On the picturesque, sunny, morning at Wiseman Park in Petaluma, Daily Acts hosted an educational workshop, “Native Tree Care and Pruning.” This took place the last weekend of the winter of 2024. In the radiant glow of the sun, with mustard flowers painting the landscape in bright yellow hues, 18 eager participants gathered from various corners of the county to delve into the world of native tree stewardship. The workshop aimed to educate participants on the significance of native trees and impart practical knowledge on their care and maintenance.
The workshop’s key presenter were certified arborists Fred Frey and Kamala Dionne, both experts from Vintage Tree Care. They emphasized the ecological importance of native trees, highlighting their role in providing habitat, cooling communities through shade, and contributing to oxygen production while mitigating carbon dioxide levels.
Key takeaways from the workshop underscored the crucial importance of tree selection during initial planting phases. Participants gained a nuanced understanding of the subjective nature of pruning and the criticality of intentional cuts, which largely hinge on tree placement and purpose. The session illuminated how early pruning interventions can bolster a tree’s long-term survival and preemptively address potential issues down the line.
A highlight of the event was a hands-on demonstration led by Fred, Kamala, and Cody from Daily Acts, focusing on pruning techniques and tools. These techniques were demonstrated on sycamores and cottonwoods. Participants actively engaged in making cuts, articulating their rationale behind each decision. This interactive segment not only fostered practical skills but also instilled confidence in attendees to tend to their own trees with newfound knowledge and expertise.
As the workshop drew to a close, a palpable sense of satisfaction permeated the air, with participants departing Wiseman Park armed with insights, skills, and enthusiasm to nurture native trees in their respective surroundings.
