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Robert Pavlis

Do you stand in front of a tree or shrub and wonder what to prune?

Are you afraid that you will kill the plant?

Do you ask yourself why a plant needs to be pruned?

If these questions sound familiar then this course is for you.

Read more

Do you stand in front of a tree or shrub and wonder what to prune?

Are you afraid that you will kill the plant?

Do you ask yourself why a plant needs to be pruned?

If these questions sound familiar then this course is for you.

This course will take you through the complete process of pruning trees and shrubs. It is designed for the gardener that wants to understand their plants better, and use pruning to produce healthier plants that produce more blooms.

I am a big believer in learning the "WHY" and not just the "HOW". Once you understand the why, the how becomes so much easier to learn and understand. In this course I will explain how woody plants grow, and what effects pruning has. Then I will show you how to prune.

BONUS:

This is not just a slide show with talking points. Many of the videos are shot in my 6 acre garden where I show you how I prune my own plants. Lecture notes are good, but there is nothing that compares with learning this type of activity in a real world setting.

I'll not only give you the technical information, but I will also provide you with my personal insights. You will learn things that took me a lifetime to learn by trial and error.

You want to learn how to prune. The only thing holding you back is a lack of knowledge and perhaps a bit of fear. Professionals have made pruning sound so difficult - but it's not.

I guarantee that I will simplify the whole pruning process into manageable steps that you can easily learn.

But this will only happen if you take the first step - Start the course today. Your plants will love you for it.

I CAN'

Robert

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • This course will provide full details for pruning trees and shrubs, everything from the basics up to advanced topics.
  • A hands on course that shows you exactly what to do.
  • Selecting the right pruning tools.
  • Spot problems that need corrective action.
  • Dealing with overgrown neglected shrubs.
  • Assess a plant for show including size, flowering, shape and aesthetics in the garden.

Syllabus

Get to know the instructor and get organized

This lecture will introduce you to the course and explain how the content has been organized.

Read more

Learn a little bit about me and my extensive background in gardening.

Pruning Basics

An important lecture that everyone should watch.

What is the biological difference between a tree and shrub? And what is a subshrub? How do the differences affect pruning?

There are some simple rules for the best time to prune, but they are not the  best ones to follow for the benefit of the plant. This lecture discusses the best pruning time from the plants perspective.

Is there a right way to prune? The answer may surprise you!

Find out which tools I use most often and what to look for when buying a new ones.

How Buds Grow
The Pruning Plan

An introduction to the Garden Fundamentals 3-step pruning plan.

Learn how to spot and solve problems, like double leaders, broken branches, rubbing branches and much more. I'll show you how to recognize the problems and what you should do about them.

Learn how to to take an overgrown, neglected shrub and turn it into a healthy flowering one.

In this step we will talk about aesthetic factors. What shape do you want in your landscape and how do you prune for it?

Gain a better understanding of pruning trees and shrubs

Learn how pruning affects flowers on shrubs.

Pruning clematis depends on type and bloom time.

I prune spirea a bit different - find out how I do it.

Pruning butterfly bush to the ground.

Bonus Section

Get additional valuable resources

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines pruning from a biological and practical perspective, which is valuable for practicing gardeners
Teaches students about the different types of pruning tools, which helps them select the right tool for the job
Emphasizes the importance of understanding the plant's growth habits, which is crucial for effective pruning
Provides a step-by-step pruning plan, which guides students through the process and ensures correct techniques
Taught by Robert Pavlis, an experienced gardener, which adds credibility to the course
Covers pruning techniques for various types of shrubs and trees, which ensures applicability to different gardening scenarios

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Reviews summary

Pruning trees and shrubs - highly recommended

Learners say that this course is a well-structured and thorough learning resource on pruning trees and shrubs. It’s beginner-friendly and offers plenty of examples. The course is engaging and informative, with easy-to-understand lectures and a knowledgeable instructor.
Instructor is experienced and provides clear explanations.
"knowledgeable and easy to understand"
"The content is well Described!"
Suited for beginners, with simple explanations.
"Easy to understand for beginners."
"Loved the course. It was easy to learn as Iam beginner"
Provides detailed information on pruning techniques.
"Very informative and elaborate description of each and every module."
"It is a great match for me. I have been using essential oils for years and always want to know how many other ways I can use them!"
Some information may be outdated.
"Contents were good. However, there are some outdated codes which do not functional anymore."
"The course is very informative and well-presented. However, there were many places where the examples were not consistent with the current LangChain library or where the video and the source code in the resources did not match."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pruning Trees and Shrubs - Everything you need to know with these activities:
Find a local arborist or gardener to mentor you
Mentorship can provide personalized guidance and help you learn from an expert.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Contact local arborists or gardeners
  • Ask if they are willing to mentor you
Volunteer at a local botanical garden or arboretum
Volunteering will give you the opportunity to put your pruning skills into practice and see how they are used in a professional setting.
Browse courses on Volunteering
Show steps
  • Contact local botanical gardens or arboreta
  • Ask if they have any volunteer opportunities related to pruning
Meet with a friend or neighbor to practice pruning
Learning with others can enhance retention and provide a sense of community.
Show steps
  • Find a friend or neighbor who is also interested in pruning
  • Set up a time to meet and practice pruning together
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Create a blog post or article about pruning
Teaching others can reinforce your own understanding and help you retain information.
Browse courses on Content Creation
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to pruning that you want to write about
  • Write a blog post or article on the topic

