Learn to Prune Like a Pro – Join the Livingston Loves Trees Workshop Oct 22!
Pruning a young maple
Tree pruning season is nearly here! To prepare and continue to look after our urban forest, Livingston Loves Trees and the City of Livingston are hosting a hands on tree pruning workshop for tree adopters and folks that are interested in volunteering!
Wednesday, October 22nd 3-6pm. RSVP required for registration and event updates.
Where: Meet at Lincoln School 215 East Lewis Street. A demonstration kicks off at 3pm, but feel free to arrive when you can.
Route: We’ll be working down South C Street, D Street, and along Callender.
Bring (if you have): Trimmers, an orange safety vest, gloves, and water.
Celebrate: Pizza and refreshments will be served afterward!
Inclement weather backup date: Tuesday, October 28th
The first few years is the most critical time to prune. This ensures trees grow up strong and healthy, while reducing future maintenance costs. No previous experience is necessary. Young tree pruning can be completed by almost anyone with some basic training.
The workshop is taught by tree expert, enthusiast and arborist Patrick Plantenberg, Chair of Montana Urban Community Forrest Association (MUCF). You'll learn proper pruning techniques tailored for the types of trees found here in Livingston, get an official Pruning Certificate, and connect with other folks that love trees!
PS - Want to learn more about trees - check out our Tree Resources and consider planting it forward by giving to the tree fund. Your donation helps purchase free trees for adopters for the 2025 season and supports free workshops like this so we can take care of the 381 trees we have planted already!
Keep reading for course content and autumn tree care tips!
Sarah Stands and Joanna Massier received a tree pruning certificate from the City of Livingston in the Spring of 2025
Course Content
How and When to Prune: You'll learn the correct techniques and the best timing for pruning young trees in our local climate.
Establishing a Strong Leader: A key skill for developing a strong, structurally sound tree that can withstand Montana's weather.
Protecting Trees from Blight: You will learn how to identify and prevent common diseases like fire blight, especially chokecherry and crabapples.
Raising branches: Boulevard trees need to have their branches raised through pruning over time to meet City specifications and protect the tree and people.
Autumn Tree Tips:
Continue watering weekly until the soil freezes, yes, even if the leaves have dropped. Drought can interfere with a tree’s acclimating for winter, so fill up the trees reserves by saturating the ground.
Inspect the trunk for sign of deer and put a deer guard on to protect the bark.
For more in-depth information on winter tree care, check out a helpful tree care guide from Montana State University Extension, here.
If you're needing more information about your tree, please contact the LLT Tree Helpers!
Workshop attendees at a tree pruning course Spring 2025