2026 Community Thinning Program Interest

2026 Community Thinning Program Interest

This program aims to improve fruit tree health, increase yields, and reduce pest and disease issues by organizing community thinning efforts. Fruit tree thinning is the process of removing excess young fruit to improve tree health and fruit quality. By reducing overcrowding, the tree can focus its energy on fewer fruits, making them larger, sweeter, and less prone to pests and disease. We are currently taking interest forms for the 2026 season which is roughly May-June.
Benefits of Thinning your Fruit Trees!

🌱 Better Fruit Quality – Fewer fruits mean larger, sweeter, and healthier harvests.
🐛 Reduces Pests & Disease – Improves airflow, preventing rot and infestations.
🌳 Prevents Branch Damage – Too much fruit can weigh down and break branches.
🌿 Keeps Trees Healthy – Reduces stress and helps maintain consistent yearly harvests.
☀️ Encourages Even Ripening – More sunlight reaches fruit, improving color and flavor.
Info about how our Community Thinning Program will work

Trees Thinning Most Benefits:
- Apples
- European Pears
- Asian Pears
- Plums - all varieties
Timline: Express interest now, thinning will occur between May and June

Portland Fruit Tree Project Will:
- Coordinate and staff a thinning event at your space.
- Train volunteers to thin your tree(s) and potentially bag some of your fruit (time willing)
- Thin 60-80% of the fruit off your tree (yes, that's really the right amount! Don't be shocked!)
- Provide tools (we'd love to potentially borrow your ladder though!)
You Will:
- Make the contribution that makes sense for you: feed the crew, make a financial gift, share your ladder, etc!
- Clear out under your tree(s), so we can get straight to work!
Name

First NameLast Name
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Demographics - Please share a bit about your background and identity. This info helps us see who we are serving and tell our story to potential supporters.
Tree info - type of fruit trees, how many, etc.
Do you have a 4 foot or taller A-frame or orchard ladder that we can borrow while we are there? We can't use a ladder that would need to lean on the tree!

Yes!NoMaybe, let me check!
Contribution Pledge - check all that apply

Sliding Scale donation ($20 - $100)Feed the crew (2-6 people) snacks!Be part of the thinning crew!Get neighbors to participate by having their trees thinned too!Lead volunteers at your place or elsewhere (we'll be in touch)I have another idea!
Participation Waiver
In return for being allowed to participate in Portland Fruit activities, including any activities incidental to such participation (“Volunteer Activities”), the undersigned tree owner (hereafter referred to using “I”, “me”, or “my”) releases and agrees not to sue Portland Fruit or its officers, directors, employees, sub-contractors, sponsors, agents and affiliates (“the Organization”) from all present and future claims that may be made by me, my family, estate, heirs, or assigns for property damage, personal injury, or wrongful death arising as a result of my participation in the Activities wherever, whenever, or however the same may occur.

PFTP carries insurance to cover property damage or injuries that may occur at your property. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Your signature
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2026 Community Thinning Program Interest

Info about how our Community Thinning Program will work

Portland Fruit Tree Project Will:

You Will:

Participation Waiver