Topic: Pruning for Structure: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

Speaker: Aaron Schulz

Date: April 16, 2026

Time: 5:00-7:00pm

Location: Moline Public Works - 3635 4th Ave, Moline, IL 61265

CEUs: 2 ISA CEUs

Tree pruning is the most common service performed in tree care; it's also the least understood. Every tree presents a different problem and how we approach these problems may determine a tree's success or failure. How do tree care professionals decide what (and how much) needs to be pruned? How is this information communicated to your production employees or subcontractors? All of the answers to these questions are commonly rushed and not well thought out due to a lack of time, leading to poor recommendations and pruning decisions.

This session will explore the concepts of solving pruning problems and developing structural pruning plans for both young and mature trees. Concepts covered include: introduction to the Prescription Pruning Qualification (ISA Florida Chapter), identifying tree parts, identifying what  (and how much) to prune, using a pruning specification flowchart, communication with production/subcontracted employees, young tree training, and, most of all, PATIENCE.