Skip to main content

Workshops

Free Tuesday Workshops

Thank you to everyone who came out and spent their Tuesday afternoons with us learning about the importance of trees young and old.  Please enjoy our “Its a Wrap” video of the 2022 season.  Watch for the 2023 list coming out late winter.


The Tree Council will hold free workshops on Tuesdays, from 1PM-3PM, May through August 2022.

All workshops will be held outdoors at the following locations:

  • Rhode Island Tree Council-Johnston (RITC)
  • Franciscan Missionaries of Mary-North Providence (FMM)
  • Laurelwood Adult Condominim Association-North Smithfield (LACA)
  • Morton Park-Newport (MTON)
  • Miantonomi Park-Newport (MIAN)
  • Rhode Island Veterans Home-Bristol (RIVH)
  • North Burial Ground-Bristol (NBG)
  • Weaver Library Grounds-East Providence (WLG)
  • Goddard Memorial State Park-Warwick (GMSP)
  • Briggs/Bocsh Farm-East Greenwich (BBF)

Each workshop will feature a major theme (see workshop description below) while also providing a brief discussion on soils (soil pH & soil sampling), important pests (ALB, Lanternfly, etc.,) and the latest tools for use in plant health care.  Workshop dates, locations and descriptions are presented below:

Training Woody Ornamentals begins when they are young. This workshop reviews tree growth and discusses pruning techniques.  While general pruning principles are presented, approaches and methods specific to evergreen and deciduous plants are illustrated. The importance of strong structure on growth and performance are explained. Guiding healthy tree growth is an altruistic opportunity for everyone.

Transforming A Landscape just takes trees, time and attention. This workshop will review the transformation of a neglected urban landscape into a pleasant park setting.  Tree species, planting locations and maintenance strategy will be explained.  Attractive, joyful urban spaces are the embodiment of good design and the routine care and protection of natural resources. Join us for an insightful and inspirational stroll through these several parks to learn what makes them so special.

Elder Tree Care is probably the least understood and least practiced segment of tree management.  These shortfalls are disturbing.  They contribute each year to the removal of thousands of older trees that deserved a better fate.  This workshop provides a basic primer on the characteristics of tree aging, older tree needs and meeting those needs.  For this exercise we will examine 100+ year shade trees, evaluating their structure and health and for determining what measures can be taken to extend their longevity well into the future.     

Identifying Trees is a fun process. Sleuthing your way to understanding, noticing details and applying interesting terms to them.  Simply an intriguing brain exercise.  Learn a simple way to use assorted plant parts (leaves, fruit, bark, cones and flowers) to identify common evergreen and deciduous trees.  The goals are to have people more comfortable with the process, and aim at more astute observation for more specific revelation. 

Growing Fruit Trees has many benefits including an annual harvest of fresh, nutritious locally grown fruit.  New technologies have now made it possible to reap these benefits even in the confines of a small urban space.  Modeled after RITree’s very own “Backyard Fruit Tree Growing Program”, this workshop will demonstrate the techniques and methods associated with the safe, reliable, and eco-friendly production of apple, peach, plum and pear.  Come tour RITree’s Orchard in Johnston and see for yourself the possibilities!

LIMIT 20 persons each workshop.

We can also create a workshop tailored to your specific needs. Contact us for more details at (401) 764-5885 to tell us what topic you want to cover, and we’ll design a workshop on the topic.

RITree Tree Care Workshops

Workshops are a great way to build on your existing tree knowledge or take your first steps into the world of tree care management. Below is a description of the workshops we offer.

Tree Planting — Learn the essential steps and details behind successful tree planting (i.e., site assessment, tree selection, proper planting technique, and establishment care, etc.).

Tree Identification — This workshop will introduce the 40 most populous woody ornamentals in Rhode Island (i.e., conifer & deciduous trees and shrubs, etc.). By learning simple id protocols (leaf shape & arrangement, bud type, and plant form, etc.), one will master the skill and knowledge to uncover their true identity.

Pruning Trees — Proper pruning involves knowing when, where, and how to make a cut, as well as how to determine the pruning objective. These protocols and others are taught in a series of workshops based on plant group (conifers, deciduous, etc.) and type (shade trees and shrubbery, flowering woody ornamentals, etc.).

Tree Surveys — Knowing the species, location, condition rating, and maintenance needs of tree assets is the first step in formulating science-based, comprehensive tree management plans. This workshop provides technical and training assistance on major aspects of survey planning.

Tree Health Care — Trees established in the landscape have different needs than saplings. Learn what they are how to meet them for maintaining and improving tree vitality.

Notable Tree – Learn the fundamentals of starting or assisting with established Notable Tree Programs in Rhode Island. We use The Tree Council’s Champion Tree Program as a model. Training includes how to organize local efforts, conduct tree inspections, and prepare written tree profiles for creating a computer-generated tree registry.

Fruit Tree Management — This workshop introduces beginners to what they should know about growing fruit trees before making their initial purchase. Selecting the right location, tree variety, training method, and animal protection measures must all be considered before planting. See Our Backyard Fruit Tree Growing Course for more advanced learning.