The Norwood Conservation Commission on March 5 gave staff a green light to pursue light structural pruning at the town community garden/food forest this spring and to collect additional contractor quotes. Staff reported two received pruning estimates and a planning account balance sufficient to cover the work; costs for light pruning were described in the meeting as roughly $2,200 to $3,000.

Background: staff reported the presence of black knot fungus on several fruit trees (cherries and plums) in the food forest. Volunteers and staff discussed options including light pruning now, heavier pruning in the fall, and fungicide applications; participants reported mixed views about fungicide efficacy and preferences to avoid unnecessary chemical application on edible trees. Shannon Baruch of the Boston Food Forest Coalition (consulted by project volunteers) recommended pruning now. Mark Negron, a volunteer lead, also provided input and staff said they had solicited three contractors for quotes.

Commission discussion: commissioners expressed support for light pruning now to remove diseased wood and to keep trees structurally sound. One commissioner favored pruning but opposed fungicide for edible trees. Staff indicated that sterilizing pruning tools is important because the fungus can spread on tools.

Decision and next steps: the commission supported pursuing light pruning this spring and authorized staff to obtain one more quote and to spend up to approximately $3,000 from the garden account to perform spring structural pruning and sanitary removal of black knot cankers as appropriate. The commission did not approve a shed or plaque at this meeting; staff said the garden group would return with a site plan and details for the proposed shed and a plaque honoring founder Susan Claire.

Context: staff said the food forest account currently has roughly $35,000 and can absorb the pruning cost. Staff recommended light pruning now rather than heavy pruning until the fall.