Prescription Pruning Qualification PPQ

shaddart · Dec 5, 2025

i'm looking at going to Arbor Expo and I see they're offering a course in this, my question is to anyone who has obtained the qualification, did you learn a lot more about pruning to make it worth it?

i've been climbing pruning for about 30 years now I think I'm pretty conservative with what I do, I never make a cut without a reason,but always open to new knowledge.

evo · Dec 5, 2025

My take on it is writing the specs for someone else. That could be as an estimator or as a superior position like a consultant working for a city that is sending a RFP out.
It could come in handy to wrap your brain around it, or be able to articulate exactly what and why when writing an estimate.
I think most of us do a general of “reduction prune and thin apple tree”.

FJR · Dec 5, 2025

I took the class this year with Ed Gilman instructing it and it was one of the best classes I have ever taken. It was an eye opening class for me, and not necessarily from learning about "prescription" pruning. There was a huge focus on learning about reduction pruning and how to use it as a tool to reduce the likelihood of branch/tree failure. That was the interesting part. This class completely changed the way I look at trees.

I will never forget the phrase "leader peter".

ATH · Dec 5, 2025

I kinda did it last year. Ed Gilman came up and taught a 2 day class that was mostly the curriculum, but more field work.

Then this year the whole class and qualification was offered. I could not take the extra time for that - especially because I was scheduled to teach a planting class that same week.

But I agree with @FJR it was a very impactful class. I've been to another Gilman class probably 15 years ago. I wouldn't say there was anything revolutionary, but gets you thinking more intentionally. I'm like you @shaddart generally conservative. I will say for younger and even up to 10-12" DBH trees, I'm more aggressive after the class...and after revisiting trees I pruned 10 years ago, then again 5 years ago, etc.

However, like @evo said it is really helpful to communicate with a crew. You probably have seen there are 2 options for a prescriber (full class) and for a crew member (one day).

Analog · Dec 5, 2025

I'm very interested in gaining this cert. At risk of sounding like a fanboy or stan, any chance an arborist can get to learn from Ed Gilman directly, they should jump on it.

ATH · Dec 6, 2025

Analog said:
I'm very interested in gaining this cert. At risk of sounding like a fanboy or stan, any chance an arborist can get to learn from Ed Gilman directly, they should jump on it.

Absolutely!

That was another reason I didn't go to the actual PPQ class in Ohio earlier this year, Gilman wasn't the instructor this time.

I will also note, for anybody in the region, Ed Gilman will be the keynote speaker at the Ohio Tree Conference this coming February 3-4. Come join us: https://www.ohiochapterisa.org/aws/OCISA/pt/sp/conference_home-page

shaddart · Dec 28, 2025

thanks for all the replies.

happy new year.

oceans · Dec 31, 2025

shaddart said:
i'm looking at going to Arbor Expo and I see they're offering a course in this, my question is to anyone who has obtained the qualification, did you learn a lot more about pruning to make it worth it?

i've been climbing pruning for about 30 years now I think I'm pretty conservative with what I do, I never make a cut without a reason,but always open to new knowledge.

Are you thinking of this qualification to set you apart from others in residential work or allow you to better enter another venue?

I’ve been to countless lectures over the years which have definitely been helpful, but mostly base my prescriptions on studying tree failures over the decades. This would include everything from crown reduction by understanding soil types in my area and conditions leading to potential root plate upheaval to structurally pruning juvenile specimens.

Several points usually come up when I speak with clients. Truly understanding the CODIT model and being able to convey it in regard to particular species is clutch. Identifying sound and unsound branch unions is another great talking point. Having a rubber mallet in the truck is definitely key for sounding trunks.

Not implying you don’t already, but just going with those things alone during an estimate will likely set you apart from “money cutters”, never mind all you can discuss about timing due to goals with various species.

arboriststrong · Jan 2, 2026

shaddart said:
i'm looking at going to Arbor Expo and I see they're offering a course in this, my question is to anyone who has obtained the qualification, did you learn a lot more about pruning to make it worth it?

i've been climbing pruning for about 30 years now I think I'm pretty conservative with what I do, I never make a cut without a reason,but always open to new knowledge.

Ed Gilman is presenting at the Arbor Expo pre-conference workshop, “A New Look at Tree Pruning, Training, and Communication,” and I imagine that much of the talk will focus on PPQ. The short answer to your question is simple: yes—PPQ is absolutely worth it.
You can't talk about PPQ without addressing A300. ANSI A300-2023 is a performance standard that defines desired outcomes, but it is not a substitute for precise, job-specific work specifications. PPQ builds on ANSI A300 by formalizing pruning prescriptions using measurable, repeatable elements—cut number, cut size, cut type, cut location, and part type removed. It also emphasizes integrating customer Conditions of Concern with observable tree conditions to develop defensible, objective-based prescriptions. By reducing interpretation and improving communication from proposal through production, PPQ elevates the standard of care, reduces liability, improves operational efficiency, and leads to more consistent, sustainable pruning outcomes. Let me know if you have additional questions we can set up a video call.

arboriststrong · Jan 2, 2026

ATH said:
Absolutely!

That was another reason I didn't go to the actual PPQ class in Ohio earlier this year, Gilman wasn't the instructor this time.

I will also note, for anybody in the region, Ed Gilman will be the keynote speaker at the Ohio Tree Conference this coming February 3-4. Come join us: https://www.ohiochapterisa.org/aws/OCISA/pt/sp/conference_home-page

Ed Gilman and Nick Markley are the speakers for the Texas PPQ Jan 13-15, https://isatexas.com/events/2026-prescriptive-pruning-registration/. I believe you can still register.