Following an educational workshop, "Building Partnerships for Urban Forestry," at Government Center on December 8, 2011, a small group of volunteers joined certified arborist and urban forester Andrew Hillman from the Davey Resource Group the following Saturday at Father Kelly Park to learn about pruning. The event was paid for with funds from an Urban Forestry Challenge (UCF) grant that the City of Fall River received. Andrew Hillman and urban tree expert Emily Hamilton of Davey Resource Group demonstrated the proper tools to use and the correct technique to remove branches from developing trees. The techniques will ensure that the trees that have been planted in a number of Fall River parks over the past ten years will continue to mature properly and provide years of benefits for City residents and others. Click here for photos of the workshop. For more information about the Street Tree Planting program, contact Mary Ann Wordell at 508-679-8887.

(Top row, left) Ed Sousa and Brian Curt lead Andrew Hillman and Emily Hamilton of Davey Resource Group to the trees that were planted a little over a year ago in Father Kelley Park. (Top row, center) Consulting Urban Forester Andrew Hillman points out to Ed Sousa and John Sylvia what branches need to be pruned. (Top row, right) Ed and John listen as Emily Hamilton talks about why pruning is essential to maintaining healthy trees. (Middle row) Father Kelly Neighborhood Association president Rosemary Lapointe and her husband, Dave, try out the pruning loppers that Andrew uses to cut a branch. (Bottom row) Andrew shows Rosemary, Dave and Ed a good pair of pruning shears that Ed and John use to trim some branches.