Aesthetic Pruning Series

Merritt College has been offering courses in Aesthetic Pruning for more than 20 years and has a wide array of classes for all interests and levels of expertise. Our instructors are highly experienced professional pruners who have been a part of our program for many years. Courses offered this semester include Finding the Essence of a Tree, Pruning Maples, Pruning Flowering Trees and Shrubs, as well as an Introduction to the Bonsai course offered March 13th.

Courses are held on Saturdays at the Landscape Horticulture Department room H101. Class begins at 9:30 and will usually be dismissed at 12:20pm. The course fee is 39 dollars. Please register at least 10 days in advance to assure a spot in the class, as space is limited.

Finding the Essence of a Tree
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This class covers the identification of different tree forms such as slant, formal upright, windswept, clump, and pruning techniques for these various forms. Special emphasis will be given to unique characteristics of selected trees.

Pruning Flowering Trees and Shrubs
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This course covers the pruning, styling and care of most of the flowering trees and shrubs found in East Bay gardens. Topics include when to prune, selection of tree forms, fertilization and problem solving.

Pruning Maples
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This lecture course covers in depth the techniques needed to prune maple trees. Topics such as seasonal pruning of maples, proper care, trouble, analysis, winter silhouette and form enhancement will be discussed.

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