Introduction to Apple Tree Pruning and Orchard Management
Wednesday, March 25th, 2026. From 10:00am – 1:00pm the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tree Fruit Specialist, Renae Moran will explain the principles of pruning apple trees at the Waldo County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) , 685 Swan Lake Ave, Swanville, ME 04915.
Renae Moran, Tree Fruit Specialist at Highmoor Farm will demonstrate different techniques that can be employed to shape trees and contain their size. Specific topics will include the difference between heading and thinning cuts, how pruning severity affects the tree, and a general method suited for old apple trees.
In addition to pruning, several other important topics when establishing and managing an apple orchard will be covered including pollination, rootstock selection, disease and insect pests and much more. Participants can expect to learn pruning techniques that can be applied successfully in their own orchards. Cost is $15.
Register here
Educator bio:
Renae Moran is a tree-fruit specialist with the University of Maine. In her research, she aims to solve problems such as nutritional deficiencies in Honeycrisp apples and cold hardiness losses in midwinter. She is currently working on apple and peach variety trials and breeding peaches for cold climates. She also works at the Highmoor Farm in Monmouth, a research farm that develops research-based knowledge to Maine’s apple and peach growers.