Where do I begin…….I’m not very good on a ladder, I am afraid to fly, and I am a strong believer that our feet were meant to be on the ground. Apple pruning on the other hand goes against all my basic instincts. For one thing, you have to be on a ladder. Not only are you on a ladder, but you are top-heavy because you have a giant pair of loppers in your hands.
And when you are not busy climbing the ladder you are climbing the tree itself. (Okay, this part is actually fun, despite its dangers!) Anyway, the idea behind pruning the apple trees is to maintain the tree size in the orchard, maximize the sun and air into the trees, and pruning helps make bigger tastier apples in that tree. (this is at least what I gathered) However, it’s a bit tricky deciding what branches to cut off. So I pretty much closed my eyes and hoped for the best. Just kidding….kind of.
Taylor is a true natural.
I’m a work in progress.
But I will say that our first day pruning apple trees was a success. We made a lot of progress and no one fell of a ladder! Success indeed!
You’re getting married in Jan. ….so no falling off the ladder.
oh boy! I love reading about all your farming adventures – this time of year is certainly pruning time. My parents actually hold pruning demonstrations on our farm so I know what you mean by needing to get the hang of it – hang in there, it’ll come:) Enjoy the quiet time in the orchards! How many trees do they have?
Thanks for reading along Laura! we have about 1000 trees. so there is still a lot of pruning to get done! It is nice and quiet, which I have enjoyed after such a long crazy summer.
You are awesome! Think I found you in The Times. Anyway, all the best to you and your man and that beautiful puppy. Sounds like you are having a great learning and growing time in your life. Your recipes and all that go into them are inspiring. Just an Upstate New York girl from Texas givin’ you the Hell Yeah! Karen
Thanks for reading along Karen! Where in Texas???? I need to get down to Austin and eat my way through that city!