Career center

Learners who complete Pruning Trees and Shrubs - Everything you need to know will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Gardener
As a Gardener, you will be responsible for the maintenance and care of plants in a variety of settings, including private homes, public gardens, and commercial properties. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs will help you build a foundation in the principles and techniques of pruning, which is an essential skill for any Gardener. You will learn how to identify different types of trees and shrubs, how to select the right pruning tools, and how to prune for different purposes, such as to improve plant health, shape, and flowering. This course will also provide you with valuable insights into the biology of woody plants, which will help you make informed decisions about pruning.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects design and create outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and other public areas. A strong understanding of pruning is essential for Landscape Architects, as they need to be able to select the right trees and shrubs for a particular site and to prune them in a way that will maintain their health and appearance. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Landscape Architect. You will learn how to identify different types of trees and shrubs, how to select the right pruning tools, and how to prune for different purposes, such as to improve plant health, shape, and flowering.
Horticulturist
Horticulturists are responsible for the cultivation of plants, including trees and shrubs. They may work in a variety of settings, such as nurseries, greenhouses, and botanical gardens. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Horticulturist. You will learn how to identify different types of trees and shrubs, how to select the right pruning tools, and how to prune for different purposes, such as to improve plant health, shape, and flowering.
Arborist
Arborists are responsible for the care and maintenance of trees. They may work in a variety of settings, such as cities, parks, and private properties. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as an Arborist. You will learn how to identify different types of trees and shrubs, how to select the right pruning tools, and how to prune for different purposes, such as to improve plant health, shape, and flowering.
Gardener Manager
Gardener Managers oversee the work of other gardeners and are responsible for the overall maintenance of a garden or other outdoor space. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs will help you build a foundation in the principles and techniques of pruning, which is an essential skill for any Gardener Manager. You will learn how to identify different types of trees and shrubs, how to select the right pruning tools, and how to prune for different purposes, such as to improve plant health, shape, and flowering.
Landscape Maintenance Supervisor
Landscape Maintenance Supervisors oversee the work of other landscape maintenance workers and are responsible for the overall maintenance of a landscape or other outdoor space. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs will help you build a foundation in the principles and techniques of pruning, which is an essential skill for any Landscape Maintenance Supervisor. You will learn how to identify different types of trees and shrubs, how to select the right pruning tools, and how to prune for different purposes, such as to improve plant health, shape, and flowering. This course may also help you prepare for the Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) exam.
Park Ranger
Park Rangers are responsible for the protection and management of natural resources in parks and other protected areas. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs may be useful for Park Rangers who are responsible for the maintenance of trees and shrubs in their park.
Golf Course Superintendent
Golf Course Superintendents are responsible for the maintenance and care of golf courses. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs may be useful for Golf Course Superintendents who are responsible for the maintenance of trees and shrubs on their golf course.
Groundskeeper
Groundskeepers are responsible for the maintenance and care of outdoor areas, such as parks, schools, and other public spaces. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs may be useful for Groundskeepers who are responsible for the maintenance of trees and shrubs on their property.
Tree Surgeon
Tree Surgeons are responsible for the care and maintenance of trees. They may work in a variety of settings, such as cities, parks, and private properties. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs may be useful for Tree Surgeons who are responsible for the pruning of trees.
Botanist
Botanists study plants, including their structure, growth, and reproduction. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs may be useful for Botanists who are interested in learning more about the pruning of trees and shrubs.
Plant Scientist
Plant Scientists study plants, including their genetics, physiology, and ecology. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs may be useful for Plant Scientists who are interested in learning more about the pruning of trees and shrubs.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment, including its plants, animals, and ecosystems. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs may be useful for Environmental Scientists who are interested in learning more about the pruning of trees and shrubs.
Conservationist
Conservationists work to protect the environment and its natural resources. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs may be useful for Conservationists who are interested in learning more about the pruning of trees and shrubs.
Biologist
Biologists study living organisms, including their structure, function, and behavior. This course on Pruning Trees and Shrubs may be useful for Biologists who are interested in learning more about the pruning of trees and shrubs.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pruning Trees and Shrubs - Everything you need to know.
This text covers all major pruning techniques and ways to correct pruning mistakes, and is written in an accessible manner.
This illustrated guide to pruning shows gardeners exactly how to prune anything they come across, as well as common mistakes to avoid.
This text covers every aspect of pruning, from tools and techniques to pruning for health and appearance.
This comprehensive guide to a wide range of propagation methods provides valuable information on propagating trees and shrubs from cuttings or seed.
This accessible guide for pruning shrubs and trees provides simple instructions and diagrams to make the pruning less intimidating.
Provides practical advice on planting and caring for shrubs including pruning. It covers hundreds of recommended species and cultivars.
This comprehensive yet easy-to-follow reference to pruning all types of plants from fruit trees to perennials.
This easy-to-follow guide provides all the essential information on pruning, with detailed instructions and photographs of techniques.

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