Introduction to Pruning Techniques

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Take this course to sharpen your pruning skills through classroom instruction and hands-on practice in Rutgers Gardens.

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Course Status: Registration Closed

Online registration has closed. Please call our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 to inquire about registration availability or join our email list to be notified when the next offering is scheduled.

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Course Details

Course Name: Introduction to Pruning Techniques
Course Code: AL0208CB26
Date of Most Recent Offering: April 2, 2026

Date: April 2, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (Check-in time: 8:30 am)

Location: Holly House, 130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Directions & Map)
Format: Classroom course with hands-on field activities

Registration Fee: $225 per person
Early Bird Discount Fee: $215 per person (expires March 26, 2026)

Registration Closes: March 31, 2026

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

Certificate iconThis class is part of the Landscape Management Certificate Program and the Public Grounds Management Certificate Program.

In this popular hands-on, one-day course, instructor Steve Kristoph will provide both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Come learn how to properly prune while preserving a plant’s natural vigor and beauty. Learn the science behind pruning – what, when, where, and why. Then go outside and actually do it!

Dress for field work and bring your pruning equipment, including hand pruning shears and a small pruning saw. You can also buy shears on site from the Rutgers Gardens.

Who Should Attend?

This class is a great source of information for anyone who wants to learn the essentials of proper pruning. Past participants have included:

  • Buildings and Grounds Employees
  • Estate Managers
  • Groundskeepers
  • Homeowners
  • Horticulture Technicians
  • Landscape Designers
  • Landscape Professionals
  • Master Gardeners
  • Park Maintenance Workers
  • Public Works Department Employees

Meet Your Instructor

Steve Kristoph, Steven Kristoph Nursery

Headshot of instructor Steve Kristoph

Steve Kristoph is widely known for his encyclopedic knowledge of plant material. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in horticulture from Rutgers University, and he has been an adjunct instructor at Rutgers for over 25 years. He also owns and operates Steven Kristoph Nursery in Monmouth County, NJ, where he grows many types of ornamental trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials. The landscaping division of his business, P. Steven Kristoph Garden Design, serves both residential and commercial customers and offers a full range of services, including design, installation, maintenance, and seasonal color. Steve is passionate about plants and enjoys sharing his passion with others.

Student Reviews

“[I] recommend this class for anyone who wants a better understanding of when, why, and how to prune correctly.”

– Glenn Prince, Garden Keeper Landscape Company

“Very fun and interactive course getting hands-on pruning tips from experts, as well as getting to explore Rutgers Gardens.”

– Past Participant

Lead Groundskeeper

“Great intro to pruning, perfect mix of classroom and field time. There is nothing that needs improvement in this class; the expert instructors know their stuff and communicate the info very well.”

– Rich D.

Continuing Education Credits

The most recent offering of Introduction to Pruning Techniques (5.5 contact hours) 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 Introduction to Pruning Techniques 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): 5.5 Technical Contact Hours (Course # DLGS-RUCPE23-13)

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

NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): Pending

Course Requirements and Policies

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.

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.

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.

Attention U.S. Veterans

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This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI Bill®. Learn more.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions about Introduction to Pruning Techniques, 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

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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.

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