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Learn to Prune Young Trees

Volunteer Event
This introductory workshop explores young tree pruning in the urban environment. We will cover tree biology basics, why trees need pruning, and all of the ins and outs of applying our knowledge to trees throughout Portland!
a row of street trees
10:00 am 1:00 pm

This workshop has two parts - a virtual training and an in-person hands-on learning date. Participants must attend the virtual class to attend the hands-on portion.

Virtual Class: Wednesday, March 16, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

In-person workshop:  Saturday, March 19, 2022. 10:00 am - 1:00 pm 

Location: Kerns Neighborhood - location details will be provided to registered participants.

Register Online


Join Urban Forestry for a hands-on workshop to learn young tree pruning!

A volunteer prunes away lower branches.
A volunteer prunes away lower branches.

Learn about the goals of young tree pruning, how to get a permit if required, what tools and safety materials are needed, and how and where to make proper pruning cuts. 

Many arborists will tell you that pruning is both a science and an art; the art of making a proper cut matched with an understanding of the tree’s biology and mechanics. Learning how trees grow and how they respond to various pruning cuts will help you master common pruning techniques.


What to Know Before You Go!

Pruning trees at Lent Elementary School
Masked volunteers prune a tree at Lent School.

Dress for the weather! Be sure to wear boots, raingear, and warm layers. Gloves and other PPE will be provided. 

Before registering or attending any in-person event, please visit our Workshops page to read about our Safe Stewardship Guidelines. If you have not yet completed one this year (from attending a previous event), please complete a volunteer application (en español).

It is required that you wear your mask indoors, as well as outdoors when nearby other volunteers and staff. We will have plenty of extras available.


Practice Your Tree Vocabulary

A volunteer prunes a tree.
Volunteers trained to prune young trees care for our neighborhoods.

This workshop will introduce you to new language and words used by arborists. 

You can download the workshop worksheets to start learning the new vocabulary ahead of the event. This step is optional, all worksheets will be provided at the in-person workshop.


Close-up image of the cone of a Douglas-fir tree.

Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry's mission is to manage and ensure Portland's urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations. Portland’s urban forest consists of 236,000 street trees, 1.2 million park trees, and nearly 3 million private property trees.

Urban Forestry is involved in managing or regulating all of these trees to differing degrees. Urban Forestry staff issue permits for planting, pruning, and removal of all public and some private trees and are on call 24/7 to respond to tree emergencies.

For more information on Urban Forestry at portland.gov/trees.

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