Practice correct pruning techniques and learn which plants to prune now and, more importantly, 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. Learn which trees and shrubs to prune at different times of the year and the best practices in pruning different species of trees and shrubs.
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: Kim Rutkowski, horticulturist II, The Morton Arboretum
Continuing education: The application for ISA continuing education credits (CEUs) has been submitted. If you are interested in continuing education credit, please contact education@mortonarb.org.
Age: 18 and older
Course number: H139
Instructor
Kim Rutkowski, horticulturist II, The Morton Arboretum
Kim Rutkowski is a horticulturist II at The Morton Arboretum, where she has been working since 2024. Rutkowski holds a degree in horticulture from Iowa State University, and has expertise in trees and landscape maintenance built on years of experience working in various parks, arboreta, and gardens. Outside of work, Kim is passionate about nature and loves traveling worldwide to explore different natural environments.
What to Know
This program includes self-paced online components and an in-person session at the Arboretum.
See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.
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 60 minutes.
In-Person Session
This program meets indoors and outdoors. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Please bring 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.
Section A
Thursday, October 29, 2026, noon. Online materials become available.
TreeLearning
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Meets in person.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
Section B
Thursday, November 12, 2026, noon. Online materials become available.
TreeLearning
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Meets in person.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
