Young Tree Training - New MATP/CATP Class!

young tree training

Tree pruning is the most common practice performed by arborists. When structural defects (ex: bark inclusion, codominant stem, high-aspect ratio branches) are detected early in a tree’s life the opportunity for corrective action increases, as does longevity as the tree matures. Proactive young tree training to address defects is paramount in creating a structurally stable and compatible urban forest. The target demographics for this course are municipal employees and private arboriculture employees who care for young trees.

Course Requirements:

  • Indoor facility with AV equipment for presentation
    • Projector, large TV
    • HDMI cable
    • Nearby power outlets
  • Outdoor access to young trees
    • 1-8” diameter, preferably under 15’ tall for pruning purposes (taller for instruction purposes)
      • Within 5 minute walking distance of indoor training facility
      • Minimum of 15 trees per session
  • Required personal protective equipment (PPE) per ANSI Z133 (most current)
    • Head protection
    • Eye protection
  • Hand tools
    • Hand pruner
    • Hand saw
    • Pole saw
    • Pole pruner

Course Structure:

  • 4-hour (3.75-hour instruction, 0.25 hour walking/prep)
    • 1.25-hour indoor presentation
    • 2.25-hour outdoor presentation and hands-on pruning
    • 15-minute debrief indoors
  • Up to 2 sessions per day
  • Up to 12 attendees per instructor per session
  • Hands-on pruning from the ground only

Indoor Session Objectives:

  • Tree structure
    • Tree parts
      • Trunk
      • Leader
      • Branch order
      • Cluster
    • Tree form
    • Branch anatomy
    • Common structural defects
      • Ex: bark inclusion, codominant stem, over-extended branches, high-aspect ratio branches
  • Pruning Practices & Response
    • Lion-tailing
    • Topping
    • Premature branch removal
  • Pruning Cut Types
    • Heading
    • Reduction
    • Removal
  • Young Tree Training Objectives
    • Improving structure
    • Lowest permanent branch
    • Providing clearance
    • Reducing risk
    • Urban compatibility

Outdoor Hands-On Session:

  • Review of indoor session objectives
    • Tree parts
    • Branch anatomy
    • Common structural defects
    • Pruning cut types
  • Hands-on demonstration of young tree training by lead instructor
  • Break out into groups of 2-4 attendees per tree, if there are sufficient tools
    • Hands-on pruning for 2-2.5 hours

Indoor Debrief:

  • Review outdoor pruning session
  • Address outstanding questions

All training programs follow a flat-rate pricing structure of $1,000 for a half-day session within a 140-mile round trip.

To accommodate a larger group, we offer the option to run the training twice in one day (two sessions $2000), allowing for increased attendance while maintaining a quality learning experience.

Trainings beyond a 140-mile round trip will require a custom quote to include instructor travel fees. Each session is capped at 12 attendees to ensure safety and hands-on engagement.

Young Tree Training - Registration Form

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Select which Young Tree Training class you would like:(Required)
You will be invoiced for this selection.
Are you a municipality or commercial company?(Required)
MATP – Muncipal Arborist Training. CATP – Commercial Arborist Training
Please select your preferred date and time for the class.
We will make every effort to schedule it accordingly; if your chosen option isn’t available, we’ll contact you to arrange an alternative.
Time
:
Have any of your crew members been in the field less than one year?(Required)
Do you have certified arborists on staff that would like to earn CEUs for this training?(Required)
If so, do you need ISA CEUs?
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