the art of pruning

As major focal points of garden planting, trees provide the setting and define the character of a home landscape. A well-pruned tree also enhances the curb appeal of a residence.

Environmental horticulturist Don Hodel will talk about the basics of tree pruning — the why, when and how — with a special emphasis on maintenance pruning, during the next session of the CSUN-al Gardening series on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at California State University, Northridge.

“Corrective pruning is especially beneficial for young trees and shrubs,” said Brenda Kanno, manager of CSUN’s Botanic Garden, which hosts the gardening series. “Regular pruning encourages healthier growth and better form, reducing the need for extreme pruning later on.”

Hodel, who works with the University of California Cooperative Extension Los Angeles County, has authored more than 300 articles and books on ferns, trees and palms. In September, he received the 2014 Horticulturist of The Year award from the Southern California Horticulture Society in recognition of his lifetime of contributions to the region’s horticulture.

Registration for the free class is required. Email botanicgarden@csun.edu to request a space in the class or for more information. Driving and parking instructions, as well as the class meeting location, will be sent upon registration.

California State University, Northridge’s Botanic Garden is operated by the university’s Department of Biology, and serves as a field site for botany, entomology, photography, painting and other classes. In addition to outdoor landscapes and natural botanic environments, the garden also features greenhouses where noteworthy botanical specimens are grown. The garden is open to the community.

Visit the garden’s website, www.csun.edu/botanicgarden/, for more information.