Learn Tree Selection, Establishment and Maintenance
Arboriculture is the cultivation and management of trees and shrubs. It entails an understanding of the biology and science of trees as well as the practical knowhow of tree management. Those who work in this field need to understand about the soils and conditions a tree is growing in, as much as what type of tree it is and how to prune it.
This course is the perfect starting point for people interested in tree culture and care.
You'll learn about tree biology - the different parts of a tree and how it grows, key plant processes like photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration, and factors which affect tree health. You'll also learn to diagnose tree problems and techniques for dealing with those problems. You'll also become familiarised with different types of tree care equipment, their uses, and when to use them.
Course Duration: 100 hours of self paced studies
What this Course Covers
There are eight lessons in this module, as follows:
- Lesson 1: Introduction To Arboriculture
- Trees in the Garden
- Planting in the Wrong place
- Plant Selection
- How to plant a tree
- Planting Bare Rooted trees
- Planting Advanced trees
- Helping a Tree to get established
- How to Transplant a Tree
- Using Tree Guards
- Undertaking a Tree Inspection and Completing a Report
- Lesson 2: Tree Biology
- Tree Growth
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Transpiration
- Vernalisation
- Process of autumn foliage colour change
- Tree Physiology; roots, stems, leaves, reproductive parts
- How a tree grows
- Secondary Growth
- Growth Rings
- Heartwood and Sapwood
- Compartmentalisation; how a tree rots
- Water and Plant Growth
- Rate of Photosynthesis
- Rate of Respiration
- Environmental Factors Affecting Transpiration
- Terminology
- Lesson 3: Soils In Relation To Trees
- Soil and Tree Growth
- Fertilizing Trees
- Compacted Soils
- Tree Health and Drainage
- Treating Soil over Winter
- Changing Soil Levels around Trees
- Practical Tests; measuring soil characteristics
- Soils in relation to Trees
- Nutrition
- Managing ph
- Fertilizers
- Lesson 4: Diagnosing Tree Problems
- Tree Disorders and Health
- Frost Protection
- Minimizing Wind Damage
- Affects of mulch and watering on frost
- Mistletoe
- Dealing with Problems
- Diagnosing Tree Health Problems
- Difficult to Diagnose Problems
- Environmental Problems
- Types of Disease: Blights, Canker, Galls, Leaf Spot, Mildew, Rots, Rust, Sooty Mould, Wilt etc
- Types of Pests; Aphis, Beetles, Borers, Bugs, Caterpillars, Leafhoppers, Mites, Nematodes, Termites, Thrip, Wasp, etc.
- Lesson 5: Tree Surgery
- Is Tree Surgery Needed
- Types of Surgery; cavity treatment, rods, cables etc
- Tree Surgery Safety; for workers, for public
- Cavity Treatments
- Bracing and Cabling
- Propping
- Treating Bark Wounds
- Removing Large Branches
- Climbing Techniques
- Preparing to Climb, How to Climb, Anchoring Point
- Knots
- Lesson 6: Pruning Of Trees
- Introduction
- Branch Removal Method
- Crown Cleaning, Thinning
- Crown Reduction
- Crown Lifting
- Pruning Objectives
- Fruit Tree Pruning
- Removing Trees
- elling a Whole Tree
- Felling in Sections
- Terminology
- Lesson 7: Arboricultural Equipment
- Introduction
- Secateurs
- Hand Saws
- Power Tools, Safety with Electricity
- Engine Troubleshooting; Dirty Spark Plugs
- Tool Maintenance
- Deciding what to Buy
- Chain Saws
- Hedge Trimmers
- Climbing Equipment; ladder, harness, rope, belt, spurs, etc
- Lesson 8: Workplace Health and Safety.
- Duty of Care
- Workplace Safety
- Lifting and Manual Handling
- Protective Equipment; personal protection, gloves, eyewear, hearing protection, skin protection, knee protection, etc.
- Handling Tools and Machinery Safely
- Safe Chain Saw Handling
- Tool Maintenance
- Auditing Tools
Extra Reading
The following books, available through this web site, may be relevant supplementary reading for this course:
- Getting Work in Horticulture
- Trees & Shrubs
Assessment
Self Assessment Tests are presented throughout the course. These are essentially an automated quiz. When you undertake a "SAT" or "Self Assessment Test", you will be able to see what you got correct, and what was incorrect; and in that way, you can identify your weaknesses.
Assignments are given at the end of each lesson. You should complete this assignment, paying careful attention to follow what is asked of you. It can be just as important to learn to work to specification, as it is to learn about the topic you are studying. Graduates who develop a habit of working to specification with vegetable growing, will impress others, and will be more efficient when self employed.
A Final Exam is offered upon satisfactory completion of all assignments. This is optional. If you choose to apply for and do this exam, you will have the possibility of obtaining a "formal credit" or "Pass Certification" for this course. A fee applies. The exam may be sat under prearranged conditions anywhere in the world. This college will award you a formal transcript, upon successful completion of the exam, as proof of your results.
How This Course Could Help You
This course will also help with running or improving an existing garden maintenance or tree care business. It is geared towards people working in :
- Arboriculture industry
- Horticulture parks
- Public and Private gardens
- Forestry
- Landscaping industry
- Rehabilitation of sites
Start Your Arboriculture Journey Today
Whether you're beginning a career in tree care or expanding your horticultural knowledge, this course provides practical skills that can be applied across gardens, parks, forests and urban landscapes.
Enrol today and develop the confidence to care for trees professionally.