A fruit tree pruning workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at New Mexico State University’s Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde to provide tips about pruning a wide variety of fruit trees. (NMSU photo)ALCALDE – It’s time to prune fruit trees to prepare for this year’s growth and crop yield.

New Mexico State University’s extension fruit specialist Shengrui Yao will provide tips for pruning fruit trees at a workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at NMSU’s Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde.

“This is a good opportunity for home gardeners, small-acreage farmers and commercial fruit growers to learn how to prune the different types of fruit trees,” Yao said. “Each speces is a little different.”

The workshop will cover most temperature fruit tree species, such as apple, peach, cherry, pear, plum and apricot, as well as blackberries and raspberries.

After an indoor presentation about pruning techniques, there will be hands-on sessions in the orchard for the participants to work with the different varieties of trees. Participants are encouraged to bring personal pruning tools.

The workshop is organized by extension agricultural agents Donald Martinez, Rio Arriba County; Tom Dominguez, Santa Fe County; and Yao.

The workshop is limited to 40 participants. Registration is $10 per person. Only cash or check is accepted. Call Elena or Amanda at 505-852-4241 to register.