Take your pruning skills to the next level and join Clallam County Master Gardener Keith Dekker for the Green Thumb Education Series presentation “Pruning — Beyond the Basics: Espalier, Pollarding, and Coppicing,” set for noon-1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, at the Port Angeles Library, 2210 S. Peabody St.
Join the presentation via Zoom at extension.wsu.edu/clallam (meeting ID 936 2989 8830, passcode 676224). Or, join by phone by calling 253-215-8782.
Learn methods to control the size of a tree or shrub in a small garden area, where a full-size plant may be too large.
Dekker will discuss how pollarding, coppicing and espalier have been used for centuries in Europe as techniques to produce fuel for heating and cooking, animal feed, fencing, framing and basket making.
He will describe the process of developing espalier and pollarded trees and their continued care; ways to use coppicing to enhance beauty and extend a plant’s life; and how to renovate malpruned plants.
Attendees will learn: what it takes to maintain these forms; which plants to use, and how to develop them from a young plant; what pruning tools to use with the type of pruning cuts needed; and, the difference between pollarding and tree topping.
Dekker said the presentation will help gardeners better understand these pruning forms in gardens and landscapes. “There is a big difference between pollarded trees and tree topping,” Keith said, “One is done with forethought and precision, and one is not. Coppicing is a great technique to use when renewing the growth on a shrub for visual effect. It is also a way to renovate shrubs that have been pruned incorrectly for years. I have used this pruning technique many times. Many homeowners would love to have fruit trees, but don’t have enough room. Espalier trees take up less space and can produce plenty of full-size fruit.”
Dekker has been involved in horticulture for over 47 years, the last 32 of which have focused on the comprehensive care of residential landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. As a Clallam County Master Gardener and active volunteer with PlantAmnesty, he contributes to his community by teaching and giving talks to promote best practices for successful, sustainable gardening.
Sponsored by WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners, the Green Thumbs Garden Tips education series is offered on the second and fourth Thursday each month through October (in November, December and January, one program is offered). Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar (extension.wsu.edu/clallam) for the latest information on upcoming presentations.
For more information, call 360-565-2679.
