Haircuts

Some of the tree's branches were pruned and you wild olive shoots were grafted in. Yet the fact that you are now fed by that rich and holy root 18 gives you no cause to crow over the pruned branches. Remember, you aren't feeding the root; the root is feeding you. 
Romans 11:17-18  (The Message Translation)

Just a quick update on the "first fruits" of the farm.  It's early spring, the sap is rising, and it's time for pruning.  

Up on the farm we planted some apple trees a while back (see "The Orchard 1, 2 & 3).  They were tall spindly things that Nate picked up mid-summer at work.  These orphan trees needed a good home and some love (albeit tough love) to get them back into shape.  So like any good parent we gave them their first haircuts....or pruning.

It was just a "little off the top" for all of them.  We're hoping we can train them to be low to the ground for easy picking and less damage to apples that "drop" on their own.  Some of the trees are dwarfs and we needed to remind them of that fact.

If you are shocked by these pictures....so are we.  Pray we didn't kill them.  But with some time and some sun and water this summer they will branch out fuller and stronger than if they had been left alone.

Here's a little video of the day.  Enjoy!