Instances of mal-pruning and good intentions gone awry are sometimes explained away as “pruning art.” From improperly sheared hedges to ineffective design and training, this class will contrast examples of mal-pruning with bona-fide forms of pruning art and show how to use them to best effect. We’ll cover hedges and topiary, espalier, coppicing, pollarding, and pleaching, ending with a humorous note with slides from Cass Turnbull’s “The Good, The Bad, and the Bizarre” collection. Taught by Christina Pfeiffer.

This is part of the Pro-Hort lecture series, offered twice annually in partnership with the University of Washington Botanic Gardens, and is geared toward those who work in landscape maintenance. Each lecture provides information on tools and techniques for quality pruning with better long-term results and customer satisfaction. This series will run in-person in the summer of 2026 and virtually via Zoom in the winter of 2027.

Professional continuing education credits pending: APLD-2, CPH-2, ecoPRO-2, ISA-2, NALP/WALP-2, LACES-2 for each 2-hour lecture.