Tree Pittsburgh announces the schedule for its popular Tree Tender Course—this year the environmental non-profit expects to train its thousandth resident in the course that covers urban forestry, tree planting, and proper tree maintenance.  Could you be the 1000th Tree Tender?  Tree Pittsburgh is an environmental non-profit organization protecting and growing our urban forest through tree maintenance, planting, education and advocacy.

Tree Tenders help newly planted street trees survive and live longer, healthier lives in the city of Pittsburgh.  Tree Tenders learn tree biology basics, tree identification skills, proper pruning techniques, tree planting practices, and how to organize tree planting and care in their communities.  Voted by the City Paper in 2011 as the “Best Way to Get Your Hands Dirty”, the Tree Tender Course teaches the basics of urban forestry in Pittsburgh, guides residents in how to plant trees in their communities, and care for them once they are in the ground.

Tree Pittsburgh is offering Tree Tender Courses on Saturdays throughout the year:

Saturday March 10th, 9am-4pm  Carlow University Tiernan Hall, off Fifth Avenue, Oakland

Saturday June 16th, 9am-4pm, Rothschild Doyno Collaborative, 2847 Penn Avenue, Strip District

Saturday September 15th, 9am-4pm  Western Pennsylvania Conservancy  800 Waterfront Drive, Washington’s Landing

Tree Tender Courses count towards ISA Certified Arborist CEUs and toward Phipps Master Gardener Certification Continuing Education Credits.

As more trees are planted, the need for young tree care grows exponentially.  Tree Pittsburgh has taken the lead role in caring for trees planted through the TreeVitalize program in addition to caring for trees that were planted over the last decade.   Tree Pittsburgh and the City Forestry Division are working to improve the urban forest, but residents can play an important role in increasing its health and reversing its decline.

Registration is open now at www.treepittsburgh.org/become-tree-tender. The cost of the course is $40 and includes materials, a meal at each session, and a t-shirt upon completion. A reduced rate option is available for those on a limited income—Contact Caitlin Lenahan for details at Caitlin@treepittsburgh.org or call 412-362-6360 for more information.