HRT-111 Tree Culture and Maintenance
This course introduces individuals to the care of trees and shrubs in the landscape based on industry standards. Topics include: woody plant anatomy, tree and shrub pruning, planting and aftercare, diagnosis of weak/strong tree structure, monetary evaluation of ornamental trees, introduction to climbing, rigging and cabling, root structure, construction vulnerabilities of trees, diagnosis of damaged trees and standard and specifications. Hands-on tree analysis and fault remediation of community trees will be emphasized.
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Course Outline
Department
Environmental Conservation and Horticulture
Course Description
This course introduces individuals to the care of trees and shrubs in the landscape based on industry standards. Topics include: woody plant anatomy, tree and shrub pruning, planting and aftercare, diagnosis of weak/strong tree structure, monetary evaluation of ornamental trees, introduction to climbing, rigging and cabling, root structure, construction vulnerabilities of trees, diagnosis of damaged trees and standard and specifications. Hands-on tree analysis and fault remediation of community trees will be emphasized.
Credit Hours
3Semester(s) Course Will Be Offered
Spring
Course Learning Outcomes
- Identify and explain the basic vascular system of woody plants including how they are affected by tree maintenance practices
- Explain the industry standards regarding proper pruning methods
- Identify weak versus strong tree structure and branch attachment as part of diagnosis
- Explain how trees benefit the environment and society
- Calculate the monetary value of trees
- Identify proper care of tree roots when considering planting techniques, construction, soil compaction and deicing salts
- Explain tree climbing with safety ropes
- Demonstrate the use of technical arboriculture equipment i.e Resistographsâ„¢
Topic Outline
- 1. Introduction to the world of arboriculture
- a. Professional certifications, publications, and resources
- b. Advantages of trees
- c. Monetary evaluation of trees in the landscape
- 2. Introduction to pruning
- a. Pruning objectives, strategies, and dosage
- b. Inspection and evaluation before pruning and climbing
- c. Shearing and special forms
- 3. Plant selection, placement, and management
- a. Good urban design and management
- b. Species and cultivar selection
- c. Selecting good nursery plants
- d. Tree form and habit
- 4. Tree structure and strength
- a. Branch orientations, unions, bark ridges, and protection zones
- b. Branch origins and stem attachments
- c. Weak vs. strong structure
- 5. Tree tissue and compartmentalization
- a. Living and nonliving tissue
- b. Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees (CODIT) model
- c. Best management practices related to tree biology
- 6. Pruning cuts
- a. Reduction, heading, and removal cuts
- b. Consequences of flush cuts and wound dressings
- 7. Pruning tools
- a. Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- b. Cutting tools and other equipment
- c. IPM and GDD
- i. Integrated pest management (IPM) as it relates to arboriculture
- ii. Growing degree days (GDD) and plant and insect phenology as they relate to arboriculture
- 8. Timing of pruning
- a. Pruning cycles and growth rate control
- b. Proper timing for deciduous and coniferous species
- c. Pruning flowering, fruiting, and small ornamental trees
- 9. Analysis and remediation of a portion of Canandaigua's young street trees
- a. On-site tour, resulting in:
- i. A report of species identification, requirements, growth rate, and maladies
- ii. On-site remediation by pruning, weeding, stake and wire removal, etc.
- 10. Tree roots
- a. Anatomical features and functions of woody and nonwoody roots, including mycorrhizae
- b. Root pruning for transplanting and construction remediation
- 11. Transplanting trees and shrubs
- a. Bare-root, balled-and-burlapped, and container-grown nursery stock
- b. Post-planting care: staking, watering, and mulching
- 12. Shrub pruning and care
- 13. Tree diagnosis
- a. Standards and specifications: American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for the green industry
- b. Tools used for diagnosis, including Resistograph operation
- 14. Climbing exercise and chipper operation demonstration