Arbor Building Class

During the first day we identified trees that needed pruning to either maintain there size or because they needed some medical help.   Once  the branches were identified, we used a chainsaw to cut the branches.  The branches were then stripped of all the small twigs. Students were taught how to safely use a chainsaw and other pruning tools.   Once all the arbor parts were found we laid them out to find an attractive way to assemble them.  Then we were ready to build.  Students were taught how to drill pilot holes and how to screw it together using exteriors wood screws.   These kinds of arbors last for years and create a natural setting for your gardens.  The arbors are a good way to use scrap branches and reduce landfill or burn piles.  A good reason to use found materials like this is to eliminate piles of debre.  Debris piles invite unwanted critters to live in your garden, by giving them a nice home.  Anytime there are just a few branches laying around in my yard, my dog lets me know as soon as someone moves in.   Piles of sticks are home to snakes, chipmunks, rats and mice. Wild life you don’t want to live close to your tomatoes, fruit trees, and flowers.

Arbor building using harvested branches