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Course Details
Course Name: Introduction to Pruning Techniques
Course Code: AL0208CB25
Date: March 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (Check-in time: 8:30 am)
Location: Holly House, 130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Directions & Map)
Format: Classroom course with hands-on field activities
Registration Fee: $225 per person
Early Bird Discount Fee: $215 per person (expires March 13, 2025)
Registration Closes: March 18, 2025
Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Course Overview
This class is part of the Landscape Management Certificate Program and the Public Grounds Management Certificate Program.
In this popular hands-on, one-day course, instructor Steve Kristoph will provide both classroom instruction and hands-on training. Come learn how to properly prune while preserving a plant’s natural vigor and beauty. Learn the science behind pruning – what, when, where, and why. Then go outside and actually do it!
Dress for field work and bring your pruning equipment, including hand pruning shears and a small pruning saw. You can also buy shears on site from the Rutgers Gardens.
Who Should Attend?
This class is a great source of information for anyone who wants to learn the essentials of proper pruning. Past participants have included:
- Buildings and Grounds Employees
- Estate Managers
- Groundskeepers
- Homeowners
- Horticulture Technicians
- Landscape Designers
- Landscape Professionals
- Master Gardeners
- Park Maintenance Workers
- Public Works Department Employees
Meet Your Instructor
Steve Kristoph, Steven Kristoph Nursery
Steve Kristoph is widely known for his encyclopedic knowledge of plant material. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in horticulture from Rutgers University, and he has been an adjunct instructor at Rutgers for over 25 years. He also owns and operates Steven Kristoph Nursery in Monmouth County, NJ, where he grows many types of ornamental trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials. The landscaping division of his business, P. Steven Kristoph Garden Design, serves both residential and commercial customers and offers a full range of services, including design, installation, maintenance, and seasonal color. Steve is passionate about plants and enjoys sharing his passion with others.
Student Reviews
“[I] recommend this class for anyone who wants a better understanding of when, why, and how to prune correctly.”
– Glenn Prince, Garden Keeper Landscape Company
“Great opportunity to go out with an expert and practice pruning properly.”
– Past Participant
Most useful aspect of the course: “Learning how to prune different types of plants.”
– Past Participant
Continuing Education Credits
The Introduction to Pruning Techniques course (5.5 contact hours) is approved for the following credits from professional organizations.
New Jersey
NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 5.5 Technical Contact Hours (Course # DLGS-RUCPE23-13)
NJ Licensed Tree Experts (LTE/LTCO): 5 CEUs
NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 5 CEUs
Meals
No breakfast will be provided. Lunch will be available for pre-registered attendees only.
NOTE: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please alert us at least one (1) week in advance of the course start date so that we can make reasonable accommodations. We cannot guarantee accommodations for special requests made after that time.
Course Requirements and Policies
COVID-19 Policies for Face-to-Face Classes
Please visit our policies page for the latest information.
Pre-registration/Walk-Ins
Pre-registration is required. We’re sorry, but we cannot guarantee a seat, materials, or meals for walk-in registrants.
Location Changes
Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.
Email Requirement
A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.
- If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
- If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
- Your full name
- The shared email address that needs to be changed
- Your unique email address
- A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions
Cancellations and Substitutions
A $35 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.
Attention U.S. Veterans
This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI Bill®. Learn more.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions about Introduction to Pruning Techniques, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu
Administrative Assistant: Damiana Parada
848-932-7107
damiana.parada@rutgers.edu
For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.