Prescription Pruning Qualification

15.5 CEUs

Vision statement: Develop a new industry paradigm whereby no tree – or group of trees – is pruned without a prescription.

Goal: Improve communication between prescriber, production arborist and tree owner. Increase clarity when preparing work orders.

What this program does: The new paradigm shifts the decision of which branches to prune from the production arborist to an informed prescriber. It establishes a protocol resulting in consistency between the arborist preparing the prescription and the production arborist. This credential teaches you how to prescribe and perform pruning in accordance with industry standards and ISA’s BMP supported by the latest research and experience.

Why should I get this qualification?

1. Improves professionalism for new and seasoned arborists.
2. Establishes a standardized, accountable, objectives-based pruning process.
3. Teaches an approach that increases life expectancy and clearance and reduces likelihood of failure.
4. Improves your ability to explain to tree owners, contractors, and crew why and how to prune.

Who should get this qualification?

Arborists who prune trees or prescribe pruning or people who prepare and manage pruning contracts.

There are two types of attendees for this training: Producers and Prescribers

A production arborist (Producer) working in trees, or anyone, seeking an organized process of evaluating tree owner and arborist conditions of concern, and an approach to pruning designed to solve these concerns.

A pruning prescriber (Prescriber) is a certified arborist.

Two training tracks are offered:

Day 1 – Producers – ISA certification is not a prerequisite.

Producers are finished with the training at the end of day one, and each receives a certificate of completion. There is no exam.

Day 1, 2 and 3 – Prescribers – Must be an ISA Certified Arborist.

The second and third day of training focus on preparing pruning prescriptions using many examples which include outdoor exercises. This is an interactive program with many activities. There is a review and a multiple-choice exam on the third day. Those passing the exam become PPQ qualified.

Manual: Producers and prescribers each receive a Pruning Prescription Manual and Workbook.

Agenda:

Day 1: Producers and Prescribers in the same class

Introduction with definitions

Tree Architecture

Response to Pruning Cuts

Guiding Urban-compatible Tree Architecture (pruning)

Day 2: Prescribers only

Prescription Approach to Pruning

Preparing Prescriptions

Outdoor Prescription Exercises and Discussion

Mature Trees and Palms

Day 3 (half day): Prescribers only

Review

Exam

The PPQ provides the knowledge, research, and tools (prescriptions) necessary to remove less living tissue, create a common language, and establish protocol resulting in consistency between the Prescriber and Producer. The use of prescriptive pruning enables the Prescriber to write a pruning prescription to guide the Producer to achieve the objectives. The Producer implements the prescription by practicing proper pruning and minimizing impacts which creates safer, stronger, healthier trees.

Unlike many of the texts, publications, and pruning seminars, this training event is a practical guide for strategic planning, specifying, and implementing a proper pruning approach. It incorporates consistency with the standards and BMPs in collaboration with current research and practice. The PPQ is the culmination of not only decades of Dr. Gilman’s research and the experience of many arborists, but also the commitment of the Prescription Pruning Qualification Committee (Committee) who are passionate about making our trees and industry better. For over two years, this Committee has deliberated over the best methodology for training, testing, and applying this program.

We are hopeful this pruning credential will create a major paradigm shift where no tree or group of trees are pruned without a prescription. Watch for upcoming classes in different locations throughout the state. The Florida Chapter would like to thank the following individuals for their participation on the Committee and dedication to this program.

 

Edward F. Gilman, PhD, professor emeritus University of Florida – Subject Matter Expert

Norm Easey, CEO emeritus Florida Chapter ISA Committee – Chair

Lori Ballard, Florida Chapter ISA Executive Director – Chapter Representative

Rob Calley, Backridge Tree Service, Inc. – Small Production Company

Jonathan Frank – Large Production Company

Craig Wilson, City of Dunedin – Municipal Arborist

Dr. Ryan Klein, PhD, Assistant Professor University of Florida – Educator

Lindsey Purcell, MS, Lp Consulting Group – Consulting Arborist

• Pruning interval: 2 years
• Pruning system: natural
• Concerns: large branches with inclusions; owners want to preserve the tree and increase life span
• Objectives: reduce risk by reducing length of the largest 3 live branches; remove dead branches
• Branches to prune: make (20-25) 2” diameter reduction cuts at the end of the 3 largest live branches; remove dead branches >1” diameter
• Limitations: remove no live branches from the leader; remove no live branches from 1^st order (scaffold) branches

Contact us:

Florida Chapter ISA

Phone: (941) 342-0153

Lori Ballard, Executive Director

Email: lballard@floridaisa.org

Sam Fougere, Administrative Assistant

Email: sfougere@floridaisa.org