Pruning Apprenticeship
The Welland Orchard Pruning Apprenticeship is a free skill-building and volunteer opportunity that gives participants the opportunity to develop a solid theoretical understanding of fruit tree pruning, as well as the chance to bring that knowledge into practice while helping with winter pruning at Welland Orchard.
Twice a year Winter ( January & February) and Summer (July & August)
About the program
The program consists of attending one training session and a minimum of three volunteer sessions. The training session is primarily theoretical with some limited hands-on practice. The volunteer sessions provide the opportunity to bring that knowledge into practice in a smaller group size with ample opportunities for feedback, as participants will work together with the Welland Orchard Coordinator to prune the orchard.
Who we’re looking for
This program might be a good fit for you if you are looking for ways to increase your skills and knowledge around fruit tree care AND are looking for a fun volunteer opportunity
Interested in being a part of the pruning apprenticeship?
Sign up as a Welland Orchard Volunteer on the Gleaning hub to keep up to date with the next pruning apprenticeship program
What you'll learn
By the end of the apprenticeship, participants will have learned:
Use pruning tools
How to safely use and care for secateurs, pruning saws, orchard ladders, and pole pruners.
3 pruning cuts
The 3 primary types of pruning cuts, and when, why, and how to use each one.
Prune for health
How to prune fruit trees and vines to support plant health and shape future growth.
Volunteer Work Examples
Tasks on the volunteer days will include:
Prune trees & vines
Pruning of a range of fruit trees and vines including apple, pear, fig, kiwi and grape both from the ground and from a ladder.
Clean up branches
Cleaning up cut branches to help maintain orchard sanitation.
Detect diseased wood
Identify and remove diseased wood from trees and shrubs in the orchard.
Requirements
Getting There
Participants must be able to get to and from Welland Orchard (1217 Stancil Lane, View Royal). The orchard is accessible by bicycle with an entrance right on the Galloping Goose Trail, by bus, or by driving and parking in the small lot at the end of Stancil Lane.
Being outside
ll sessions will be held outside and participants must be comfortable with spending up to 3 hours at a time outside learning and working at Welland Orchard. This will include working in the rain and cold. Sessions will be cancelled/postponed if weather poses a safety risk.
Commitment
Participants must be able to commit to attending one of the initial training sessions as well as to a minimum of 3 volunteer pruning sessions held throughout January and February for the winter pruning apprenticeship and July and August for the summer pruning apprenticeship
Skills and experience
While there will be ladder work involved in pruning, comfort on a ladder is not a requirement for participation. Previous experience is not required; however, participants must feel comfortable and able to learn to use, and to use hand tools including secateurs, pole pruners and pruning saws.
Have a questions about site accessibility?
Please contact the Orchard Coordinator at [email protected]