Courses

Courses may be cancelled or changed for various reasons. Other courses may be added at any time.

Upcoming Courses on Pruning and Care of Trees and Shrubs

Michael Allen gives many pruning and tree and shrub care courses in the spring and fall. For dates and times of the next series of courses please contact him by e-mail (viburnumtrees@shaw.ca) or by phone (831-6503). There are ongoing courses given almost any time of the year to groups requesting information on specific related tree and shrub topics.

He will also put on courses for gardening/horticultural clubs, community action groups, and environmental groups interested in:

how to identify and treat common tree and shrub pests and diseases using proven organic techniques
how to identify trees and shrubs;
how identify wood from common trees in southern Manitoba, and adjacent areas of Northwestern Ontario and Saskatchewan;
how to select and plant trees and shrubs properly.

Presentations can also be made on other related topics depending on the group's interests and needs.

Course Descriptions

The Care and Pruning of Coniferous Evergreen Trees and Shrubs

The need to prune out canker disease and dead branches from Colorado Blue Spruce (Photo: M. Allen)

Instructor: Michael Allen

Michael Allen, a professional urban forester and certified arborist with over 36 years of experience, will teach course participants an understandable approach to pruning and taking care of coniferous evergreen trees and shrubs such as spruce, fir, pine, cedar and juniper. The control of common pests and diseases of ornamental shrubs using a PowerPoint presentation will be included. A question and answer period will follow. Pruning is not a difficult skill to learn; however, most people do it badly if they are unfamiliar with the easy to learn techniques. Manitoba evergreens are becoming more stressed each year. Do something positive and satisfying to help yours.

The Care and Pruning of Fruit and Shade Trees

Well pruned mature trees
Photo: © M. Allen

Instructor: Michael Allen

Do your fruit and shade trees seem in poor shape and sickly. Michael Allen, a professional urban forester and certified arborist with over 36 years of experience, will teach course participants an understandable approach to pruning and taking care of fruit and shade trees. The control of common pests and diseases of these trees using a PowerPoint presentation will be included. A question and answer period will follow. Pruning is not a difficult skill to learn; however, most people do it badly if they are unfamiliar with the easy to learn techniques. Learn how to take care of your valuable trees, and give yourself and your family peace of mind as you enjoy your garden.

The Care and Pruning of Ornamental Flowering Shrubs

Acceptable pruning locations on a shrub twig
Photo: Internet

Instructor: Michael Allen

Michael Allen, a professional urban forester and certified arborist, will teach course participants an understandable approach to pruning and taking care of ornamental flowering shrubs. Many varieties of shrubs will be discussed including roses, lilacs, spireas, cotoneasters plus many more. In the Winnipeg area, shrubs fall into two categories with each having their own pruning requirements. The control of common pests and diseases of ornamental shrubs will be included. Pruning is not a difficult skill to learn; however, most people do it badly if they are unfamiliar with the easy to learn techniques. Beautiful shrubs can be the show piece of your garden.