Description:
The course is offered in both hybrid and fully online formats. All students will watch pre-recorded lectures on Echo360 and read course material as indicated on the class schedule below. During the first week of the semester, we will set a day and time for a weekly meeting on Zoom. The Zoom meeting is an opportunity to review and discuss material covered in the pre-recorded lectures on Echo360 and in the assigned readings; attendance is voluntary.
Course Goals
Students will gain a better understanding of why pruning is necessary and how to articulate what pruning can accomplish (“pruning objectives”). They will also learn how to match pruning types with pruning objectives, and more fully comprehend how trees and shrubs respond to pruning.
Course Objectives
At the conclusion of the course, students will:
1) Understand the connection between tree physiology and (a) why it’s important to make good cuts and (b) how to select appropriate pruning types and severity to achieve pruning objectives
2) Understand the connection between biomechanics and (a) why it’s important to make good cuts and (b) how to select appropriate pruning types and severity to achieve pruning objectives
3) Be able to develop pruning objectives for a given tree (or shrub) in accordance with species, growing conditions, and client expectations
4) Be able to choose the appropriate pruning tool(s) for a job
5) Be able to make appropriate pruning cuts to align with pruning type(s)
Registration:
https://www.umass.edu/universityplus/class/spring-2026/83868/sensible-pruning-for-beginners-experts