On the same branch: Aligning pruning practices between MGVs and landscapers
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Mayerling Tatiana Sanchez-Jones
Commercial Horticulture Agent
UF/IFAS Alachua County Extension Office
Newberry
Abstract
Homeowners frequently rely on guidance from Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) and landscapers when making decisions about pruning ornamental trees. Limited training in foundational arboricultural concepts and minimal hands-on experience with structural pruning often result in improper recommendations or practices. Improper pruning of young trees can negatively affect long-term tree health, aesthetics, and public safety. The objective of this Extension program was to increase knowledge, skills, and confidence related to structural pruning among MGVs and landscape maintenance professionals in Alachua County, FL. To address this need, environmental and commercial horticulture agents partnered with the university’s arboriculture specialist to develop and deliver a hybrid short course combining asynchronous online instruction with in-person experiential learning. The program consisted of a two-week online course delivered through Canvas, including two instructional modules, a pre-test and post-test, recorded lectures, readings, cue cards, quizzes and a live Zoom session, followed by an in-person pruning practicum. Collaboration with the City of Gainesville’s arborist allowed the practicum to be conducted at a public park, enabling participants to discuss pruning decisions and observe long-term outcomes of their pruning cuts. During the practicum, participants were grouped with an instructor, a volunteer, and a landscaper to collaboratively develop a pruning plan using shared knowledge and expertise. Evaluation data from quizzes and surveys was analyzed using Excel. Seventeen participants completed the program. Post-course surveys (n=17) indicated knowledge gain in structural pruning (82%), evaluating tree structure (76%), pruning cut types (76%), safety precautions (65%), and reasons for pruning young trees (88%), for an average knowledge gain of 78%. Additionally, 53% of participants rated themselves as extremely competent across pruning tasks, with the highest confidence reported in improving tree structure. Between 88% and 100% of respondents intend to adopt one or more recommended practices. All participants reported being very or extremely satisfied with the course. Furthermore, 79% expressed interest in serving as mentors to assist future structural pruning trainings. These results demonstrate that a hybrid education model supported by Extension-municipal partnerships can build capacity, promote practice adoption, and support long-term program sustainability in the management of trees in urban or residential settings.
Authors: Mayerling Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, Cynthia Nazario-Leary, Ryan Klein
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Mayerling Tatiana Sanchez-Jones Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Florida, 32669
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Cynthia Nazario-Leary Environmental Horticulture Agent , UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Florida, 32669
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Ryan Klein Assistant Professor, University of Florida, Florida, 32611