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Using VR in Tinnitus Management

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Recently, researchers have looked to fractal tones for use in sound therapy.

The second most frequent request I receive from patients, after improved hearing, is to make their tinnitus go away. While tinnitus is not dangerous, it can certainly diminish sufferers’ quality of life. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for tinnitus. Instead, the focus is on mitigating the impact on daily life. Studies show that amplification, sound therapy, dietary modifications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are all effective forms of tinnitus management. But are there any new tools to add to the arsenal? Perhaps! Researchers are beginning to explore the use of virtual reality (VR) in helping tinnitus patients, and the initial results are promising.

Sound Therapy

Sound therapy refers to the practice of having tinnitus patients listen to relaxing sounds to lessen the perceived annoyance caused by the tinnitus. Common stimuli can include white noise and nature sounds, such as waves. They are often presented through hearing aids. The stimulus sound masks the tinnitus; the brain focuses on the stimuli, rather than the bothersome tinnitus. It’s similar to putting on your headphones while trying to complete an assignment so you are not distracted by the noises around you. Sound therapy also promotes relaxation, which has been shown to reduce the perceived loudness of tinnitus.

Recently, researchers have looked to fractal tones for use in sound therapy. Fractal tones sound like wind chimes or singing bowls, which most people find inherently relaxing. However, their real benefit is their unpredictability. Because they do not follow a predictable pattern, the listener listens more passively, which promotes a more relaxed emotional state. Studies have shown that fractal tones can be as or more effective than other types of sound.

Virtual Reality

When hearing the words virtual reality, most people likely imagine video games or online communities. However, studies have shown it to be useful in the medical field as well. It can be used to help manage acute and chronic pain. It can also help with mental health conditions such as anxiety. Scientists believe the therapeutic benefit stems from VR’s effect on our limbic system, which helps to control emotional states and reactions. Since the limbic system is believed to be involved in our perception of tinnitus, VR offers an intriguing pathway to relief. Indeed, one study showed VR to be as effective as CBT in addressing tinnitus.

Happy Marriage

So, sound therapy and virtual reality have both proven themselves viable options for managing tinnitus. But what happens if the two are combined? Is the benefit even greater? Fortunately, we have an answer. A. K. Deshpande, et al. (2022) performed an experiment to explore this exact hypothesis.

The authors gathered 20 adult participants with tinnitus in one or both ears. They excluded those with head, neck or spinal injuries, or those who already had a tinnitus masker active in their hearing aids. They then had the participants undergo two treatment paradigms. One involved a session using a commercially available sound therapy in isolation. The second involved those same participants undergoing the sound therapy in conjunction with VR. The VR involved wearing goggles which presented different nature scenes. Each session was performed one week apart, with the order of the sessions (VR first or second) being randomized.

After each session, the effects of the therapies were determined using three self-assessments. However, for our purposes, we will focus on two: tinnitus loudness and Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Tinnitus loudness is the perceived intensity of the tinnitus. The TFI measures the perceived negative impact of the tinnitus on the person’s daily life. Both paradigms (sound therapy only and sound therapy with VR) were shown to help lower both the tinnitus loudness and TFI scores. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the two, which favored the inclusion of VR. In other words, the authors showed that combining the two therapies did make them more effective.

These results are obviously quite exciting. Audiologists have a possible new tool in the fight against tinnitus! However, anticipation must be tempered. As the authors discuss, their experiment did not study the long-term effects and efficacy of their treatment. Also, the setup was entirely experimental and designed solely for the study. There is no commercially available, self-contained device that you can buy to replicate this specific treatment. But such significant results in early experiments are encouraging. Contact your local audiologist to discuss currently available treatments and keep an eye on the horizon. QCBN

By Jeff Lane, Au.D.

Trinity Hearing Center is located at 1330 N. Rim Dr., Suite B in Flagstaff. For more information, visit the website at TrinityHearing.net. Dr. Jeff Lane is a doctor of audiology with a passion for improving the lives of others. Dr. Lane may be reached at 928-522-0500 or at audio@trinityhearing.net.

