Urban Forestry Campus Tree Pruning Techniques Demonstrated to Students

Different aspects of the pruning demonstration

Baton Rouge, La. - The Southern University Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Department conducted a tree pruning demonstration in collaboration with the LSU Licensed Arborists. SU graduate Kevin Drye, who is now a professional licensed Arborist and Urban Forester, provided up to date scientific information about pruning and Arboricultural requirements.
Urban forestry students observed the pruning demonstration to prepare for a two-day hands-on practice scheduled for October.

The Urban Forestry Department faculty and Dr. Fred Fellner, a graduate of SU Urban Forestry currently Assistant Director of landscape at LSU coordinated the collaborative effort.

According to the International Society of Arboriculture, "the main reasons for pruning urban trees include safety, health, and aesthetics.”

Pruning for safety involves removing branches that could fall and cause injury or property damage, trimming branches that interfere with lines of sight on streets or driveways, and removing branches that grow into utility lines. Safety pruning can be largely avoided by carefully choosing species that will not grow beyond the space available to them, and have strength and form characteristics that are suited to the site. 

Pruning for health, involves removing diseased or insect-infested wood, thinning the crown to increase airflow and reduce some pest problems, and removing crossing and rubbing branches. Pruning can best be used to encourage trees to develop a strong structure and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather. Removing broken or damaged limbs encourages wound closure. 

Pruning for aesthetics involves enhancing the natural form and character of trees or stimulating flower production. Pruning for form can be especially important for open-grown trees that do very little self-pruning. 

For additional information about the SU Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Degree Programs, please contact Dr. Kamran Abdollahi, Department Head at 225-324-8206, 225-771-3535 or via the following web sites: www.urbanforestry.subr.edu and www.suagcenter.com

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http://www.suagcenter.com/

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