Whether you are an amateur or professional horticulturist, you are a steward of the landscape, and probably spend more time than anyone among the flowers, shrubs and trees. This course offered on Fridays, Feb. 13 through March 6 from 1 to 5 p.m., taught by Tom Ingersoll, is designed for those who might not necessarily be first to climb 100 feet up a northern red oak or wrangle the chainsaw to fell a 36” dead American elm. The goal of this class is to empower horticulturalists to better understand the largest plants in the landscape. Participants will learn the basics of tree biology and identification, the tree’s role in the ecosystem, proper selection, siting, planting considerations, pruning of young trees, fertilization, pest identification and when to call in the certified arborist.

Tom Ingersoll is a Massachusetts Certified Arborist, and is also certified by the International Society of Arborists. He owns Ingersoll Landcare located in Sheffield  and has worked in the landscape industry for the past 23 years. His passion is tree care, and he serves both public and private clients in the tri-state region. Additionally, he serves on the boards of the Berkshire Botanical Garden and The Sheffield Tree Project.