A Caring Heart: Dr. Soundos Moualla is YRMC’s Physician of the Year

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Moualla’s relentless commitment encompasses the compassion she generously shares with patients and their families.

Soundos Moualla, M.D., FACC, FSCAI – Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s 2022 Physician of the Year – describes the passion and drive she pours into her work as “relentless commitment.”

“My parents and grandmother guided me to always do my best and to treat every patient as family,” said Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Moualla of the James Family Heart Center at Dignity Health YRMC.

Moualla’s resolve to care for patients with heart disease began as a child. She recalls putting her ear on her father’s chest and listening to the whooshing sound of his heart murmur. Eventually, her father underwent open heart surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. And years later, after earning a medical degree from the National University of Ireland in Dublin, Moualla returned to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to pursue an internal medicine residency and an interventional cardiology fellowship. Moualla also completed her fellowship in cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic.

Joining the James Family Heart Center
Moualla joined YRMC’s James Family Heart Center in 2017 to oversee the Structural Heart Program, which had started the previous year. Among her first major initiatives was the expansion of  the Heart Center’s successful Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Program. Moualla also helped implement processes to identify patients with valvular heart disease early and expedite the delivery of state-of-the-art treatment by the heart team. All of this, she notes, was accomplished with the collaboration of the cardiothoracic surgical team, other cardiologists, primary care physicians and inpatient hospitalists.

Moualla also worked with physician colleagues and clinical team members to create a comprehensive Structural Heart Program. In a short time, the team introduced an array of advanced interventional heart and stroke-prevention procedures – transcatheter mitral valve replacement and repair, paravalvular leak closure, left atrial appendage closure and more.

“We now have a full-blown, comprehensive Structural Heart Program,” Moualla said. “That would not be possible without teamwork. Physicians, advanced practitioners, nursing and clinical staff, administrative staff and every member of the Structural Heart team contributed to building the program. This award is truly a recognition of their work and the James Family Heart Center team.”

Passionate About Patient Care
Moualla’s relentless commitment encompasses the compassion she generously shares with patients and their families.

“Structural heart disease is a disease of the elderly,” she said. “In a community with a significant number of retirees, structural heart services are fundamental. Serving these patients and providing good patient outcomes is the most rewarding aspect of my work.”

This is underscored by the many YRMC team members who nominated Moualla for Physician of the Year. According to one colleague, “Dr. Moualla treats her patients and their loved ones as though they are her own family. She spends extended time with her patients and gets to know each of them as people, not just as a diagnosis.”

Moualla also volunteers her time and expertise, providing medical care to homeless patients and refugees. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, cooking and traveling.

YRMC’s Physician of the Year is selected annually by YRMC employees and medical staff. QCBN

By Bridget O’Gara 

Bridget O’Gara is a writer, communications strategist and project manager who specializes in health care. Bridget has spent her career writing about healthcare topics. She works with mission-driven healthcare organizations, including hospitals, other healthcare providers and advocacy organizations.

Pursuing Dreams Can Lead to Happiness, Satisfaction

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Everyone is trying to figure it out. Achieving your dreams may take time, and progress may come slowly.

Pursuing your dreams can add a lot of value and meaning to your life. When you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and you take steps to make it a reality, you are more likely to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This can lead to a greater sense of happiness and satisfaction in your life. Of course, the pursuit of dreams can also involve challenges and setbacks, but overcoming these obstacles can be a source of personal growth and development. The journey toward your dreams can teach you valuable lessons about resilience, determination and the importance of hard work. Following your dreams can help you create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling to you, and can contribute to a sense of overall well-being and happiness.

