Auburn, Feb. 13 --- Yes, it’s pruning time again – the time of year when commercial growers and homeowners get their fruit and ornamental trees primed for the warmer spring and summer months.

Traditionally, Alabama Extension agents have been in the forefront of teaching Alabamians about the importance of pruning to the long-term health of fruit and ornamental plants.

Above: Tallapoosa County Extension Agent Shane Harris demonstrates proper pruning techniques at the first annual Pruning Fruit Trees and Small Fruits Workshop, held Feb. 9 in Coosa County. 

On Feb 9, Extension agents in Tallapoosa, Coosa and Cleburne counties held a fruit-tree workshop for 53 growers in their three counties and the surrounding area.

The workshop, held on the John Neighbors farm in Coosa County, was conducted by Neighbors, Tallapoosa Extension Agents Tommy Futral and Shane Harris, Coosa County Agent Roger Vines and Cleburne County Agent Chip East.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Lee County, Extension Agents Jeff Clary and Chuck Browne and Auburn University Professor Billy Dozier held an ornamental pruning workshop at the home of Henry and Cherry Sue Jackson. More than 120 people throughout Lee and adjoining counties attended the workshop, an annual event for the last 12 years.

"This the best time of year to prune fruit trees and many ornamental plants because the plants are under less stress and they aren’t undergoing any growth," says Harris.

Pruning is essential to control the plant’s size or form and enhance its beauty and character, he adds. It also promotes healthy plants by removing damaged tissue and allowing more air and light circulation into the plant.

Pruning also directs and confines growth and prevents potential damage from overlapping branches and poor crotch angles. It also stimulates new growth and increases fruit and flower production.

Harris, who also edits the Tallapoosa County Extension Web site, has written an "Outline on Pruning Ornamental Shrubs and Trees," which has been posted to the site.

The outline covers all facets of ornamental pruning, ranging from when to prune to types of pruning cuts and styles.