10001173Urban Tree Maintenance
Course Information
Description
The art and science of tree pruning are the primary objectives of this course. Young tree training and mature tree maintenance are introduced and practiced. Proper pruning cuts and techniques specified by ANSI-A300 are taught throughout this class.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Display safe working procedures as listed in ANSI Z133.1 Safety Standards/Tree Care Operations
    Assessment Strategies
    Skills demonstrated in the field
    Criteria
    Wear hiking or work boots, long pants (not ripped) and t-shirt
    Wear safety glasses Z87 compliant
    Identify unsafe working conditions and warn others
    Follow all mandatory safety standards listed in ANSI -Z133.1
    Violate no more than three serious regulations (ANSI “shall” guidelines)
    Violate no more than ten minor regulations (ANSI “should” guidelines)
    Violate no more than zero intentional violations (ANSI “a deliberate act without regard to the safety of self or others”)

  2. Recognize implications of pruning on tree structure
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, written product and/or oral presentation
    Criteria
    Describe attributes of a structurally strong shade tree
    Describe how pruning impacts the attributes of tree architecture
    Explain how pruning impacts different tree species

  3. Recognize implications of pruning on tree health
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, written product and/or oral presentation
    Criteria
    Identify negative results of improper pruning techniques
    Describe fundamentals of woody plant biology
    Describe how pruning impacts tree biology

  4. Map out a process to minimize liability when pruning and maintaining trees
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, written product and/or oral presentation
    Criteria
    Apply principles of tree risk assessment
    Describe the difference between tree hazards and risk
    Identify typical local laws and ordinances affecting urban tree care
    Analyze factors such as right of way, introduction of species, and home owner communication
    Examine the consultative role of arborists and proper notification to home owners and businesses
    Examine the role of politics in tree maintenance

  5. Describe ANSI A-300 pruning standards
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, written product and/or oral presentation
    In-class performance assessment
    Criteria
    Identify the ANSI A-300 pruning standards
    Use ANSI A-300 pruning terminology correctly

  6. Apply principles of various types of pruning cuts
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, written product and/or oral presentation
    In-class performance assessment
    Criteria
    Select correct pruning tools for a given task
    Identify attributes of various types of pruning cuts (reduction cut, removal cut, thinning cut)
    Select the correct pruning method for a given task
    You use the appropriate technique
    Your cuts are at the correct angles
    Demonstrate pruning techniques found in the ANSI A-300 pruning standards
    Practice corrective actions for improper pruning
    You actively participate during in-class hands-on practice sessions

  7. Evaluate young shade tree pruning/training needs
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, written product and/or oral presentation
    In-class performance assessment
    Criteria
    Differentiate between shade trees and other types of trees
    Describe techniques used for young shade tree pruning (percent of tree removed, structural)
    Identify objectives of structural pruning (form, clearance, taper, branch structure)
    Describe how structural pruning objectives are accomplished

  8. Utilize techniques for young shade tree pruning/training
    Assessment Strategies
    In-class performance assessment
    Participate in several in-class hands-on practice sessions
    Criteria
    Differentiate between shade trees and other types of trees
    Describe how to prune a young shade tree sample for structure
    You actively participate during in-class hands-on practice sessions
    Prune a young shade tree
    Practice corrective actions for improper pruning

  9. Evaluate mature shade tree pruning/training needs
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz, written product and/or oral presentation
    In-class performance assessment
    Criteria
    Differentiate between mature trees and other types of trees
    Describe techniques used for mature shade tree pruning (risk management, percent of tree removed, structural)

  10. Utilize techniques for mature shade tree pruning/training
    Assessment Strategies
    In-class performance assessment
    Participate in several in-class hands-on practice sessions
    Criteria
    Differentiate between shade trees and other types of trees
    Prune a mature shade tree
    You actively participate during in-class hands-on practice sessions
    Practice corrective actions for improper pruning