Going after your dreams can be a transformative experience. Here are a few examples of life-changing lessons:

  • It takes courage. Pursuing your dreams often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks. This can be scary, but it can also be incredibly empowering as you develop the courage to face your fears and take action.
  • You will never fail if you follow your heart. The road to your dreams may be bumpy and challenging, but overcoming obstacles and setbacks can build your resilience and inner strength. You will learn to bounce back from failure and keep going in the face of adversity.
  • There’s only one of you. When you pursue your dreams, you may learn new things about yourself and what you are capable of. You may also discover what truly matters to you and what you value most in life.
  • You won’t always feel excited. Pursuing a dream requires focus and dedication. You may need to prioritize your time and energy to stay on track and learn to say no to distractions that may derail you.
  • Everyone is trying to figure it out. Achieving your dreams may take time, and progress may come slowly. This can teach you the importance of patience and perseverance, and the value of small steps toward your goals.
  • Fear is not a stopping point. Be patient and kind to yourself. Your journey may not always be easy, but remember that each step you take brings you closer to your dreams and that in itself is a great accomplishment.
  • Planning means nothing without action. Action and hard work will be required in different parts of your journey. Celebrate the little wins along the way.
  • Live your purpose. Spend less time with distractions and more time embracing the present. Do more of what lights you up.
  • Your journey will look different from others. Strategies that work for someone else may be completely different for you. Find your own path.
  • Life is sweeter when you go after your dreams. Go after your dreams with all that you’ve got. Do the things that make you uniquely happy and fulfilled.

Remember that you are capable of achieving great things, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and don’t be afraid to seek support and guidance from others who can help you along the way. And most importantly, be patient and kind to yourself. QCBN

By Deanna Eder

Deanna Eder is the director of marketing at Polara Health.

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

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Apprentices who complete their program earn approximately $300,000 more during their career than non-apprenticeship workers. Everyone wins!

In a modern world, what is the draw of apprenticeship? Why does anyone enter into this relationship instead of choosing college or an entry-level job? To begin with, the apprentice starts with a paying job and the promise of advancement. There are guaranteed increases in pay as their skills and understanding increase. There are apprenticeship programs in health care, information technology, energy and construction, to name only a few.

Aspen Communications sponsors a Telecommunications Technician Apprenticeship that is endorsed by the State of Arizona and the United States Department of Labor. Not only is the training in the workplace, but often it includes classroom instruction. This instruction is frequently found in community colleges as associated work training and can lead to an associate or bachelor’s degree. Occasionally, an apprenticeship includes classroom training from industry-specific qualified trainers, either in classrooms or VCT (virtual classroom training) by industry experts, as is Aspen’s apprenticeship program. The completed full course of training and instruction, along with supervised experience and certification testing over the course of one to six years, produces a nationally recognized long-term career for the successful apprentice.

This apprenticeship, in turn, provides a pathway to advancement for a person with interest in the employer’s business. This is a channel for stable, trained and experienced staff for the business. The clearly defined program of an apprenticeship provides individuals with the highest and most professional standards in each industry. As most of the apprenticeship programs include an emphasis on safety, it also provides employees who are knowledgeable in most aspects of safety generally and specifically in OSHA. Over time, these apprentice relationships prove 91% of apprentices are still employed nine months later and longer; a stable workforce for the employer. The State of Arizona provides some tax credits and incentives to employers for sponsoring these programs.

It is easy to see how mutually beneficial these programs are for both the employee and employer, but how is it of benefit to our states and why are they supported in workforce development? This is one case where all parties win. As employees become more skilled and advance their careers, the employer grows a more skilled and professional staff that is also capable of developing future apprentices. The business thrives with well trained, productive and loyal staff earning good wages. The community benefits by a strong business and a productive workforce. The Department of Labor cites the following statistic:

The average wage for a fully proficient worker who completes an apprenticeship is $50,000 annually. Apprentices who complete their program earn approximately $300,000 more during their career than non-apprenticeship workers.

Everyone wins! QCBN

By Sheila Richardson

For more information, email
info@aspentelco.com

Sheila Richardson is President/CEO of Aspen Communications LLC and author of the State of Arizona Telecommunications Technician Apprenticeship Program.

Chino Valley Animal Shelter Depends on Volunteers

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Thirteen of the volunteers are regulars and come in on certain days each week to help out in different areas.

Thirty-two volunteers keep the Chino Valley Animal Shelter (CVAS) going.

