Tree staking can be done in autumn

By Brandie Majeau
Thorhild County, in collaboration with ALUS Barrhead -Westlock- Athabasca,
Athabasca County, County of Barrhead, and Westlock County, is excited to invite
residents to participate in an enriching Tree Staking Workshop. This excursion will take
place after the trees have had time to acclimate for winter and enter their dormant
phase. Participants will have the pleasure of joining Lisa Card for an engaging afternoon
of exploration along the scenic trails of the ACA Lunnford Conservation Site.
The Tree Staking Workshop offers an invaluable chance to deepen your
understanding of local flora. Attendees will learn to identify various tree species and
discover which ones are most suitable for harvesting stakes. The workshop will provide
practical instruction on the art of harvesting these stakes, as well as essential
techniques for planting them to maximize their survival rate. This hands-on experience
will equip individuals with skills that can be applied in their own gardening and
landscaping projects. Taking hardwood cuttings in mid-autumn, after the leaves have
fallen, is a great alternative to early spring clipping and planting. Most gardeners and
landscapers are busier in the spring, so this is a prime time to do it when there isn’t as
much work to do. This workshop will also teach planters to ensure the plants are fully
dormant and how to take clippings without harming the original tree.
This event is a fantastic option to learn about sustainable practices related to
trees. By responsibly harvesting from existing trees, participants will contribute to the
creation of future shelterbelts, enhance landscaping, and support ecological reclamation
efforts. It is a great opportunity to foster a greener future!