Les Clark, of Canal Township, had to promise his wife he would keep both feet on the ground before she'd let him go outside to prune apple trees Tuesday afternoon. He admitted it was a good idea.
Clark said his farm was once loaded with trees but, in retirement from his fruit business, he's now down to just a few. But even these few produced over 70 bushel last year.
These days he and his wife are adhering to the Governors stay at home order. Les said even when family comes to visit they chat from the porch. He said he fits four of the at risk categories, so he's not taking any chances.
As I approached him, I shouted, "I won't get too close." He chuckled and said as long as I stayed 6 or 7 feet away we'd be alright. I don't think I got within 10. That didn't stop us from having a really nice, nearly hour-long conversation. I learned a lot about pruning and caring for apple trees. How to recognize when the tree is ready to bud and about newer styles of tree that are trellised rather than planted as stand alones.
I told him about the one tree I ever had to care for and that I managed to kill.
He was nice to tell me about a tree that he has been trying to save too.
He told stories of having a fruit farm and his, over 70, years on this planet.
He said he'd prune what he could on foot today, but a warmer day next week his wife will join him to steady the ladder so he can get the high stuff.
Clark said his farm was once loaded with trees but, in retirement from his fruit business, he's now down to just a few. But even these few produced over 70 bushel last year.
These days he and his wife are adhering to the Governors stay at home order. Les said even when family comes to visit they chat from the porch. He said he fits four of the at risk categories, so he's not taking any chances.
As I approached him, I shouted, "I won't get too close." He chuckled and said as long as I stayed 6 or 7 feet away we'd be alright. I don't think I got within 10. That didn't stop us from having a really nice, nearly hour-long conversation. I learned a lot about pruning and caring for apple trees. How to recognize when the tree is ready to bud and about newer styles of tree that are trellised rather than planted as stand alones.
I told him about the one tree I ever had to care for and that I managed to kill.
He was nice to tell me about a tree that he has been trying to save too.
He told stories of having a fruit farm and his, over 70, years on this planet.
He said he'd prune what he could on foot today, but a warmer day next week his wife will join him to steady the ladder so he can get the high stuff.
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