Tree pruners sought

Tree fans are being sought for a program designed to improve the future of young trees in public places.

The "Volunteers In Pruning" program trains local tree fans to prune young trees for form and structure. The program targets trees that were planted in parks or along streets within the last three years.

"This is the best time within the tree's development to establish good tree form and correct any structural problems that can lead to future hazards or tree failure," a release said.

The V.I.P. project is sponsored by Community Canopy, a tree care education program of the cities of Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Spokane, and the Spokane County Conservation District.

These communities are pooling resources to train volunteers and supply them with the tools needed to do the pruning.

Pruning work parties will take place over the winter and next summer. Each community's forestry program will choose which public trees will be targeted for pruning.

Those who take care of other trees in public places, such as church trustees and homeowners association workers, are encouraged to attend the training.

Individuals 16 and older interested in the V.I.P. program should attend a three-hour training session on Saturday, Nov. 17, at Hayden City Hall.

The training is free in exchange for putting in volunteer hours pruning public trees. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Info: Katie Kosanke, 769-2266.