Course Benefits

Orchard People's "Fruit Tree Pruning Masterclass" is a perfect in depth pruning course for graduates of Orchard People's Certificate in Fruit Tree Care" but beginner and intermediate level home and organic growers can also take this course on its own. It is fully captioned for the hearing impaired. Here are the benefits:

  • Learn to Prune a Freestanding Fruit Tree

    In module 1 you'll learn why fruit tree pruning is different than pruning other trees - and how it improves fruit tree health and harvest - and you'll learn how to prune a freestanding fruit tree.

  • Learn Espalier, High Density, UFO pruning

    In module 2 you'll learn how to create and prune a decorative espalier fruit tree planting and also how to create and prune a highly productive high density apple, pear or cherry orchard.

  • Videos, Quizzes, eBooks and Worksheets

    Watch the videos and follow up with quizzes to test your knowledge. The course is supported by three beautifully designed eBooks and a worksheet to review what you have learned.

  • Take the Course Anytime, Anywhere

    You use your computer, your tablet or even your smartphone to take this 4-hour-long course. Take the course at your own pace and according to your schedule.

  • Earn a Certificate of Completion

    Students who successfully complete the course receive a certificate - and a badge that can be shared on LinkedIn, on your website and on social media. ISA Arborists can earn up to 3 Continuing Education Credits.

  • Signing Up is Completely Risk Free

    If you don’t enjoy the course, we will offer you a full refund within 30 days of purchase - no questions asked! So signing up is completely risk free.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome to the course!

    • Welcome to the Masterclass!

    • Student walkthrough

    • Before we begin...
  • 2

    Pruning a Freestanding Tree

    • PM 101 Why prune? When Prune?

    • PM 102 How to prune?

    • PM 103 Pruning Cuts. Pruning Older and Diseased Trees.

    • Test your Knowledge PM 101, 102, 103

    • Growing and Pruning Lemon Trees (Even in Temperate Climates)

    • PDF: When to Prune Fruit Trees eBook
  • 3

    Espalier, High Density and UFO Pruning

    • PDF: Download Pruning Masterclass Worksheet

    • PM 201 Auxins and Espalier Pruning

    • PM 202 Tall Spindle Orchard Pruning

    • PM 203 UFO Sweet Cherry Pruning

    • Test your Knowledge PM 201, 202, 203
  • 4

    Extra Resources

    • Congratulations! Here's what's next!

    • PDF: Pruning Worksheet Complete

    • PDF: Top 5 Fruit Tree Pruning Tools

    • More resources for you

    • Before you go...

Reviews

Interesting and educational!

Theresa Gart

I’ve learned so much, this course has given me so much enthusiasm to grow more fruit in my suburban yard. Thank you for being so detailed in your explanations!

I’ve learned so much, this course has given me so much enthusiasm to grow more fruit in my suburban yard. Thank you for being so detailed in your explanations!

Read Less

Easy to understand pruning course

Rena Worden

I was wondering what an online pruning course would look like but the videos and information were well laid out and really easy to understand. Now I just need to put my new skills to use!

I was wondering what an online pruning course would look like but the videos and information were well laid out and really easy to understand. Now I just need to put my new skills to use!

Read Less

Title says it all

laina schwartz

I felt somewhat confident pruning my backyard fruit trees after this class and even more so after I was done. I can’t wait to see how they fill in as spring rolls in!

I felt somewhat confident pruning my backyard fruit trees after this class and even more so after I was done. I can’t wait to see how they fill in as spring rolls in!

Read Less

Essential Course

Lisa Ferrel

This is a must take class. Pruning fruit trees is very different than pruning landscape trees. This class gives you the knowledge to prune for healthy, productive fruit trees.

This is a must take class. Pruning fruit trees is very different than pruning landscape trees. This class gives you the knowledge to prune for healthy, productive fruit trees.

Read Less

An excellent presentation

Iva Maccausland

Susan has accomplished what was previously impossible for me. Pruning and general tree care has always been an overwhelming subject for me. In the Fruit Tree Pruning Masterclass she has taken all the information, condensed it and clearly and conci...

