Pruning Oaks and Other Native Trees

Note:  This program will be presented both in-person and by livestream.  To join the livestream visit this link. A recording of the program will be available on our YouTube channel.

Most young trees need a little help to become the best that they can be. Oaks have special characteristics that, if addressed at a young age, can be molded into the venerable form and stature that we all think about when the word “oak” is mentioned. While many other tree species are simpler to prune as needed, the same techniques and precautions can apply. Learn the right, and wrong, ways to approach pruning during the early years of tree growth. If we have time, we also will show a demonstration about pruning tools, their use and care.

Presenter Bio: Guy Sternberg is co-founder of Starhill Forest Arboretum, the most comprehensive certified oak research collection in North America and the first arboretum worldwide to be granted international status in ArbNet; first president of the International Oak Society; founding committee member and past officer of the Illinois Native Plant Society; life member of other organizations; adjunct faculty in biology, Illinois College; adjunct research associate, Illinois State Museum; and author of the reference book Native Trees of North America.