Shade Tree Commission to host pruning workshop

Along with its traditional Arbor Day festivities and Earth Day paintings, the Lehighton Shade Tree Commission plans to host a pruning workshop.

Steve Ziegler, a Service Forester working for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry, will conduct the hands-on workshop, which begins at 9 a.m. April 6 at the pavilion along the D&L Trail.

The workshop will begin with a discussion focusing on the importance of proper pruning of trees, as well as the various pests and diseases impacting the health of the trees, said Mark Hoffman, chairman of the commission.

“The gypsy moth is a pest that has been impacting various species of trees such as oaks for quite some time, however, within the past few years, the spotted lanternfly is getting the attention of a lot of people, knowing how quickly they are spreading throughout Pennsylvania,” Hoffman said. “The hands-on part of the workshop will involve actual pruning of some of the many memorial trees that were planted along Lehigh Drive as part of Lehighton’s sesquicentennial celebration.”

Along with the pruning workshop, Ziegler will speak and take questions on proper planting techniques, as well as discuss the various diseases and pests that affect the health of trees, Hoffman said.

Hoffman said Ziegler will be joined by Frank Snyder, a retired forester, who will assist with the pruning demonstration, and answer any questions.

“Frank is a wealth of knowledge, knowing he spent his entire career supporting the vitality of trees,” he said. “Frank was always willing to offer his guidance and assistance to those needing it.”

Hoffman said that Vinny Cotrone, a certified arborist working for the Penn State Extension, will provide Ziegler and Snyder with literature to hand out to those who would like to take something home with them.

“Both Vinny and Frank played a large part in the early days of the Lehighton Shade Tree Commission, and continued to support and guide them over the past 25 years,” he said.

Hoffman noted that the commission celebrated a milestone last year when it was designated as Tree City USA for the 25th straight year.

“Now that the days are getting warmer and longer, the Shade Tree members are busy getting ready for the next 25 years,” he said.

Hoffman said that Arbor Day festivities will take place at Lehighton Area Middle School, while Earth Day plantings will occur within the borough.

“The Shade Tree Commission would encourage anyone wanting to learn more about tree planting and proper pruning or pests and diseases impacting trees to attend,” he said.

Hoffman said there will be coffee and doughnuts provided by the commission for those who attend the workshop.

The rain date is 9 a.m. April 13 at the pavilion along the D&L Trail.