By Cindi Galabota/SUN Columnist
I recently had the opportunity to take a small group of Colorado State University (CSU) Extension Master Gardeners to Yellow Jacket to the Southwestern Colorado Research Center for a fruit tree pruning workshop. The weather was brisk and a perfect day for hands-on learning.
The Southwestern Colorado Research Center (SWCRC) has been committed to agricultural research for the benefit of its regional growers for over 40 years. It is a 155-acre research farm located 15 miles north of Cortez in Yellow Jacket. Research is conducted on a variety of crops, including alfalfa, beans, wheat, sunflowers, sorghum, cover crops, hemp and emerging specialty crops.
A three-acre research and demonstration orchard was established in 1991 and is jointly maintained by CSU Extension-Dolores County, CSU Extension–Montezuma County and the SWCRC.
Presently, evaluations are ongoing with 75 different fruit tree varieties, including 21 field apples, 43 trellised apple varieties, two apple varieties planted in a “super high density,” five peach varieties, four pear varieties and three plum varieties. Also being studied are one raspberry variety and 14 grass varieties.
The orchard has 600 visitors each year, including people picking apples at you-picks, school tours, educational workshops and Master Gardener events.
Pruning fruit trees isn’t just a science — it is an art. Timing and consistency are certainly important factors that go into pruning a fruit tree, but your management goals and personal styles are also vital components to consider.
Light pruning starts the first season a tree is planted and intensifies as the tree ages.
Pruning should be completed during the winter months, and March is the best time to prune trees in our area. Pruning must be completed before the buds on your tree begin to swell. Bud swell marks the transition of dormant buds to active growth as temperatures rise. Some indicators for bud swell are increased bud size, color changes and softening texture. Summer corrective pruning is advisable, but no pruning should occur after Aug. 1.
Proper care of your tools is important when pruning fruit trees. You should sterilize all equipment before each use with 91 percent isopropyl alcohol. Bleach can be corrosive on your equipment. Sterilizing is important to protect your trees from diseases.
Some general rules for pruning are:
• Remove broken or misplaced branches.
• Remove congested or crossing branches and twigs.
• Leave branches and twigs that are growing out, not up, and are not rubbing against other branches.
• Prune the top portion of the tree more heavily than the lower portion.
• Make sure your pruning cuts are always flush and smooth, never cut flat so water can accumulate in the cut. This can cause disease.
• Avoid limb-tearing and bark-pealing.
• Remove all root suckers and water sprouts.
• Prune young trees (seasons two through four) lightly, concentrating on tree form.
• Prune mature trees more heavily, emphasizing form and fruit production potential.
• Trees that have not been pruned for three or more seasons will require rehabilitation pruning. This process takes at least three seasons and should not be rushed.
Right now is the ideal time to prune your fruit trees, and CSU Extension has reliable, research-based information and resources to help you with your gardening and landscaping needs.
To learn more about pruning fruit trees, visit extension.colostate.edu or email Cindi Galabota at cindi.galabota@colostate.edu.
Resources:
Fernandez, D. (n.d.). Updated by Westerman, G. (n.d.). The Art Of Fruit Tree Pruning. https://extension.colostate.edu.
Email list
Do you want to be added to our email distribution list to learn about upcoming programs and the latest resources? Email cindi.galabota@colostate.edu to be added to our list.
Or, to learn more about the many programs, resources and services offered by CSU Extension, visit https://extension.colostate.edu.
Seed potatoes, seed
onions for sale
Seed potatoes and seed onions are for sale. Place your order today for Colorado certified and non-GMO seed potatoes. Five varieties of potatoes are available.
Order by April 30 and pick up your potatoes May 12, 13 and 14 at the CSU Extension Office. Visit archuleta.extension.colostate.edu or call (970) 264-5931to learn more and place your order today.
Learn to can jam
Learn to can raspberry jam on April 16 at 5:30 p.m. at CSU Extension office. The cost is $25 per person/couple for one jar of jam.
Learn to can dandelion jelly on May 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the CSU Extension office. The cost is$25 per person/couple for one jar of jam.
Learn up-to-date canning recommendations, food safety and high-altitude adjustments in a fun, safe environment.
CPR and first aid classes
CPR and first aid certification classes are offered every other month at the CSU Extension building, generally on the third Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. Call the Extension office at (970) 264-5931 to register.
Check out the online option on our website, archuleta.extension.colostate.edu.
Join the fair board
Join the Archuleta County Fair Board and make history. Be a part of preserving the rich heritage and timeless tradition of the Archuleta County Fair and help plan the 75th anniversary Fair in 2026.
You’ll contribute to an annual tradition that brings our community together, supports local agriculture and creates lasting memories for generations to come. To learn more, contact Tonya Steadmon at tsteadmon@archuletacounty.gov or (970) 264-5931.