Master Pruner Series and Certification

Each year PlantAmnesty expert instructors teach pruning techniques in our twelve-part Master Pruner Series. Topics include: artistic pruning, fruit trees, landscape renovation, Japanese garden pruning, ornamental vines, pruning roses, and species-specific tutorials. This series provides students with a solid base in the science and practice of selective pruning. Students are given access to a broad range of pruning information at each two-hour presentation. 

For a full description of the program, including class descriptions, schedule and fees, see our Full List of Classes and Workshops.  Classes are open to master gardeners, landscapers, gardeners, horticulture students as well as the general public. Students may complete Master Pruner classes individually or complete the entire series. 

Two Ways to Take Classes

PlantAmnesty holds classes on the second Sundays of each month (except August and December) in the Brig at Magnuson Park (6344 NE 74th Street, Seattle 98115). Preregistration is not required. Just arrive a few minutes early and pay at the door. Cost: $25 per class, $20 for PlantAmnesty members, $5 for horticulture college students and native Spanish speakers. Join PlantAmnesty at any Magnuson Park pruning class and you will receive the following new member benefits: your first class free, an informational two-hour pruning DVD and a discount on future classes! The Master Pruner series is available two ways:

  1. The ProHort Program of the University of Washington Botanic Garden’s Center for Urban Horticulture offers the the Master Pruner Series on weekdays each winter. Preregistration is required.  Click here for details.  For a printable flyer, click here.

To receive a Master Pruner Certificate of Graduation, students are required to attend all twelve lectures (at either location) and three workshops provided by PlantAmnesty. A graduation ceremony is held each fall. Seminars attended at either location count towards the Master Pruner certificate, but the programs are administered and priced separately by the host organizations. 

Workshops

Workshops are designed for home gardeners, landscape professionals, and students enrolled in the Master Pruner Series.  Complete details and materials are sent to students a few weeks prior to each workshop.  Do you know a yard that needs an Extreme Makeover? We are on the look-out for renovation workshop sites. 

Click here for 2018 site requirements.

altSpring 2017 Renovation Workshop

Upcoming Classes and Workshops 
 

    Fall Renovation WORKSHOP In Spanish 
     SOLD OUT!!!!!!  SOLD OUT!!  SOLD OUT!!


     When: Friday, October 5, 2018  8:30am – 3:30pm
     Fee: $50 for members; $60 for non-members
     Pre-registration is required.
     Call 206-783-9813 


This class and hands-on field day is designed for Spanish-speaking landscape professionals. George Ortiz, CLT, will give the morning
 lecture.  In the afternoon everyone will assemble at a landscape for hands-on practice on common landscape trees and shrubs.
Participants will work in small groups with experienced teachers.  A PlantAmnesty certification of completion will be given.

 

Tree Pruning 2 CLASS

 When:    Sunday, October 14, 2018 -- 10am - noon
 Where:   Sand Point Magnuson Park; 6344 NE 74th St (The Brig)
 Fee:        $25/class; $20 for PlantAmnesty members; $5 for
                horticulture students and native Spanish speakers

This is the HOW-TO class for pruning trees (not fruit or nut trees). How to prune a tree limb, how to find the branch collar, pruning of young and mature trees, pruning standards, crown restoration, and the basics of tree risk assessment will be covered.

Taught by Bess Bronstein

 

 

NEW CLASSES BEING OFFERED IN SOUTH SEATTLE!!!

How to Prune and Renovate the Overgrown Garden CLASS

When: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: North Highline Fire Station #18 1243 SW 112th St. Seattle, WA 98146
Fee: $25/class, $20 for PlantAmnesty members, $5 for registered horticulture students and native Spanish speakers

This is one of PlantAmnesty's most popular classes, and covers pruning and landscape renovation. 

Taught by Shawna van Nimwegen

 

  The Shearables, Hackables, and Untouchables CLASS

  When:    Sunday, November 11, 2018 -- 10am - noon
  Where:   Sand Point Magnuson Park; 6344 NE 74th St (The Brig)
  Fee:        $25/class; $20 for PlantAmnesty members; $5 for
                horticulture students and native Spanish speakers

 Some plants are cut to the ground each year. But barely touch others,
 and all hell breaks loose. Find out which ones are which, as well as
 which plants are appropriately sheared every year. Learn how to prune
 butterfly bush, lavatera, heather, lavender, rockrose, broom, witch
 hazel, and others.


Taught by Anna Moore

NEW CLASSES BEING OFFERED IN SOUTH SEATTLE!!!

5 Easy Plants to Prune CLASS

When: Wednesday, November 14, 2018 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: North Highline Fire Station #18 1243 SW 112th St. Seattle, WA 98146
Fee: $25/class, $20 for PlantAmnesty members, $5 for registered horticulture students and native Spanish speakers

This class covers basic cuts, basic plant habits and what Cass Turnbull called the 'pruning budget'. It also covers five easy plants that are relatively easy to prune and discussed:  nandina, evergreen azalea, lilac, camellia and yew.

Taught by Mary Machala