Deborah Korell, animal shelter adoption specialist at CVAS, said they utilize volunteers for help with all aspects of cleaning, including disinfecting kennels, doing dishes and doing laundry. “We also have volunteers who like to walk the dogs and get them out for fresh air. When we go to adoption events, such as Woofstock and Dogtoberfest, volunteers help with setting up and tearing down, dog handling and manning the shelter’s booth.”

Having the volunteers is crucial, she says, because the shelter has a very small staff – only two full-time animal control officers, one full-time adoption specialist and one part-time adoption specialist.

“Volunteers are important for the smooth operation of the shelter,” she said “By having volunteers who are willing to clean, this frees up time for the employees to get important office work done. Shelter staff can also focus on scheduling meet-and-greets to get animals adopted more quickly. Volunteers are vital in helping to socialize our animals and provide them with the exercise and enrichment they need.”

Thirteen of the volunteers are regulars and come in on certain days each week to help out in different areas.

The CVAS is run through the Chino Valley Police Department, so potential volunteers need to fill out a volunteer application, which then gets sent to the PD for a background check. If all comes back clean, lead volunteer, Pam, will schedule a time for an orientation with the new volunteers. Orientation takes about an hour and covers safety rules and dog handling at the shelter.

Korell said the shelter is looking for two more dedicated volunteers who are willing to come in weekly on Friday and Saturday mornings to help clean the shelter. “These volunteers need to be self-motivated and pay attentive to detail. We can also use more volunteers for walking dogs. We currently have only a few who can make it in on a regular basis for walking,” she said.

After orientation, volunteers receive more training from seasoned volunteers or staff.

Korell, who has been at the shelter for eight-and-a-half years, said the best part about CVAS is the animals, staff and volunteers. “We have an amazing group of talented, hardworking people who help make our shelter everything it is.”

She has seen many changes, including a new office building, the updating of their play yards from decomposed granite to artificial turf, new front kennel doors and new cat kennels. “A very generous donor left money with which we were able to purchase our shelter van to transport pets to and from vet appointments and adoption events.”

CVAS is a small no-kill shelter. It can only house 12 dogs at a time. Currently, it has nine dogs and two cats. Eight of the dogs are available for adoption.

Adoption fees range from $150 to $200, depending on the age of the dog. Cat and kitten adoptions range from $50 to $115. QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Let’s Go for A Walk Together

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Not only is walking your dog a stress-reducer and time to commune with nature, but it also keeps both you and your dog healthy.

Do you sometimes feel that taking your dog out for a walk is more of a chore than an enjoyment? In all honesty, I can say for me, sometimes it does feel that way. Waking up early, piling on layers of warm clothes and boots and having to go out is not my idea of a good time, especially if it’s snowing or raining. The funny thing is once I get out there and start walking with my girl, I almost immediately have an “attitude adjustment” and start to get a little pep in my step and enjoy my time outside with her. I find myself talking to her about what the day is going to hold, telling her how cute she is, stopping with her to look at a plant or flower, and just enjoying nature. Of course, after a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is come home and go out for another walk, but I have gotten to the point now where I look forward to that time, as well. When I head out with my girl, I talk to her and tell her about how my day was and it/she just seems to make all the stress of the day go away. It’s like a walking therapy session in a no judgement zone! She’s not judging me about anything I’m telling her, or how fast or slow I’m walking. She’s just happy we’re together, and so am I.

Not only is walking your dog a stress-reducer and time to commune with nature, but it also keeps both you and your dog healthy. It’s a great way for them to burn off some energy, and help with joint health and weight issues, especially if they just lie around all day while you’re at work. I know my girl comes running to the front door when I get home and can’t wait to get out there and go, go, go! Our time out walking is exercise for her and for me too, and what’s great is it doesn’t even really feel like I’m exercising. We usually walk for 30 minutes every morning and about 45 minutes every afternoon, which means that I’m getting an average of over an hour of exercise every day and she is too, which is a good thing as she’s a big fan of treats, and I haven’t mastered the art of saying “no” to her!

