A.P.P.L.E. Project - Pruning 101 Workshop

Pruning is one of the most important orchard management practices for ensuring the long-term health, structure, and productivity of your apple trees. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to confidently prune your apple trees to encourage strong growth, improve airflow and sunlight exposure, and reduce disease pressure.

In partnership between the El Paso County Conservation District and Colorado State University Extension, this class supports the revival of Colorado’s historic fruit tree culture while promoting sustainable land stewardship and water conservation.

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Led by CSU Extension educators, this class is designed for small acreage landowners, backyard growers, and anyone participating in the A.P.P.L.E. Project— Apple Preservation 🍎 Planting 🍎 Land Education — who wants to build practical skills for resilient orchard care.

All or part of this class will be taught at Rock Ledge Ranch.

• How and when to prune apple trees for optimal structure and fruit production
• Techniques to improve airflow, sunlight exposure, and disease prevention
• Tool selection, safety tips, and seasonal pruning strategies

• A Beginner’s Pruning Kit to help you get started
• Expert instruction from CSU Extension educators
• Access to El Paso Conservation District subject matter experts
• Access to a growing network of orchard stewards and conservation-minded landowners

This class is one of three required workshops (see below) for participants in the A.P.P.L.E. Project’s micro-orchard initiative. Completion of all three ensures that landowners are equipped with the knowledge and tools to establish and maintain resilient, water-wise orchards and qualifies you to receive a free apple tree.

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Registration is required for these workshops

1. – October 25, 2025 Learn how to choose, plant, and care for heirloom apple trees.

1. – March 14, 2026 Hands-on training in pruning techniques to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Includes a beginner’s pruning kit.
2. – May 30, 2026 Learn to identify and manage common pests and diseases using both organic and conventional methods. Includes a pest and disease monitoring kit.

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While this class is not required for the A.P.P.L.E. Project’s tree incentive program, it provides valuable skills for making the most of your orchard’s harvest and deepening your connection to Colorado’s apple-growing heritage.

1. – October 15, 2025
   Explore the rich history of apple cultivation in the Pikes Peak Region with a lecture led by the Director of the McAllister House Museum. Discover the legacy of local orchards and heritage varieties.
2. – October 22, 2025
   Hands-on class in water bath canning and other apple preservation techniques - such as freezing and dehydrating. Participants take home what they make - shelf-stable apple pie filling - and receive a starter canning kit.
3. Apple Preservation Class #2 – October 19, 2026 - Check back in 2026 for the link.
   Repeat of Apple Preservation 2025 class. This is a Hands-on class in water bath canning and other apple preservation techniques - such as freezing and dehydrating. Participants take home what they make - shelf-stable apple pie filling - and receive a starter canning kit.

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Spots are limited—

Learn more about the A.P.P.L.E. Project at:

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Host or Publisher Colorado State University Extension: El Paso County