Macphail Woods hosting workshop on pruning

The Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project is holding a workshop on pruning trees and shrubs this Saturday at the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead in Orwell.

The workshop will cover proper pruning to maintain and improve the health and value of plants, whether in a commercial forest, watershed, private woodlot or around the home.

The workshop starts at 2 p.m. at the Nature Centre with a presentation on proper pruning practices and a discussion on tools and publications.

There will then be a handson demonstration where participants can prune trees and shrubs of different species and ages.

Participants should bring suitable weather gear, their favourite pruning tools and be ready to share their experiences with others.

Almost any public place is full of examples of how trees should not be looked after, such as flat-topping mature trees under power lines, leaving branch stubs or making cuts at the wrong angle. While it may look like the results of a particularly harsh winter storm, much of the damage that occurs on woody plants is actually the result of years of neglect or improper pruning.

The presentation and actual pruning on the homestead will show how to get the best results and avoid future problems.

The workshop is part of an ongoing series of nature and forest related walks. There is no charge and everyone is welcome to attend.

The native plant nursery is also open Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call 651-2575 for more information, or visit www.macphailwoods.org and Facebook page.