The Tree Course

The course covers the following subjects over a total of 10 days.

Tree definition, biology, forest communities, taxonomy and classification
Native and non-native trees, species distribution and veteran trees
Tree introductions, arboreta, champion trees and national collections
Garden and landscape use of trees
Propagation methods, growing on, training and formative pruning
Tree planting, establishment and aftercare, labelling and databases
Care and maintenance of mature trees, tree inspection and risk assessment
Pests and diseases, trees in the future

There is a set project which runs during the course. This is on a specific topic related to trees and should take up one further day per month. It is assessed and marked. In addition there are a series of eight homeworks designed to extend the range and understanding of topics covered during the course. These are assessed and marked and contribute towards the final course marks. They are expected to take between ½ to 1 day each.

The Tree Course is the second core educational offering from The Plant School. Lectures are delivered by leading experts, including Tony Kirkham, former Head of the Arboretum at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and John Anderson, Keeper of the Gardens at The Savill and Valley Gardens, Windsor. Additional sessions are led by Glynn Percival, covering tree pests and diseases, and Rosemary Campbell-Preston, focusing on tree naming and classification.

This unique course offers students a deeper understanding of trees. It runs one day a month throughout the academic year and is designed for those with a genuine interest in trees and a commitment to learning more. The course is based in Central London, with lectures and exclusive visits to The Savill and Valley Gardens, as well as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

THE TREE COURSE

The Syllabus

Course Dates

Certificates

Fees