Academic Catalog

HORT 90P: PRUNING: BASIC SKILLS

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2021
Units: 1
Hours: 12 lecture per quarter (12 total per quarter)
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • List basic terms associated with pruning.
  • Describe wide variety of methods utilized in pruning plants.

Description

Methods of pruning deciduous and evergreen plant materials. Emphasis on pruning common landscape plants, fruit trees, and roses. Selection of suitable pruning tools, techniques for pruning safely, and use and maintenance of tools and equipment.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:
A. Exhibit an understanding of the basic pruning techniques used for common landscape plants, fruit trees, and roses.
B. List basic terminology associated with pruning.
C. Demonstrate the ability to utilize various tools and techniques which illustrate an appreciation of good pruning habits.
D. Exhibit proper safety techniques and equipment maintenance.
E. Understand the cultural use of pruning techniques.

Course Content

A. Introduction to pruning techniques
1. Pruning tools and equipment
2. Overview of categories of plants requiring pruning
3. Common pruning techniques
4. Cultural use of pruning techniques
B. Terminology associated with pruning
C. Practical use of pruning tools and techniques for a variety of plants
1. Common ornamental deciduous, evergreen, and herbaceous plants
2. Fruit trees
3. Roses
4. Grapes and berries
D. Technical issues
1. Safety practices
2. Protecting plant health (pests and diseases)
3. Equipment maintenance
E. Cultural use of pruning in various parts of the world

Lab Content

Not applicable.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

A. Horticultural laboratory, arboretum, and related horticultural facilities and equipment.
B. Students provide pruning shears with sheath, work boots, leather gloves and clothing for field work.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Student field demonstrations of concepts taught during course
Documented active participation which furthers student knowledge of different pruning techniques

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lecture
Demonstrations
Discussions

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Brickell, Christopher, and David Joyce. American Horticultural Society Pruning and Training. 2017.

Sunset. Pruning Handbook. 1998.

The Sunset text is a seminal text that has been published for over 50 years and still contains relevant material.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

A. Reading assignments will include reading approximately 20 pages per week from the assigned text.
B. There are no writing assignments for this course.

Discipline(s)

Ornamental Horticulture