Read More

Susan has accomplished what was previously impossible for me. Pruning and general tree care has always been an overwhelming subject for me. In the Fruit Tree Pruning Masterclass she has taken all the information, condensed it and clearly and concisely explained not only the how but importantly the why for pruning steps. I now have a deeper understanding and appreciation for proper fruit tree care. My 9 little trees now have the best opportunity to thrive and bear fruit on healthy trees! Thank you Susan!

Read Less

I learned quite a bit!!!! Thank You!!!!

Derek Stolworthy

Read Less

A great way to learn even more about pruning fruit trees

Rosamund Northey

I found the Fruit Tree Pruning Masterclass very interesting and useful. Not only did it provide a great review of the pruning information I learned in the Fruit Tree Care course but it introduced me to several specialist pruning cuts and advanced...

Read More

I found the Fruit Tree Pruning Masterclass very interesting and useful. Not only did it provide a great review of the pruning information I learned in the Fruit Tree Care course but it introduced me to several specialist pruning cuts and advanced pruning systems. The course provided not just general information about the benefits and disadvantages of each of these pruning systems but went into the pruning steps, year by year, and explained how the pruning approach for each system manipulates auxins to achieve the desired end result. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the art and science of pruning fruit trees will find this course worthwhile.

Read Less

Helpful and Concise

Tim Deibel

Having already completed the basic course, this was a helpful review and extension of that material. It extended the principles, and introduced specialized practices not previously covered.

Having already completed the basic course, this was a helpful review and extension of that material. It extended the principles, and introduced specialized practices not previously covered.

Read Less

Testimonials

“I think the course was great! The pictures used in your presentations were great, the hand-drawing tool was also very useful. I appreciate how diligent you are with answering our questions.I give the course a 10/10!”

Julie Lamberts, Lake Charles, Ontario

“I found the course very easy to follow and it included so many helpful photographs, diagrams and videos. Having completed this course and your Certificate in Beginner Fruit Tree Care, I have gained some confidence in going and doing the hands on. I have had opportunity at my son's place working with some dreadful apple trees on the property since he purchased it a couple years ago. I have also assisted a friend to do some pruning on a cherry tree to attempt to get it to a point of better fruit production. The courses are so informative and well done I have been recommending them to others. Thank you and I look forward to what you do next.”

Calvin Stillman, Master Gardener, Peterborough, Ontario

“Thanks very much for the incredible effort you must have put into preparing this class. Until I took the masterclass, I knew nothing about the tall spindle or the UFO fruit tree pruning systems. I found the way that you presented that information - describing the pros and cons, and giving pruning details for the first several years - to be simple to follow but also thought-provoking. Knowing how our cuts affect the trees instead of just doing pruning by rote is so important and makes pruning so interesting. The quizzes were helpful. The videos were interesting and illustrated the points you made quite well. I am using what I learned on my own new fruit trees and am finally pruning and caring for them with confidence. Thanks very much for sharing your knowledge and your passion for this topic! Who knew that pruning could be so interesting and exciting?”

Roz Northey, Ottawa, Ontario

Sign up Today!

And you can start learning at anytime!

Register Now

FAQ

  • How long do I have to complete the course?

    You'll have access to the course for one year from the date of purchase.

  • How many ISA CEUs can arborists earn by completing this course?

    ISA Certified Arborists can earn up to 3 CEUs if they complete both modules.

  • Tell me more about arborist continuing education credits.

    Your ISA CEU credits for each module are evaluated separately for each module. MODULE 1: BCMA Science (0), Practice (1.75), Management (0), Climber Specialist (0), Certified Arborist (1.75), Utility Specialist (0), Municipal Specialist (0). MODULE 2: BCMA Science (0), Practice (1.25), Management (0), Climber Specialist (0), Certified Arborist (1.25), Utility Specialist (0), Municipal Specialist (0).

Instructor: Susan Poizner

Author, Film Maker, Urban Orchardist and ISA Certified Arborist

Susan Poizner

Director, OrchardPeople.com

Susan Poizner in an urban orchardist, fruit tree care educator and ISA Certified Arborist. She is the author of the award-winning fruit tree care book Growing Urban Orchards and the creator of the fruit tree care training website at OrchardPeople.com. Susan is also the host of The Urban Forestry Radio Show and an instructor of Fruit Production at Niagara College in Ontario. Susan lives in Toronto, Canada.

Additional products

View more courses