WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Recently I got to see one of our pear grafts from 2017. The original pears–or “rootstock”–were ornamental or Bradford pears. The member wanted something fruitful and we grafted an Asian pear onto it at about 6 feet. We have learned that once pears unionize,Continue Reading

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Well, you don’t see this everyday. While driving around High Falls, Ulster County, I saw this peculiar tree; It’s an accurate representation of a pruning technique called “pollarding.” Pollarding is where a tree is kept small by pruning back each year to one spot,Continue Reading

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? The maple sugaring season is full-steam ahead right now. I better enjoy it while it lasts. Looking at the 10-day forecast in central Ulster County shows the day-time highs creeping into the upper 50s/lower 60s and evening lows above freezing. Freezing nights are aContinue Reading

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Well, I’d say judging by my woodpile, winter is at least 2/3 or more over. As soon as April hits, I’ll be cutting to refill the lost stock. Back in spring, I commented on using discarded green carpeting someone threw over the road andContinue Reading

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE FOREST? Spring is fast approaching. Now is the time to gather cuttings or “scionwood” from your favorite tasting apple or pear tree if you’d like to use them for grafting in April or May. We have scionwood from both named varieties as well as olderContinue Reading