Learn how to tame overgrown landscaping and refresh your outdoor foliage or garden with help from West Virginia University Extension Service.
Extension faculty will offer a free landscape pruning demonstration from 10 a.m. to noon on April 26 at WVU’s Organic Research Farm.
“This is a great opportunity to get a basic understanding of how plants respond and adapt to trimming and pruning,” remarked Mira Danilovich, WVU Extension Service associate professor and specialist for consumer horticulture.
“Tree, shrub and foliage pruning are crucial for the plant’s overall good health,” she said. “Attendees will learn how to prune trees and shrubs properly so they remain healthy and beautiful for years to come.”
According to Danilovich, there are many benefits of pruning trees, foliage and shrubs regularly:
• Removes dead or diseased branches that can be unsightly and lead to decreased health of the plant.
• Promotes growth of plants in the vicinity. Overgrown foliage invades other parts of your outdoor space, and can starve nearby plants of light and nutrients.
• Restores the plant’s appearance. Some shrubs that have gone years without being pruned can sometimes be salvaged, which can restore the plant’s beauty and encourage healthy, new growth.
• Reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. Overgrown foliage can wreak havoc on power lines, and trees that go without pruning can cause property damage.
• Beautifies your outdoor space and gives your home “curb appeal” which resonates with prospective homebuyers if you plan to sell your home.
The pruning demonstration will be outdoors and attendees should prepare by wearing appropriate clothing for the two-hour demonstration.
The WVU Organic Research Farm is situated on 71 acres of land off Route 705 and Stewartstown Road in Morgantown. An interdisciplinary team from the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and WVU Extension conducts research on field crops, livestock, organic pasture management, vegetable production, weed, insect and disease management, as well as soil quality.
Parking for the event will be available in the lot at the front of the farm.
In case of extreme weather conditions, the event may be rescheduled.
For more information on the event, potential alternate date, or to learn more about WVU Extension Service’s Master Gardener program, visit mastergardeners.ext.wvu.edu.
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CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu
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