Another benefit of taking your dog out for a walk is socialization for both them and you! When you meet up with other dog people, there is almost always some sort of conversation that happens while your furry friends check each other out. It gives you an opportunity to make new friends and possibly even future playdates for your dogs. My dog is really friendly and will pretty much try to love on everybody she meets. There are a couple people in the senior community near my apartment who are always sitting outside when Cassidy and I are out, and she runs right up to them. They get such a kick out of it and love spending time with her, while she’s loving on them. It’s good for her and them!

Perhaps the greatest benefit of taking your dog out for a walk is the one-on-one time you have together. My dog is learning to trust me more when I say “it’s OK, I got you” if she sees a bigger dog, or a loud car or truck goes by and spooks her. I love when we’re walking and she’s ahead of me and stops and looks at me to make sure I’m there and then we continue on. It’s almost like she’s saying, “Come on, mom, let’s do this together.” Taking your dog for walks every day offers the opportunity for both of you to continue to bond, which helps create a strong and happy relationship. Your dog is also likely to be more well-behaved and listen to you better when you have a good, strong bond. It’s fun to watch her explore new things that she sees or smells, and sometimes I have to chuckle at her curiosity, especially when she’s looking at something and then looks up at me almost as if to say, “What’s this?” She’s made me try to look at the world with the same curiosity as she has, and it has made me a think about even the simplest things a little differently. Who knew walking your dog could do so much?

If you’re looking for a walking buddy, there are a lot of them waiting for you, and a new home, at Yavapai Humane Society! Visit our website at yavapaihumane.org to see all their pictures and then make an appointment at 928-445-2666 to come meet your new best friend. QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager at Yavapai Humane Society.

Exploring Screen Printing for Businesses

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In the apparel industry, screen printing is used to apply graphics and logos to clothing items.

Screen printing is an ancient art form that originates from China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It was used to decorate fabric and other surfaces with decorative motifs by pushing ink through a silk mesh screen. Modern screen printing is much the same as it was in the past; however, nowadays the mesh is a synthetic rather than a natural fiber. Screen printing is a popular technique used by many businesses and individuals for making custom apparel. It can be used to decorate everything from T-shirts and posters to mugs and signs.

In the apparel industry, screen printing is used to apply graphics and logos to clothing items. Screen printing can be done with a variety of different ink types such as puff or metallic, which, when used properly, can accentuate certain areas of the design to be printed. Screen printing is also great for creating high quantities of items with the same design, making it ideal for businesses who need to produce many items quickly and efficiently. Whatever your needs may be, screen printing remains a popular choice because of its versatility, cost effectiveness and durability. With its long history and many uses, it is easy to see why screen printing remains a popular choice for many businesses and individuals today. QCBN

By Eva Janckila 

Arizona Cap & Apparel first opened in 1999 as Arizona Cap Company in a garage in Chino Valley, Arizona. Within a few years, the company was offering a full line of promotional products, including banners, business cards, coffee mugs, pens and more. Today, it is owned and operated by mother and son team Eva and Vance Janckila and is located in Prescott Valley. The business continues to grow, serving more than 10,000 clients locally and nationwide.

Practicing Mindfulness with Money to Boost Your Financial Wellness

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Come back to these exercises whenever you need a boost in your financial well-being.

Mindfulness is a hot topic in today’s fast-paced world; a practice of being present in the moment, fully aware of where we are and what we’re doing, of not being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. But mindfulness isn’t only a practice for yoga or meditation – it can also benefit your financial wellness. Here are three exercises to use mindfulness in your financial life.

Exercise 1: Be Mindful of Your Savings Goals and Pay Yourself First

Do you struggle to meet your savings goals each month? It’s time to be more mindful and deliberate about what your goals are and what it will take to get there. Determine how much you can contribute each week or month and put mindfulness into action by paying yourself first.

Treat your regular savings contributions like a bill that is due each week or month. Whether it’s building an emergency fund or saving for a financial goal, put away as much as you can. Even $50 or $100 each month adds up to big savings! The good news is that you’re already practicing pay-yourself-first mindfulness if you are contributing to your 401K.

