HORT 138 Topics in Arboriculture

3 credits

Students will gain an understanding of topics and issues essential to working with trees in urban landscapes. Some topics covered include tree biology, nutrition, pruning, plant health care, and soils. The ISA Arborists Certification Study Guide will be the text. This class would be helpful for anyone taking the ISA exams. ISA continuing education credits available, CPH credit available.

Prerequisites: ABED 040 (or placement into MATH 087 or higher) and ABED 046 (or placement into ENGL 093 or higher)

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Understand the basic concepts of tree biology and relate these concepts to tree management practices
Identify common landscape trees
Understand the effects of soil biology, soil chemistry, soil texture and structure, and soil management practices on the growth and health of trees
Understand water management practices used to enhance tree growth
Understand the science of tree nutrition and current fertilization practices
Use a systematic approach to select proper tree species/varieties for a given situation
Understand current techniques and procedures for installing and establishing trees
Understand and demonstrate current pruning concepts and practices
Understand current concepts and practices for cabling and bracing trees
Use a systematic approach to diagnosing common tree maladies and use reference materials to locate problem management strategies
Understand the various ways that trees can be weakened and injured by construction activities and how to preserve trees on construction sites
Understand basic tree climbing techniques and become familiar with basic tree climbing equipment
Become familiar with industry safety standards for tree care operations

Program Outcomes
This course teaches to the following program outcome:

demonstrate professional knowledge of horticultural skills

Total Hours: 30 Lecture Hours: 30