Fruit Trees Need Hands-On Care

If you want healthy and productive fruit trees, you need to know how to care for them. 
In this course you will learn how to prune fruit trees, how to feed them, and how to protect them from pests and diseases. You will also learn how to choose easier-to-grow trees that will thrive in your unique location. 
Happy Growing! 

  • $249

CERTIFICATE IN FRUIT TREE CARE

  • Closed
  • Course

Learn how to select a fruit tree for your unique conditions. Learn planting and young tree care, winter and summer pruning, pest and disease prevention, soil and fertility management and more. Includes a final assessment for CEU credits and a private 1-on-1 consulting session with Susan. For new and intermediate level growers. Price is in USD.

Three Reasons Why You Need This Course

Fruit trees can be beautiful and productive - or a messy liability! If you want to grow organic fruit trees successfully you need to offer your trees skilled, hands-on care. In this course you will learn fruit tree pruning, fertility management, pest and disease prevention and more.

Easy Techniques

Growing fruit trees doesn't need to be difficult. Learn tried-and-true techniques that are easy to integrate into your life.

Save Time and Money

Don't spend hours online searching for solutions to problems. Learn to care for your trees properly today.

Avoid Surprises

This course teaches you how to recognize fruit tree pest and disease problems, and shows you how to nip them in the bud!

Enjoy healthy trees and a quality harvest.

This Course Includes:

Information-Packed Videos and Interactive Quizzes

Over 8 hours of enlightening video lessons to teach you fruit tree pruning, feeding & pest/disease prevention. Value $350.

Award-Winning, Full-Colour eBook to Use in the Field

All the main tips and techniques highlighted in Susan Poizner's award-winning eBook. An ideal reference to use when you are outdoors. Value $10. 

Certificate of Completion and Arborist or Master Gardener CEU Credits

Complete the 40-question final test with a score of 70% or more to earn your certificate. Access to continuing education credits for ISA Certified Arborists. Value $49.

Lifetime Course Access and Unlimited Updates

Review your course as often as you like to refresh your knowledge and enjoy unlimited course updates. Value $49. 

ACT NOW for Exclusive Access to One-on-One Coaching

Benefit from a half-hour Zoom session with your instructor to answer any remaining questions you have. Bonus $75 value. 

Total Value $533 - Yours for Just $249

Join 700+ Empowered Students Worldwide

The students in this course include home growers, professional gardeners, small scale orchardists and ISA Certified Arborists. Students come from across North America and around the world. 

Cora Smith, BC, Canada

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved the course. I may have been a little overzealous when planting my fruit trees without any real planning, but Susan not only taught me how to better care for them, but why each step matters. I can't wait for this growing season to put my new knowledge into practice!

Kevin Quinn, Minneapolis, US

Loring landscapes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This course has been a game-changer for my business as a certified arborist. I can now confidently offer homeowners a structured care plan that covers everything from pruning to dormant spraying and pest scouting.

Joanie Keast, Wyoming, USA

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

So much information from start to finish. I'm humbled at how much there was to learn about fruit trees and how little I knew. I feel ready to plant my fruit trees with reason to believe they will thrive with my new knowledge base and this course which I can reference when I need to.

Cameron Davis, North Sky Farm, Michigan, US

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Over the past two years, I've read books, listened to podcasts. gone to lectures, and attended webinars. But your expertise in communications and approach to orchard education is the first time I feel like I've found an approach that really helps. I just finished your certification and loved every minute. I'll be at the farm this weekend to put what I've learned from you into practice.

Cathie Rodman, Arizona, US

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This course was laid out beautifully and provided the missing details from what I have read and experienced in other courses that I have taken. The videos and written materials were easy to understand which made the information retainable. I am looking forward to taking another of your courses.


Phil Bosco, NJ, US

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I've been veg gardening for 35 years, but recently decided to plant fruit trees. And boy, am I glad I took your course, because I had no idea how much I didn't know. I'd be scratching my head for years wondering why my trees don't deliver the goods! Now I'll make all my Orchard People corrections, and wait for the bountiful harvest!!!!

Sonja Tosteson, Minnesota, US

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved how the content was a mix of short videos segments and quizzes. It made it really easy to find my spot and learn in bursts throughout my week!

