Pruning Back the Years at an Oakland Township Orchard

Trevor Barkham and his parents, who were recently over the , recently leased several acres of land in Oakland Township from Bill Fox.

On those 35 acres sit approximately 80 apple trees, neglected and overgrown with bittersweet, but still alive.

The trees – mostly Graham spies, he thinks – have survived roughly 30 years without any upkeep. With proper pruning and maintenance, Barkham says he hopes he can harvest enough apples to supply his family's cider mill.

Barkham's restoration project began this year. He and his younger brother, Tom Barkham Jr., have been working nearly every day at the orchard, pruning trees and removing brush with the hope that the trees will flourish in the warmer months.

"I'll be curious as to what we might find come fall," Barkham said.