Tree pruning at Merck Forest

Merck Forest and Farmland Center will host an apple tree pruning workshop on Saturday, March 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. The workshop, held both inside and at Merck’s apple orchard, will be led by Rico Balzano of Wells, Vt, owner of Little Lake Orchard and Agronomy Outreach Professional at UVM.

Participants will learn about and then actually prune an apple tree. Participants should bring their own loppers, shears, pruners, gloves, etc., though MFFC does have some equipment to borrow. Registration is limited to 20 people; please call 802-394-7836 in advance to sign up. Rain date is set for Sunday, March 8.

Cost for the workshop is $20 per person with a 10 percent discount for Merck members. Merck Forest and Farmland Center is located at 3270 Route 315 in Rupert, Vt.