Spring’s approach was marked on March 1st in Brookside’s Orchard when arborist Colin Davis, Conservation Commission member and founder of Wild Tree LLC in Grantham, demonstrated his approach to rejuvenating old apple trees.
Garden Club members will remember that Gail Jellie of NH Extension as well as Jeff and Susan Figley of King Blossom Farm advised the Commission last year. Afterwards, Commission Chair Dave Wood and Garden Club members then spent two days last March beginning the process of taming the wild trees to produce more flowers and fruit for pollinators and wildlife. It worked, and the Commission is excited to think of the future with an ISA certified arborist caring for the trees going forward.
Colin prefers to use only hand tools in pruning, frequently returning to the ground to evaluate the presentation of the pruning cuts he has made. As he says, “You are always pruning for the future.” He plans to bring all the trees down to more manageable heights over the next several years.
Garden Club Members are encouraged to visit the Orchard whenever they walk Brookside and watch the transition. Additionally, the Mini Model No-Dig Pollinator Garden will be in bloom thanks to the help of Garden Club members Rene Gustafson and Amelia Lantz. Please visit, take photos, and then “SHARE” them on iNaturalist when you do! The Commission wants to know what is happening at Brookside, and you can help.
Garden Club members will remember that Gail Jellie of NH Extension as well as Jeff and Susan Figley of King Blossom Farm advised the Commission last year. Afterwards, Commission Chair Dave Wood and Garden Club members then spent two days last March beginning the process of taming the wild trees to produce more flowers and fruit for pollinators and wildlife. It worked, and the Commission is excited to think of the future with an ISA certified arborist caring for the trees going forward.
Colin prefers to use only hand tools in pruning, frequently returning to the ground to evaluate the presentation of the pruning cuts he has made. As he says, “You are always pruning for the future.” He plans to bring all the trees down to more manageable heights over the next several years.
Garden Club Members are encouraged to visit the Orchard whenever they walk Brookside and watch the transition. Additionally, the Mini Model No-Dig Pollinator Garden will be in bloom thanks to the help of Garden Club members Rene Gustafson and Amelia Lantz. Please visit, take photos, and then “SHARE” them on iNaturalist when you do! The Commission wants to know what is happening at Brookside, and you can help.
