fig, pistachio and olive trees. The lecture is followed by actual field pruning demonstrations on several of these species in the campus orchards. The curriculum also covers basic irrigation, fertility, weed control, fruit and nut thinning, and pest control of these trees, with an emphasis on organic and minimal pesticide use for fruit and nut trees around homes."

Click here for the brochure.

The Extension website says the course is not yet scheduled, but the brochure is out. It's probably best to call if you want to enroll before they get caught up with themselves.