Citizen Pruner Courses are now in-session. If you would like to be informed of future classes, please click here!
TreesNY’s signature Citizen Pruner Tree Care Course trains New Yorkers in tree care, biology, identification and pruning. Tree pruning combines technique, common sense and a feel for aesthetics. It is important to use appropriate tools and equipment, follow city regulations, and abide by safety standards and proper etiquette. Pruning strengthens a tree’s resistance to damage and breakage, allows you to influence the tree’s shape and to remove limbs that are in danger of falling and potentially injuring pedestrians and/ or damage property.
Graduates are certified by TreesNY & the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation to legally prune New York City street trees. In New York City, where there is limited funding for tree maintenance but significant need, Citizen Pruners provide a tremendous benefit to our urban environment. With over 11,000 graduates, this fun and rewarding course attracts more enthusiastic New Yorkers each year.
TreesNY also offers customized courses for Business Improvement Districts, Merchant Associations, Community Based Organizations and Building Maintenance Personnel.
“Taking the course has made me aware of a whole realm of the natural world in NYC that I previously did not look at or understand.” - George Shelden, Citizen Pruner.
Classes are held in the spring and fall of each year. Join the diverse and burgeoning community of Citizen Pruners today!
The non-refundable course fee is $100 and includes a comprehensive manual and other materials. Citizen Pruner licenses are valid for 5 years. Renewal exams are sent via email or regular mail at no additional cost. Recertification licenses are issued at the end of each month.
The Citizen Pruner Course consists of 5 sessions - 4 in the classroom and 1 field outing. Participants may miss up to one classroom session. The weekend field outing is mandatory.
The course fee is $100 per person.
If your Citizen Pruner license is about to expire or has already lapsed, please contact our office by email or by giving us a call. To save paper, we prefer to send all correspondence via email when possible. Recertification exams will be issued at the end of each month, thank you for your patience.
