
Tell-tale cuts exposing fresh wood and abandoned branches lying on the ground served as clues to the skilled labor force that must’ve moved through like an army. The shorn apple and cherry trees looked less naked to my eye than ready to burst forth with life. ... Probably just wishful thinking on my part.
Viewing the professionals’ handiwork has pushed up our own pruning tasks on the calendar. This winter’s long stretches of single digit daytime temperatures have made it easy to choose to sit by the fire rather than head out to prep our mini orchard. But after seeing the evidence of others’ willingness to brave the cold, I feel compelled to do the same.
It’d be especially wise while our trees are still dormant.