Exercise 2: Be Mindful of Your Retirement Account Contribution

Can you increase your contribution to your retirement account? Be mindful of your future by taking inventory of your retirement account at least once a year. Look at how much you’re contributing – is it enough to get the full employer match?

Look for opportunities to increase the amount you’re contributing. The longer you put off increasing your retirement savings, the more you miss the benefit of compound interest. So, don’t wait — even a $50-per-month increase in retirement savings has the potential to grow to almost $75,000 over 30 years, assuming an 8% annual rate of growth, compounded monthly. *

Exercise 3: Be Mindful of Your Spending by Making a Game Out of Saving

Part of saving is being mindful of your spending. Push yourself to go on a no-spend challenge – a weekend, week or month when you don’t spend money on anything but the essentials. Doing these challenges regularly pushes you to be creative with what you have while opening ideas for more ways to save.

Practicing financial mindfulness is a great way to have a better understanding of your spending and savings habits, making you more financially fit. Come back to these exercises whenever you need a boost in your financial well-being. QCBN

By Daniel Martinez

For more than 12 years, Daniel Martinez has worked in the financial services industry helping individuals and families align their goals toward financial freedom. He provides clients with a variety of investment knowledge and experience, taking the time to create a personalized financial plan for each client. Martinez holds his insurance licenses and is also bilingual in English and Spanish to better serve the community. He is registered through LPL Financial with his SIE, Series 7 and 63 securities registrations. To schedule an appointment with Daniel Martinez, email DMartinez@OneAZCU.com or call 928-777-6050.

OneAZ Wealth Management is a team of LPL Financial licensed professionals and support staff located in OneAZ Credit Union branches across Arizona providing investments, insurance, and retirement planning services intended to guide credit union members towards their financial goals. To learn more about OneAZ Wealth Management, visit OneAZWealth.com or call 877-566-0517.

Securities are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. OneAZ Credit Union (OneAZCU) and OneAZ Wealth Management are not registered as a broker/dealer. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using OneAZ Wealth Management, and may also be employees of OneAZ CU. These products and services being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of OneAZ CU or OneAZ Wealth Management. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

NOT INSURED BY NCUA OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY | NOT CREDIT UNION GUARANTEED NOT CREDIT UNION DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS | MAY LOSE VALUE

* This is a hypothetical example and is not representative of any specific situation. Your results will vary. The hypothetical rates of return used do not reflect the deduction of fees and charges inherent to investing.

Yavapai College Leaping Toward the Future with Classes in the Metaverse

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“Metaversity,” as it is being called, is an immersive way for students to learn through virtual and augmented reality.

The future of education is a hot topic as technology and innovation continue to change every industry. To excel in the future, we must accept these changes and adapt our current structures to take advantage of what technology can provide. It makes me proud that Yavapai College has its eyes set on the future, and the Metaverse is one of our focus areas.

“Metaversity,” as it is being called, is an immersive way for students to learn through virtual and augmented reality. The college has landed a grant with Meta and will partner with VictoryXR, a company specializing in virtual reality education. The grant provides Yavapai College with 25 Meta Quest 2 headsets to be used by students and instructors. The college will also have 10 branded classrooms at VictoryXR’s Virtual Academy. In addition, YC faculty and staff will receive training from VictoryXR.

The current form of traditional online learning can be difficult for students. Online learning presents itself as passive and unenjoyable via video conferencing. In contrast, VictoryXR’s immersive classrooms and campuses allow students to interact in a synchronous yet virtual environment through virtual reality. Educators are given training and 3D objects to teach a variety of subjects to students.

I participated in classes at the VictoryXR Virtual Academy and it is an incredible way to teach and learn. It is the future. We must change the mindset that technology will eliminate the need for people to work or learn. It is not, but it will change how people work and learn.

YC will now begin to determine which classes it will offer in the Metaverse, with the goal of the first classes being offered in the upcoming fall 2023 semester. YC will become one of the only community colleges in the country teaching in the Metaverse.

Students interested in taking classes in the metaverse should visit www.yc.edu/meta and fill out the information form.

