Tree Pruning

Learn the essential elements of tree pruning, including where to prune, when to prune, the best equipment to use, and how to stay safe.

Main Content

Person in protective gear using chain saw to prune a tree branch

Course Status Notice – Not Scheduled

We do not have an offering of this course scheduled at this time. Please join our email list to be notified when the next offering is scheduled!

Jump to: Overview | Instructor | Reviews | CE Credits | Contact Us | Related Courses | Join Email List

Register Now

Pay with Credit Card:

Pay with Check, PO, or Money Order:

Course Details

Course Name: Tree Pruning
Course Code: AL0806CB25
Date of Most Recent Offering: February 11, 2025

Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (Check-in time: 8:30 am)

Location: Bioresource Engineering Laboratory (formerly ECC), 18 Ag Extension Way, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Directions & Map)
Format: Classroom course with field demonstrations

Registration Fee: $270 per person
Early Bird Discount Fee: $245 per person (expires February 4, 2025)

Registration Closes: February 9, 2025

Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Course Overview

In this class, Licensed Tree Expert Ted Szczawinski will teach you where to prune, when to prune, the best equipment to use, and how to stay safe. Field demonstrations will be done, weather permitting.

  • Proper Methods of Cabling and Bracing
  • Best Positioning Techniques for Cuts Against the Collar
  • How to Use False Crotch and Rope When Working in Trees with No Bucket Access
  • And more!

Who Should Attend?

This class is a great source of information for anyone who wants to learn best practices for tree pruning. Past participants have included:

  • Arborists
  • Department of Public Works Employees
  • Environmental Commissioners
  • Forestry Supervisors
  • Grounds Maintenance Professionals
  • Landscape Architects
  • Landscape Foremen
  • Landscape Technicians
  • Park Maintenance Professionals
  • Tree Climbers
  • Tree Maintenance Workers
  • Tree Trimmers

Meet Your Instructor

Ted Szczawinski, Licensed Tree Expert

Headshot of instructor Ted Szczawinski

Ted Szczawinski, a Licensed Tree Expert and Dean of Students at Bergen County Technical Schools, is one of the most highly rated instructors at OCPE. He brings his extensive plant and tree science knowledge to class and shares it in a way that is down-to-earth, fun, interactive, and easy-to-understand.

Student Reviews

Most useful aspect of the course: “I learned about how the tree is a whole living system and you can’t just deal with the trunk and crown.”

– Past Participant

“I love the outdoor demos – I learned so much!”

– Past Participant

On instructor Ted Szczawinski: “Very knowledgeable, great people skills, amazing at conveying information.”

– Past Participant

Want to hear more about students’ experiences in our Tree Pruning class? Check out this article – Pruning with a Purpose: Course Teaches Science and Skill Behind Tree Pruning!

Continuing Education Credits

The most recent offering of Tree Pruning was approved for the following credits from professional organizations. We will reapply for similar credits the next time the course runs, but we cannot guarantee credit approval for future offerings.

The Tree Pruning course (5.5 contact hours) is approved for the following credits from professional organizations.

State of New Jersey map iconNew Jersey

NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 3.5 Technical, 2 Management Contact Hours (Course #DLGS-RUCPE23-40)

NJ Licensed Tree Experts (LTE/LTCO): 5 CEUs

NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 5.5 CEUs

Meals

No breakfast will be provided. Lunch will be available for pre-registered attendees only.

NOTE: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please alert us at least two (2) weeks in advance of the course start date so that we can make reasonable accommodations. We cannot guarantee accommodations for special requests made after that time.

Course Requirements and Policies

coronavirus icon COVID-19 Policies for Face-to-Face Classes

Please visit our policies page for the latest information.

Red checkmark in circle iconPre-registration/Walk-Ins

Pre-registration is required. We’re sorry, but we cannot guarantee a seat, materials, or meals for walk-in registrants.

Icon of map marker over folded mapLocation Changes

Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.

Red car iconCampus Parking Policy

All visitors must register their vehicles ONLINE to park on campus. Please follow the guidelines below. Failure to comply with these policies may result in a citation.

  • A link to register your vehicle will be provided in your course confirmation email. Please be sure to complete this important step prior to traveling to campus.
  • When you park on campus, be sure that your license plate is unobstructed and visible from the driving aisle.
  • All Rutgers faculty/staff/students must use their regular Rutgers permit and park in the nearest lot assigned for their permit type.

email iconEmail Requirement

A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.

  • If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
  • If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
    • Your full name
    • The shared email address that needs to be changed
    • Your unique email address
    • A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions

x icon with circle around itCancellations and Substitutions

A $35 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.

Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions about Tree Pruning, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Headshot of Rutgers Program Coordinator Joe Canzano

Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu

Rutgers University Shield

Administrative Assistant: Damiana Parada
848-932-7107
damiana.parada@rutgers.edu

For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Students watch Mark and Steve Chisholm demonstrate tree climbing techniques during the Large Tree Climbing and Rigging class

Large Tree Climbing and Rigging

Chain saw on top of tree stump next to fresh cut tree trunk

Basic Chainsaw Safety

Hazardous Tree Identification students standing outside looking up at trees

Hazardous Tree Identification

white envelope icon with @ sign representing email

Join Our Email List!