Due to the record, extreme high temperatures and exceptional drought conditions, the Urban Forestry Division and Trees for Missoula will be POSTPONING the homeowner pruning class scheduled for Sunday, December 5.
At this time of year, Missoula's trees are usually and should be in dormancy, but due to the recent unseasonably warm temperatures, the trees have started to break dormancy.
Due to the potential energy loss to the trees, pruning at this time could be extremely detrimental. The sap that is lost through pruning wounds is losing stored energy that cannot be made up during the tree’s dormancy cycle. The energy loss coupled with this pre-spring bud break could be fatal to the trees; therefore, we will be postponing the pruning class until normal winter temperatures are holding.
Keep an eye out for an email newsletter with upcoming Homeowner Pruning Class opportunities!
Learn how to prune young landscape trees with Missoula Urban Forestry and Trees for Missoula!
Pruning young trees to build strong structure is critical to growing a healthy mature tree and avoiding dangerous or unsightly limb loss. Taking simple steps while the tree is young can prevent costly pruning in the future.
Prune your tree in winter while the tree is dormant to encourage a burst of new growth in spring. Pruning in winter when deciduous trees have lost their leaves makes it easier for you to visualize your tree's form and make decisions about what pruning cuts will improve structure.
WHO: Missoula Homeowners
WHAT: Formative Pruning Training with Marie Anderson, Urban Forestry Specialist, Missoula Parks & Rec
WHEN: Sunday, December 5, 2021
SCHEDULE: 10 am to noon - class time instruction
Lunch hour - bring sack lunch or leave for lunch
1 - 3 pm - field work and practical instruction
WHERE: Conference Room, 100 Hickory St., Missoula, MT 59801
DETAILS: Face masks must be worn inside building and outside when within 6’ of those not familiar to you.
Printed materials will be provided for class time instruction. Please bring note paper and something to write with.
Pruning tools will be provided for practical field work. You are welcome to bring your own!
Please bring a pair of gloves and dress for the afternoon weather!
Refreshments will be provided. Lunch will be on your own - sack lunch in classroom or lunch off campus.
RSVP Required! Karen.Sippy@treesformisoula.org