Aesthetic Pruning: The Craftmanship and Biology for Arborists, Gardeners, and Designers

For thousands of years, people have used the ancient practice of pruning to manipulate and enhance trees and shrubs, yet the science and the art behind pruning is still among the most misunderstood practices in the field of horticulture.

This day-long workshop will take a deep dive into the craftsmanship and art of aesthetic pruning, while looking closely at the science, biology, and responses of trees.

Join Master Pruner/ Arborist Ralph Padilla and Arborist Chris Roddick in outdoor demonstrations and classroom discussions on determining pruning strategies. We will evaluate the architecture, health, and ecology of trees and shrubs, while looking for the beauty and function of each plant.

CEUs will be available. 

Please dress for the weather, as the afternoon session will take place outdoors. No lunch will be provided.  You may order from the cafe or bring a bagged lunch if you wish.

Instructors: Chris Roddick and Ralph Padilla

Ralph Padilla began his career in the 1980s after buying a bonsai in a shopping mall. Growing up in New York City, he became infatuated with the idea of harboring a tiny vignette from the natural world.  He soon became a gardener at the New York Botanical Garden, and then transitioned into arboriculture. Ralph Left NYBG 10 years later to start his own tree service and is currently the Director of Forestry for the city of Yonkers, NY.  Ralph is the recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Arborist Award and the 1996 Field Arborist Award from the New York State Arborist Association. He still studies bonsai and is a senior instructor of Japanese aesthetic pruning for the Journal of Japanese Gardening’s Fall Pruning Workshop.

Chris Roddick was the Head Arborist and Foreman of Grounds at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for over 28 years. He helped develop the Garden’s tree care program and established the BBG as a leader in Conservation Arboriculture and veteran tree care. Mr. Roddick now lives in the beautiful Litchfield Hills of Connecticut and works with landscape architects, designers, arborists, and private clients on mature tree preservation, tree health assessments, and specialized pruning. He is the author of the Tree Care Primer, a guide to care for young, mature, and veteran trees. When he’s not working in the Northeast, he is often on an expedition, traveling to the neo-tropical forests where he helps conduct canopy research as a climber and a really bad camp cook.

NEBG $150 Member Adult | $175 Adult (includes admission to the Garden)

ELA Members $150 (includes admission to the Garden)

To register for a class:

• Please log in or create an account.  The “Log In/Create Account” button is in the bar at the top right of the page.
• Return to the class you wish to attend.
• If you have not already done so, you will need to scroll to the bottom of the page and add Attendees.  You will need to add yourself and anyone else you wish to register.
• If you have already done this, the Attendees will be listed below and simply check the box next to the desired attendees. Make sure to choose the correct price category for each participant.  This can be found in the drop-down menu on the right-hand side of the screen, next to the name of the participant.
• If you require assistance, please contact the Registrar at 508-869-6111 x 174 or email registrar@nebg.org.
• Please note that we have recently changed our refund & cancelation policy.  We strongly encourage you to read the new policies. You will be prompted to agree to the policy to complete your order. You can read the complete policy here.
• Email Confirmation will be sent from do_not_reply@versaiwebservices.com

Construction Update: The Winter Garden is currently under renovation to improve accessibility and will remain closed until Spring 2025. All other gardens remain open.