Karen Bredthauer, Nebraska, USA

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have been trying to grow fruit trees for many years. This course has enlightened me as to why I haven't been very
successful. I'm excited to try again. It is well organized and presented in short, doable sessions. 

Wenda Li, Arborist, Elite Tree Care, Ontario, Canada

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was an excellent course and certainly the most comprehensive educational resource tool on fruit trees that I have encountered.

Brad Cannon, Homestar Living, Georgia, US

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

$250 for a million dollars worth of information! Susan has put her heart and soul into this course.

Jennifer Brown, Colorado, US

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect for the backyard Orchardist. This was the info I was looking for and Susan kept it interesting while also making me test my knowledge. 

Sheryl Bender, Ontario, Canada

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I'm only sorry I didn't take this course before acquiring my fruit trees. This course was amazing and I would highly recommend it.

Andrew Tonkin, South Carolina

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Excellent course. Not too technical and filled with real life stories that make it interesting and relatable. I'm so glad I found it! 

Adrian Valdez, Texas US

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fantastic course. I was blown away by the level of detail and the ease of the course. Exceeded my expectations!

Rebecca Merola, Kansas, USA

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The course was clear and concise and offered valuable information and resources. It reinforced some of the things I've done with my plantings and gave me reason to do some things differently. Very helpful!

Ashley Thomas, Illinois, US

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The course was easy to follow, and was effective in helping me understand the "why" for some of practices I had already heard of. It also made some of the more intimidating subjects, such as fertilizing and soil testing, more approachable.

Protect Your Investment

A healthy fruit tree can produce enough fruit to feed your family AND share with your community. 

Course Curriculum

This interactive course can be completed in just 8-hours and is ideal for beginner or intermediate level growers. 

Welcome to the course!

A message from the instructor
Your Course: A Guided Tour
Create Your Own Orchard: A Course Introduction Exercise
Preview

Module 1: Researching Your Fruit Tree

101: Why Research Your Tree?
Mini Quiz 101
102: Planting Locations
Mini Quiz 102
103: Varieties
Fruit Tree Nursery List Spreadsheet Canada/US
Mini Quiz 103
104: Climate Zones and Hardiness
Mini Quiz 104
105: Disease Resistance
Mini Quiz 105
106: Root Stock and Mature Tree Size
Mini Quiz 106
107: Pollination
Mini Quiz 107
108: Staggering the Harvest
Mini Quiz 108
109: Fruit Uses, Heirloom Trees, and Native Trees
Mini Quiz 109
Growing Urban Orchards eBook (Choosing Your Tree)

Module #2: Planting and Young Tree Care

201: Planting Bare Root and Potted Trees
Mini Quiz 201
Case Study: Your First Pruning Cut
202: Caring for Young Trees
Mini Quiz 202
203: Thinning the Fruit
Preparing Your Trees for Winter PDF
Mini Quiz 203
Planting Your Bare Root Tree PDF
Growing Urban Orchards eBook (Planting and Young Tree Care)

Module 3: Winter and Summer Pruning

301: Why Prune Fruit Trees?
Mini Quiz 301
302: Winter vs. Summer Pruning
Mini Quiz 302
When to Prune Fruit Trees eBook
303: Buds as a Blueprint For Pruning
Mini Quiz 303
304: Branches and Ideal Tree Shape
Mini Quiz 304
305: Winter Pruning in Five Easy Steps
Mini Quiz 305
306: Pruning Cuts
Mini Quiz 306
307: Summer Pruning and Pruning Out Disease
Mini Quiz 307
308: What Does Good Air Circulation Look Like?
309: The 25% Rule
Mini Quiz 309
Growing Urban Orchards eBook (Pruning)
Top 5 Fruit Tree Pruning Tools eBook
Bonus: Growing and Pruning Lemon Trees (Even in Temperate Climates)
Case Study 1: Pruning a Multi Graft Tree

Module 4: Preventing Pests & Disease

401: Why Protect Fruit Trees?
402: Orchard Polyculture Design
Mini Quiz 402
Polyculture Design eBook
403: Good Tree Care Habits
Mini Quiz 403
404: Organic Sprays and Your Trees
Mini Quiz 404
How-To: Alternative Dormant Sprays
405: Identifying and Pruning Out Disease
Mini Quiz 405
406: Using Sticky Traps
How-To: A Sticky Trap Guide
Pest and Disease Mini eBook
Growing Urban Orchards eBook (Preventing Pests and Disease)
Fruit Tree Recommendation Sheet

