HORT 90P: PRUNING: BASIC SKILLS
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Effective Term: | Fall 2026 |
| 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
- Describe wide variety of methods utilized in pruning plants.
- List basic terms associated with pruning.
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:
- Demonstrate basic pruning techniques used for common landscape plants, fruit trees, and roses.
- List basic terminology associated with pruning.
- Demonstrate the utilization of various tools and techniques which illustrate an appreciation of good pruning habits.
- Demonstrate proper safety techniques and equipment maintenance.
Course Content
- Introduction to pruning techniques
- Pruning tools and equipment
- Overview of categories of plants requiring pruning
- Common pruning techniques
- Terminology associated with pruning
- Practical use of pruning tools and techniques
- Common ornamental deciduous, evergreen, and herbaceous plants
- Fruit trees
- Roses
- Grapes and berries
- Technical and equipment issues
- Safety practices
- Protecting plant health (pests and diseases)
- Equipment maintenance
Lab Content
Not applicable.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
1. Horticultural laboratory, arboretum, and related horticultural facilities and equipment.
2. Students provide pruning shears with sheath, work boots, leather gloves, and clothing for field work.
2. 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.
Although these texts are older than 5 years, they are seminal pieces of literature and still contain valid material.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
Reading assignments will include reading approximately 30 pages per week from the assigned texts.
Discipline(s)
Ornamental Horticulture