Free Community Pruning Workshop, Nov 7

In partnership with the City of Buena Vista Tree Board, Boxerwood is offering a tree and shrub pruning workshop on Saturday, November 7, 10 am – noon, at the Magnolia Square Pavilion in downtown Buena Vista. This outdoor program is limited to 20 participants and open to all, with special invitation extended to residents of Buena Vista and Glasgow. All participants must be age 16 years or older, and no prior pruning experience is expected. The workshop is free, but advance registration is required.

Workshop leaders are Karen Stanley, a professional arborist and Boxerwood’s garden steward, and Ron Cash, chair of the Buena Vista Tree Board. “Whether you’re a homeowner, gardener, volunteer, or simply someone who wants to better care for the trees and shrubs in your yard, this workshop will give you practical skills you’ll use for years to come,” said Stanley.

The workshop is part of a new Boxerwood initiative supported by the Chesapeake Bay Trust MidAtlantic Forestry Fund. Intended to help homeowners build tree knowledge, the workshop will cover the fundamentals of pruning, including:

• When to prune different types of trees and shrubs
• Why proper pruning improves plant health and longevity
• Where to make pruning cuts for the best results
• How to safely and confidently prune common landscape plants

Proper pruning is one of the best investments homeowners can make in their landscape, said Stanley. Removing damaged or crossing branches helps reduce the risk of disease and storm damage, encourages healthy growth, improves flowering and fruit production, and creates stronger tree structure for the future. Learning the right techniques also prevents the accidental damage that can occur with improper pruning.

The workshop will combine knowledge sharing, demonstration, and hands-on pruning practice, and involves some limited walking. As an added bonus each participant will receive a pair of hand pruners to use during the workshop, then take home for their own practice. Those with question may email Stanley at karen@boxerwood.org. To register, visit the Boxerwood website or call 540-463-2697.

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