Adult Opportunities

Introduction to Pruning (online and in person)

Learn and practice correct pruning techniques for trees and shrubs.

Content Detail

Practice correct pruning techniques and learn which plants to prune now and, more important, which to prune later. The colder months are an excellent time to prune most trees and shrubs. Known as dormant pruning, thoughtful removal of branches during this period is easy and encourages proper spring growth.

In this interactive class at The Morton Arboretum, you will complete a 60-minute online component on your own before attending an in-person session. Spend the in-person session outdoors with an expert who will demonstrate what to prune and how to do it. Then put on your gloves, grab some pruners, and try it yourself.

This program includes self-paced online components and an in-person session.

Instructor: Katrina Lewin, plant records coordinator, The Morton Arboretum

Age: 18 and older

Course number: H139

Instructor

Katrina Lewin, plant records coordinator, The Morton Arboretum

Katrina Lewin has a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from the University of Illinois and has been a horticulturist at The Morton Arboretum since 2004. She enjoys teaching pruning and plant identification classes and is a frequent speaker at local garden clubs.

What to Know

This program includes self-paced online components and an in-person session at the Arboretum.

Online Materials

Please provide a unique email address for each registrant at registration. Registrants will receive an email with instructions on how to access Treelearning, the Arboretum’s online learning portal.

Access begins at noon on the class start date, and lasts for 60 days.

Complete self-paced activities, such as e-learning modules, reading material, short videos, interactive activities, and quizzes to check your understanding. The self-paced activities do not need to be completed in one sitting. Your instructor will not be online with you.

Complete the online component before the in-person session. It should take about 30 minutes.

In-Person Session

This program meets indoors and outdoors. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Please bring the following with you: note-taking materials, gardening gloves, a water bottle, and pruners if you have them. Some gloves and pruners will be available.

Program Schedule

This program includes self-paced online components and an in-person session.

Thursday, November 14, 2024, noon: Access self-paced online components.

Saturday, November 23, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to noon: Attend on-site field session.

Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side

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