PORT ANGELES — An important facet of Japanese maple care includes the proper way to prune them because effective pruning will improve the look and vigor of the tree, according to an upcoming Green Thumb Gardening Tips presentation.
Clallam County Master Gardener Keith Dekker will present “The Art and Science of Pruning Japanese Maples,” scheduled for noon to 1 p.m. Thursday on Zoom.
To join the Zoom meeting, click on the link on the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar at extension.wsu.edu/clallam. Or join by phone at 253-215-8782. The meeting ID is 920 0799 1742. The passcode is 709395.
Dekker will talk about the history of Japanese maples and their main growing habits. He will discuss the proper pruning tools and detail why it is important to take good care of them. He will instruct attendees on the proper way to make pruning cuts, what time of year to do your pruning and mistakes to avoid.
Dekker has been involved in horticulture for more than 45 years. For the last 30 years, his career has focused on the comprehensive care of residential landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. As a Clallam County Master Gardener and active volunteer with PlantAmnesty, he contributes to his community by teaching classes and giving talks to promote best practices for successful, sustainable gardening.
“I have concentrated on the fine pruning of trees and shrubs for decades. Japanese maples have become my favorite trees to prune,” Dekker said.
Sponsored by WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners, the Green Thumbs Garden Tips education series seeks to provide home gardeners with education on research-based sustainable garden practices in Clallam County.
The series is offered via streaming presentations from noon to 1 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday each month through October (in November, December and January, one program is offered). Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar (extension.wsu.edu/clallam) for the latest information on upcoming presentations.
For more information, call 360-565-2679.
