Rooted in Illinois: Pruning and Care of Young Shade Trees

Rooted in Illinois: Pruning and Care of Young Shade Trees

Thursday, February 26 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | FREE

Give your young trees the best start in life. Learn the pruning techniques that can prevent structural failures, reduce hazards, and set your trees up for decades of healthy growth.

Why This Program Matters

Young shade trees face surprisingly low survival rates in the landscape. While planting practices and follow-up care play a role, canopy failure from poor branch structure poses an even bigger long-term risk for trees that make it past the establishment phase. The good news? Proper pruning early in a tree's life can drastically reduce the risk of structural problems down the road.

This program covers the challenges young trees face and demonstrates how strategic pruning can create strong, healthy canopy structure that lasts a lifetime.

What You'll Learn

• Common challenges young shade trees face in the landscape

• How to identify structural problems before they become hazards

• Proper pruning techniques for establishing strong branch structure

• When and how to prune for maximum benefit

• What mistakes to avoid that can harm young trees

• How early intervention prevents costly problems later

• Setting your trees up for a lifetime of healthy growth

Whether you're a new homeowner with recently planted trees, a longtime gardener looking to improve your pruning skills, or someone managing larger landscapes, this program provides practical knowledge you can use immediately.

About Your Presenter

Ryan Pankau is the Horticulture Educator for Illinois Extension serving Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties. With over two decades of experience as a forester and arborist, Ryan has built his lifelong love of trees into the career he enjoys today. His expertise spans forest restoration and management as well as care of individual trees in urban settings.

In recent years, Ryan has focused on integrating ecological concepts into landscape management to create more resilient environments that better support Illinois's native flora and fauna. He is the author of the Garden Scoop Blog, which discusses a wide variety of plant-related topics specific to Illinois. Ryan's practical, research-based approach makes complex horticultural concepts accessible to gardeners and land managers at all levels.

Who This Program Is For

• Homeowners with young trees in their yards

• New property owners planning tree plantings

• Gardeners and landscape enthusiasts

• Master Gardeners and volunteers

• Land managers and conservation professionals

• Anyone who wants to understand proper tree care

• People who've recently planted trees and want to ensure their success

Event Details

What to Expect: Educational presentation with clear demonstrations and practical techniques you can apply at home

Format: Presentation with time for questions

Age: All ages welcome (content geared toward adults)

What to Bring: Just your questions about tree care and dress for the weather

Location: Prairie Fruits Farm Classroom4410 N Lincoln Ave, Champaign, IL

Admission: FREE

Part of our Rooted in Illinois educational series, presented in partnership with Illinois Extension.