Pruning trees and roses

In December we talked about watering your trees when the weather is well above freezing, we then had extremely cold temperatures! It may be hard to see spring within view, but it will be here soon.

We can only hope we won’t experience too many temperature fluctuations that may affect our fruit tree production. I am hoping my apricots will be productive (again) this year, but they are very sensitive to the cool temps. Last year seemed like a very good year for fruit! We made a lot of delicious apricot and peach jams and syrups at my house. We are still enjoying the flavors of the summer this winter. Which is such a nice treat!

To keep our trees productive and healthy, you may look at your branches and see what needs to be removed. We are in the prime time to prune most trees. Most trees should be pruned in their dormant season and before growth begins. Be sure to prune before bud swelling occurs. Pruning fruit trees can help with their growth, fruit production and improve the quality of the fruit.

In central New Mexico, February and early March are the ideal time to prune fruit trees. Different fruit trees have different pruning strategies, though most of the fruit trees that do well in New Mexico are relatively the same. For specific tree pruning guidelines you can read the NMSU Extension Publication, “Pruning the Home Orchard.”

When pruning fruit and shade trees, consider looking at unhealthy branches. Established, mature trees do not need many heading cuts, as those cuts encourage growth and are more suited for young trees. You can also look for sprouts that are shooting from the trunk, which you will want to remove. You also want to avoid cross limbs and multiple leaders that may develop into multiple trunks. Never top a tree! This can put the tree at risk for damage from wind, insects, and disease.

Many of us also have rose bushes. Rose bushes do very well in our area and can provide a multitude of colorful blooms. Pruning roses is just as important as pruning trees. When done properly, pruning roses can provide increased blooms, manage the shape of the plant, and helps remove any unhealthy parts of the plant.

When deciding how best to prune roses, you will need to know what type of roses you have. Hybrid tea roses should be pruned in late winter, different roses have different management strategies to encourage the best growth and blooms. To read more on how to prune your roses, you can read the NMSU Extension publication, “Growing Roses.”

Ultimately, now is generally the time to start tidying up your yards and orchards. Be careful to follow safe practices for pruning and avoid taking on jobs that may need a professional due to heavy or high hanging branches.

If you do need a professional arborist, be sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Feel confident to ask your professional questions and inquire about past projects. Once the growing season begins, if you have some concerns about your tree, we can help you. We may ask for samples or pictures depending on your tree’s situation. We have been able to help many of our community members identify and manage tree diseases and pests that unfortunately can affect our trees in the summer.

Call the Valencia County Extension Office for more information on costs and protocols for plant specimen submission.

Program announcements

To register for an upcoming program, call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service at 505-565-3002. For more information, visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu.

• Valencia County Master Gardeners: If you are interested in helping your community learn more about gardening and horticulture, join the master gardener program! Applications are closed for master gardener certification for this spring, but will open back up this fall. Contact Sierra Cain at sierragh@nmsu.edu for more information.

• Agriculture School Enrichment Programs: Spring and summer programs related to the science of agriculture are offered to elementary and middle school-aged students. Contact Sierra Cain for program offerings and scheduling atsierragh@nmsu.eduor 505-565-3002.

• Twist on Pickling: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, Feb. 24, at the Valencia County CES Office. Discuss the technique of pickling and take home a jar to enjoy at home. Lab fee is $10 to participate. Advanced registration and payment is required by Wednesday, Feb. 19. Please call 505-565-3002 to register for class.

• Extension Homesteading and YOU Series: Pass the condiments.From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 27.Come learn about making condiments at home, to help you lower your grocery bill. The lab fee is $5 to participate, to be paid in advance, limited space is available for this lab. Call 505-565-3002 to register by Feb. 20.

• Extension Get Fit starts March 4 and continues for sixweeks every Tuesday and Thursday at the Belen Community Center. Extension Get Fit is a community-based strength and balance training program. Based on the latest research, the program is designed to improve balance, strength, and flexibility.Classes are free.For questions or to register please call the Valencia County CES Office at 505-565-3002

• Spring Break Fun for Kids.Join us from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, at the Valencia County CES Office. Participants will get to create a springtime craft and delicious cookies. Must be 8 years or older to participate, enrollment in 4-H is not required for class. This free workshop has limited space, advanced registration is required by Wednesday, March 12, by calling 505-565-3002.

• ICAN Nutrition Class Series: These hands-on classes focus on cooking skills, food safety,and managing resources.Locations: Rio Communities Makers Center, 360 Rio Communities Blvd., Rio Communities, from 3-4:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18, and 25; Family Resource Center, 428 Los Lentes Road SE, Los Lunas, from 4:30-6 p.m., Wednesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26; and online via Zoom every Thursday from 2-3 p.m. Call the office at 505-565-3002 for more details about the Zoom classes.

If you are an individual with a disability who requires auxiliary aid or service to participate in a program, please contact the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service Office at 505-565-3002 two weeks in advance of the event.

(Sierra Cain is the Valencia County Agriculture agent and 4-H/Youth Development agent for the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service.)