Tree Training Course

Lesson 1 • How Trees Grow

Explains apical dominance, lateral growth, and annual ring formation. Links growth mechanics to predictable training responses.

Lesson 2 • Tree Physiology Essentials

Introduces photosynthesis, transpiration, and nutrient uptake. Connects physiological processes to tree vigour and training outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Tree Species Characteristics

Differentiates deciduous, evergreen, and fruit-bearing species by growth habit. Guides species-appropriate training strategy selection.

Lesson 4 • Tree Anatomy and Structure

Covers roots, trunk, branches, and buds as functional units. Provides the anatomical vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Personal Protective Equipment

Details required PPE for each tool category and work environment. Reinforces a safety-first culture before any hands-on practice.

Lesson 2 • Power and Specialty Tools

Introduces pole saws, chainsaws, and wire-tensioning devices. Establishes safe operating procedures for mechanised equipment.

Lesson 3 • Hand Tool Identification and Use

Covers pruning shears, loppers, hand saws, and knives. Matches each tool to specific training tasks and tree sizes.

Lesson 4 • Worksite Safety Planning

Addresses hazard identification, fall prevention, and emergency response. Prepares students to manage safe working conditions in field settings.

Lesson 1 • Why and When to Prune

Explains pruning objectives including structure, light, and yield. Establishes timing rules based on species and seasonal physiology.

Lesson 2 • Wound Response and Compartmentalisation

Explains CODIT theory and how trees seal pruning wounds. Guides decisions that maximise natural defence responses.

Lesson 3 • Correct Cut Placement

Teaches collar cuts, heading cuts, and thinning cuts with precision. Proper placement minimises wound size and accelerates compartmentalisation.

Lesson 4 • Removing Problem Wood

Identifies dead, diseased, crossing, and co-dominant branches. Prioritises removal sequences that restore sound tree architecture.

Lesson 1 • Open-Centre Training System

Teaches vase-shaped canopy development with no central leader. Ideal for stone fruits and high-light environments.

Lesson 2 • Selecting the Right System

Applies decision criteria including species, site, labour, and market goals. Synthesises chapter content into a practical system-selection framework.

Lesson 3 • Central Leader Training System

Develops a dominant vertical trunk with tiered lateral scaffolds. Produces strong structure for apples, pears, and shade trees.

Lesson 4 • Espalier and Flat Training Forms

Covers two-dimensional training against walls, fences, and trellises. Maximises space efficiency and sun exposure in limited areas.

Lesson 1 • Tying and Taping Branches

Introduces soft ties, flagging tape, and grafting strips for branch positioning. Prevents bark damage while achieving target angles.

Lesson 2 • Notching and Scoring Techniques

Covers bark notching above and below buds to stimulate or suppress growth. Adds precision control over bud break and branch placement.

Lesson 3 • Spreaders and Toothpick Technique

Covers wooden, metal, and plastic spreaders for young branch training. Teaches toothpick insertion for feather development in nursery trees.

Lesson 4 • Weighting Branches

Teaches the use of hanging weights to lower branch angle over time. Provides a low-cost alternative to spreaders for flexible young wood.

Lesson 1 • Wire Stringing and Tensioning

Covers wire attachment, in-line strainers, and tensioning sequences. Achieves uniform wire tension critical for consistent tree support.

Lesson 2 • Trellis Maintenance and Repair

Addresses wire re-tensioning, post replacement, and corrosion management. Maintains structural performance throughout the orchard's productive life.

Lesson 3 • Attaching Trees to Trellis

Introduces tree ties, clips, and training tubes for securing young trees. Prevents wind damage while allowing natural trunk movement.

Lesson 4 • Trellis Design Principles

Covers load calculations, post spacing, and wire gauge selection. Ensures structural integrity across the productive life of the planting.

Lesson 1 • Year Three Canopy Refinement

Addresses tertiary branch development and transition to productive pruning. Prepares the tree for full commercial or landscape function.

Lesson 2 • Managing Precocious Cropping

Explains how early fruit loads stress young tree structure and reduce long-term yield. Teaches crop removal strategies that protect structural development.

Lesson 3 • Year One Scaffold Selection

Teaches identifying and retaining primary scaffold branches in the first season. Removes competing shoots that would compromise long-term structure.

Lesson 4 • Planting and Initial Heading

Covers planting depth, feathered vs. whip stock selection, and heading height. Sets the foundation for scaffold development in year one.

Lesson 1 • Assessing Neglected Trees

Provides a systematic framework for evaluating overgrown or poorly trained trees. Determines renovation feasibility before committing resources.

Lesson 2 • Correcting Structural Defects

Addresses co-dominant stems, included bark, and weak crotch angles. Applies targeted cuts and bracing to reduce long-term failure risk.

Lesson 3 • Topworking and Variety Change

Covers framework grafting to change variety on established trees. Enables rapid canopy conversion while retaining mature root systems.

Lesson 4 • Long-Term Training Strategy

Integrates all course content into multi-year management plans. Develops strategic thinking for adapting training programmes to changing goals.