Classes

The aesthetic pruning classes listed below are offered through the Merritt College Landscape Horticulture Department. For more information about the department, classes, enrollment, directions, and more, please visit the Merritt College Website.

For information about fees and registration, click on the individual classes, below, or click here for the Merritt College Aesthetic Pruning Registration page.
Please note that all registration and payment is handled through Merritt College, so any questions about signing up for classes should be directed to the email listed on the Merritt College registration page linked above.

The Merritt College Horticulture Department’s Aesthetic Pruning Award requirements can be found here.

Students who have completed all or most of the Merritt College aesthetic pruning classes are invited to apply for the Hands-on Pruning class. This independently offered (non-Merritt College) class provides an opportunity for a small group of students to practice aesthetic pruning concepts with instructors in garden settings. Contact an AP instructor or email pruningclub@gmail.com for more information.

Note that some of the classes listed below will be held online and some are in person. If a class changes mode of instruction to in-person or hybrid, students will be informed in advance.

The list below reflects *remaining* classes in the current semester. Past classes can be viewed in the "All Classes & Events" calendar at the bottom of this page. A full listing with descriptions of all classes offered can be found on our Aesthetic Pruning Curriculum page.

 
Featured
Introduction to Aesthetic Pruning
Feb 1
Introduction to Aesthetic Pruning

Introduction to Aesthetic Pruning - LH800

Instructor: Chris Ingram

Introduction to aesthetic pruning of ornamental trees: assessment of the tree and setting, timing and procedures for achieving a desired result.

Pruning Deciduous Fruit Trees
Feb 8
Pruning Deciduous Fruit Trees

Pruning Deciduous Fruit Trees - LH848

Instructor: Nancy Brown

Pruning of the majority of deciduous fruit trees grown in the Bay Area.

The Art of the Wisteria
Feb 22
The Art of the Wisteria

The Art of the Wisteria - LH881

Instructor: Pete Churgel

Pruning and training of wisteria. Identification and discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the different species of wisteria, and explanation of the growth and training methods to provide optimal flowering. Problem solving.

Introduction to Bonsai
Mar 1
Introduction to Bonsai

Introduction to Bonsai - LH839

Instructor: Bill Castellon

Bonsai as an art and science: five basic styles, branch placement of trees, scale of proportion, use of wire, pruning, transplanting and care.

Pruning
Mar 8
Pruning

Pruning - LH26

Instructor: Pete Churgel and Lara Miranda

Basic pruning techniques: emphasis on pruning landscape plants, appreciation of good pruning of trees, shrubs, conifers, roses, berries, grapes. Intensive 2-day class, required for most certificates.

*NOTE: You must be enrolled as a current and active student in the Peralta Colleges system to take this class.

Pruning
Mar 15
Pruning

Pruning - LH26

Instructor: Pete Churgel and Lara Miranda

Basic pruning techniques: emphasis on pruning landscape plants, appreciation of good pruning of trees, shrubs, conifers, roses, berries, grapes. Intensive 2-day class, required for most certificates.

*NOTE: You must be enrolled as a current and active student in the Peralta Colleges system to take this class.

Pruning Deciduous Trees and Shrubs
Mar 22
Pruning Deciduous Trees and Shrubs

Pruning Deciduous Trees and Shrubs - LH801

Instructor: Chris Ingram

Study of the art of pruning deciduous trees: dormant pruning of trees, pruning containerized trees and shrubs, techniques to improve winter silhouette.

Finding the Essence of a Tree
Mar 29
Finding the Essence of a Tree

Finding the Essence of a Tree - LH803

Instructor: Pete Churgel

Identification of different tree forms such as slant, formal upright, windswept and clump. Pruning techniques for these various forms.

Pruning Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Apr 12
Pruning Flowering Trees and Shrubs

Pruning Flowering Trees and Shrubs - LH804

Instructor: Jocelyn Cohen

Pruning, styling and care of most of the flowering trees & shrubs found in East Bay gardens: when to prune, selection of tree form and fertilization.

Pruning California Native Trees and Shrubs
Apr 26
Pruning California Native Trees and Shrubs

Pruning California Native Trees and Shrubs - LH831

Instructor: Jocelyn Cohen

Study of the techniques needed to prune California native trees and shrubs: seasonal pruning, proper care, trouble analysis, winter silhouette and form enhancement.

The Art of the Laceleaf Maple
May 3
The Art of the Laceleaf Maple

The Art of the Laceleaf Maple - LH891

Instructor: Yuki Nara

Study of the techniques needed to prune laceleaf Japanese maple trees: seasonal pruning, proper care, trouble analysis, winter silhouette and form enhancement.

Pruning Maples
May 10
Pruning Maples

Pruning Maples - LH810

Instructor: Pete Churgel

Study of the techniques needed to prune maple trees: seasonal pruning, proper care, trouble analysis, winter silhouette and form enhancement.

Pruning Pines
May 17
Pruning Pines

Pruning Pines - LH811A

Instructor: Bill Castellon

Basic techniques of pruning ornamental pine trees, including styling, design and proper care.

Peralta TV

Pruning demonstration by Michael Alliger. Filmed in 2010.

(Note that Michael no longer teaches Aesthetic Pruning classes at Merritt College.)

 

All Classes & Events

Our complete calendar of all upcoming aesthetic pruning classes and volunteer community events.

 

Bay Area Pruning Calendar

Created by Margie Potts, the Bay Area Pruning Calendar lists trees, shrubs and vines that can be pruned each month. Pruning tips and empty calendar pages are also included.
Cost: $20 ($25 if mailed) *
* Proceeds from calendar sales fund the Margie Potts Aesthetic Pruning Scholarship.
To purchase the calendar: Contact Pete Churgel at petethepruner@earthlink.net and indicate "Pruning Calendar" in the subject line.