Module 5: Soil and Nutrition Management

501: Assessing Your Soil
Mini Quiz 501
502: Soil Toxin Testing
Mini Quiz 502
503: Soil Fertility Testing
Mini Quiz 503
504: Taking a Soil Sample
Mini Quiz 504
505: Amending Your Soil
Mini Quiz 505
506: Green Manure
Mini Quiz 506
507: Mulching Your Tree
Mini Quiz 507
508: Evaluating Nitrogen Needs
Interpreting Your Soil Test eBook
Growing Urban Orchards eBook (Feeding Your Trees)
Extra Resources: Soil Testing Guide
Mini Quiz 508

Module 6: Final Assessment and Review

Final Quiz
A Quick Review

Next steps

Congrats! Here's what's next...
More Resources for You
Growing Urban Orchards 111-Page eBook (2025 Update)

Accelerate the Path from Planting to Harvest

Care for your fruit tree properly now to enjoy healthier fruit trees and better quality harvests. 

Get to Know Your Instructor

You can reach out to your instructor at any time by posting your question in the discussions linked to each lesson.

Susan Poizner is an urban orchardist and an ISA Certified Arborist. She is the author of the award-winning book Growing Urban Orchards and of Grow Fruit Trees Fast.

Susan is also a former instructor of Fruit Production at
Niagara College in Canada. She is the host of the award-winning Urban Forestry Radio Show and director of the fruit tree care training website at OrchardPeople.com.

Not sure if this course is for you?

Reach out to Susan anytime to ask your question or check out the questions below!

Frequently asked questions

How long will it take to complete this course? How long will you have access to it for? Check out the frequently asked questions below. 

Is this course appropriate for new growers?

Yes! this course is designed for both new and intermediate level growers. 

How long will it take to complete the course?

You can complete the course in as little as 8 hours. Or you can take your time and go through it more slowly.

How long will I have access to the course?

You have lifetime access to the course. You will also have access to new lessons and course upgrades in the years tom come. 

What if I don't enjoy this course?

If you are not 100% satisfied with the course, we will offer you a full refund within 30 days of purchasing. 

What format is the course delivered in?

Our courses includes video lessons, interactive quizzes, downloadable PDF ebooks and worksheets, online discussions and more. 

This course includes access to the Orchard People Community. What does that mean?

We learn more together! So each of our flagship courses has an exculsive community page where students can share their photos, stories, experiences and class assignments. Your teacher will also be available to answer. your questions. 

Will I be able to ask my teacher questions?

Yes! Participation is important in all of our courses. In each lesson you can post questions and comments for your teacher. You can also post questions on the class community page. 

Can I share this course with friends and coworkers?

The course is for one person only, however we do offer group discounts. Contact us to find out more!

If I'm an ISA Certified Arborist, can I earn continuing education credits if I complete this course?

Absolutely! Depending on your credentials, ISA arborist graduates of Orchard People’s Certificate in Beginner Fruit Tree Care will receive the following CEU credits: BCMA Science: 3 CEUs, Practice: 5 CEUs, Management: 0 CEUs, Climber Specialist: 3 CEUs, Certified Arborist: 8 CEUs, Utility Specialist: 0 CEUs, Municipal Specialist: 5 CEUs, Aerial Lift: 3 CEUs

How do ISA Certified Arborists claim their CEU credits?

Once you complete this course successfully with a score of 70% or more, we will send you a certificate of completion with the course’s CEU credit code on it. You’ll then submit that code to the ISA by logging into https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/ and log into MyISA. then on MY DASHBOARD scroll down to click on CEU Post Approval Portal. Once you submit your form ISA, will update your CEU totals. 

Sign Up Risk Free

We stand behind the quality of our fruit tree care courses, and we're committed to your success. That's why we're proud to offer our risk-free, satisfaction guarantee. 

If, within 30 days of enrolling in the course, you feel that it doesn't meet your expectations, simply contact us and we'll provide a full refund – no questions asked. 

We want you to feel confident in your decision to learn fruit tree care with us, and our guarantee ensures that you can invest in your fruit tree care education with complete peace of mind. 

Sign up today and discover the difference our expert guidance and support can make in your fruit tree care journey. We're confident you'll be thrilled with the results!