Current Pruning Classes – TBD 2023
Course Description This is a “hands-on” class. All class participants will be cutting woody plants using the following arborist tools: handsaw, pole saw, pole pruner, hand pruner and loppers. This class will focus on the proper pruning of shade trees and ornamentals, following the ANSI A300 Standard-Part 1. The difference between pruning a shade tree and an ornamental will be demonstrated. A pruning “collar cut” will be demonstrated, showing the proper angle of the cut that will promote the health, vigor and wound sealing of the plant. The instructor will explain using the proper tool for the task at hand. The removal of deadwood, thinning of interfering or rubbing limbs, water sprout thinning/removal and basal sprout removal will all be covered. A handout listing pruning time frames will be distributed (ex. American elm and oak pruning shall be done during the non-growing season). The different pruning terms will be reviewed, and some will be demonstrated, i.e., crown raising, crown thinning, subordinate pruning.
Equipment Requirements: Head protection that meets ANSI Z89 standards • Eye protection that meets ANSI Z87 standards work boots that cover the ankle • Handsaw w/scabbard
Provided Equipment: Sectional pole saw and pole pruner (Marvin PH4 head), hand pruner and loppers
Optional Equipment: Hand pruner, lopper, pole saw, pole pruner.
Day One: Meet on site. Explain the objectives for this class. Review the ‘Branch Bark Ridge’ and demonstrate proper collar cuts on shade trees and ornamentals. Demonstrate the “3 cut” technique on larger limbs. Demonstrate the use of a handsaw, pole saw, pole pruner, hand pruner and lopper. Proceed onto the “hands-on” portion of the class for the rest of the day, using all the provided tools. There will be a practical test at the end of the day. Each participant will prune a small tree or ornamental from the ground and be graded on their pruning quality and pruning cuts.
Outcomes: Upon completion of the Pruning module, each participant will gain the knowledge of, or be able to perform the following tasks:
• Identify the “Branch Bark Ridge”
• Know how to use a handsaw, hand pruner, pole saw, pole pruner and lopper
• Prune trees and ornamentals according to the ANSI A300 Standards
• Make proper pruning cuts
• Identify crossing, interfering and weak limbs
• Identify weak branch unions and how to reduce weight to help prevent breakage
• Directional pruning
• Subordinate pruning
