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

15.5 CEUs

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

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.

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.

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

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 an ISA Certified Arborist or equivalent.

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.

Producers and Prescribers each receive a Prescription Pruning Qualification Manual Workbook.

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.

This practical, applied program guides arborists through the process of strategically planning, specifying, and implementing an objective-based pruning approach. It will make you a better arborist by showing you how to incorporate industry standards and ISA BMPs with current research and practice. The PPQ is the culmination of the commitment of the Florida Chapter ISA Pruning Credential Committee who are passionate about making trees more compatible with urban and suburban environments.

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.

Subject Matter Expert and Chair of the Credential Committee
Edward F. Gilman, PhD
professor emeritus
University of Florida

Consulting Arborist Representative
Norm Easey
CEO emeritus Florida Chapter ISA Committee

Chapter Representative
Lori Ballard
Executive Director
Florida Chapter ISA

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

Large Production Company
Jonathan Frank

Municipal Consultant
Heather Shields
City of Naples

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

Component Executive Representative
Lindsey Purcell, MS
Lp Consultant Group