Course curriculum
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1
Welcome to the course!
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Welcome to the Masterclass!
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Student walkthrough
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Before we begin...
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2
Pruning a Freestanding Tree
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PM 101 Why prune? When Prune?
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PM 102 How to prune?
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PM 103 Pruning Cuts. Pruning Older and Diseased Trees.
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Test your Knowledge PM 101, 102, 103
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Growing and Pruning Lemon Trees (Even in Temperate Climates)
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PDF: When to Prune Fruit Trees eBook
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3
Espalier, High Density and UFO Pruning
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PDF: Download Pruning Masterclass Worksheet
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PM 201 Auxins and Espalier Pruning
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PM 202 Tall Spindle Orchard Pruning
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PM 203 UFO Sweet Cherry Pruning
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Test your Knowledge PM 201, 202, 203
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4
Extra Resources
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Congratulations! Here's what's next!
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PDF: Pruning Worksheet Complete
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PDF: Top 5 Fruit Tree Pruning Tools
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More resources for you
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Before you go...
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Reviews
Excellent resource
Kurt Peters
This class sums up everything you need to know to get started with pruning. It presents information in a clear, concise way.
This class sums up everything you need to know to get started with pruning. It presents information in a clear, concise way.
Read LessReally helpful pruning course
Rena Worden
I've always second guessed myself when I am pruning fruit trees and now I will approach the task with much more confidence. The material was all very informative, thorough and really easy to understand. Susan slows things down and and makes all ...
Read MoreI've always second guessed myself when I am pruning fruit trees and now I will approach the task with much more confidence. The material was all very informative, thorough and really easy to understand. Susan slows things down and and makes all of the information super simple to grasp. I can't wait to get out there in a couple of months and start pruning with (somewhat) reckless abandon!
Read LessTitle 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 LessInteresting 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 LessConfidence to Prune
Patrick Kilkenny
I was a timid pruner prior to this class. Now I have the knowledge to carefully evaluate before making pruning cuts on my trees going forward. Thanks Susan!
I was a timid pruner prior to this class. Now I have the knowledge to carefully evaluate before making pruning cuts on my trees going forward. Thanks Susan!
Read LessEssential 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 LessAn 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 MoreSusan 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 LessI learned quite a bit!!!! Thank You!!!!
Derek Stolworthy
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 MoreI 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 LessHelpful 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 LessTestimonials
“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!”

“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.”

“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?”

FAQ
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How long do I have to complete the course?
You'll have access to the course for one year from the date of purchase.
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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.
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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
info@orchardpeople.comAdditional products
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$249.00
Certificate in Fruit Tree Care
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. For new and intermediate level growers. Price is in USD.
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Bronze Bundle: Certificate in Fruit Tree Care & Pruning Masterclass
Save time and money by caring for your fruit trees properly. Sign up for our 8-hour Certificate in Fruit Tree Care and receive our 4-hour Fruit Tree Pruning Masterclass for half price. For beginner and intermediate growers. Price is in USD.