I look forward to offering our students and communities the future of education where they can take advantage of cutting-edge learning experiences that are currently not widely available QCBN

By Lisa B. Rhine

Lisa B. Rhine, Ph.D., is the president of Yavapai College.In February 2019, Dr. Lisa B. Rhine became the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 30 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Dr. Rhine assumed this role with a commitment to advance the mission of the college while ensuring access and support to those for whom opportunities may have been historically limited or denied.

Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County, including campuses in Prescott and Clarkdale, and centers in Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Sedona, and the Prescott Airport.

Are Fruit Trees a Good Investment?

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Watters has the most extensive local selection and ready to set fruit and grow.

You used to need a lot of land to grow fruit trees. Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees have allowed growing them in just about any yard. Most standard-sized fruit trees mature at a height and width of between 18-25 feet. Not only will this require a big chunk of your yard, but it also makes them tall to prune and spray without using a ladder.

Even with smaller trees, growing fruit is a long-term investment. Fruits can take anywhere from two to 10 years to bear fruit. If you plan to be harvesting for years to come, it pays to do some upfront planning.

Choosing a Size
The terms dwarf and semi-dwarf can be confusing. Dwarf fruit trees reach a height and width of about eight to 10 feet. At this height, they can be tended and harvested without a ladder. Pruning keeps them even smaller. Unfortunately, dwarf fruit trees tend to be short-lived.

Semi-dwarf fruit trees are a little larger, with most topping at 12 to 16 feet tall and wide. Maintenance and harvest require a ladder, but the average yield is eight to 12 bushels, about twice what you expect from a dwarf tree and far longer living.

There is not much space difference between the two types of trees, and both should start producing fruit within five years. With just a bit more work, the yields are far greater on semi-dwarf trees. With actual dwarf trees, you will have all your fruit within arm’s reach.

For those of you thinking that even eight to 10 feet is more space than you have or can sacrifice, don’t give up. Fruit trees can be grown in containers as well. The yield is not as heavy, but every bit as delicious.

Which Fruit Trees Need Pollinators?
Most fruit trees produce better fruits if two or more trees are planted nearby. Just don’t put your house or barn between the two trees. Anywhere in the landscape will do.

Although the trees need to be the same type of fruit, they should not be the same variety. You can plant two different kinds of apples and they will cross-pollinate with each other, as long as they bloom simultaneously. Most fruit tree catalogs and plant labels give you suggestions for excellent pollinators. We have several local charts here at Watters Garden Center that will help.

If you only want one tree, your best options are peach, apricot, nectarine and sour cherry. These are self-pollinating or self-fruitful and pollinate themselves with help from bees. One notable exception is a Stella Sweet Cherry, which is also self-fruitful.

A second option is a multi-grafted tree, where three or more varieties of fruit are grafted onto one trunk. Another name for this fruit tree is a “Fruit Cocktail Tree.”

Some Like it Cold
Fruit trees need a certain number of hours when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Without this chilling period during their dormancy, they set little fruit the following spring. We have locally proven varieties available here at the garden center.

Which Fruit Trees are Low Maintenance?
All fruit trees require some care and the right Fruit Tree Food. Most require annual pruning. However, some can get by with minimal supervision once established. At the top of the list of low-maintenance trees are cherries. These require pruning only when branches are damaged or crossed.

Stone fruits like peaches, apricots, plums and nectarines are also easy to maintain. Some pruning is required to keep the trees open to light and may need fruit thinning in early summer for a larger harvest.

Apples and pears are the best mountain producers. Because apples and pears are the last fruit trees to blossom in spring, it reduces the likelihood of frost damage. This one trait puts them in the number one producer spot.

Pruning fruit trees is a vast topic and varies with the tree type. But starting with the right tree for your location and getting it off to a healthy start is a solid first step toward your first fruit harvest.

If you’re thinking fruit this spring, now is the time to plant. Plant before they leaf. Late winter and early spring are the ideal planting window for fruit trees. Watters has the most extensive local selection and ready to set fruit and grow.

Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners plant the perfect fruit tree here at Watters Garden Center. QCBN

By Ken Lain

Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10FruitTrees.com.