Prescription Pruning Qualification (PPQ)

September 30-October 2, 2026

with Dr. Ed Gilman and Rob Calley

Location:
St. Paul Student Center
University of Minnesota -​ St. Paul Campus
2017 Buford Avenue, ​​Saint Paul, MN 55108 (map)

PPQ Overview​


​This practical, applied program guides arborists through the process of strategically planning, specifying, and implementing an objective-based pruning approach. It will make you a better arborist by showing you how to incorporate industry standards and ISA BMPs with current research and practice. The PPQ is the culmination of the commitment of the Florida Chapter ISA Pruning Credential Committee who are passionate about making trees more compatible with urban and suburban environments.​

​CEUs: 7 or 15.5 ISA CEUs​

​Vision statement: Develop a new industry paradigm whereby no tree – or group of trees – is pruned without a prescription.
​
Goal: Improve communication between prescriber, production arborist and tree owner. Increase clarity when preparing work orders.
​
What this program does: The new paradigm shifts the decision of which branches to prune from the production arborist to an informed prescriber. It establishes a protocol resulting in consistency between the arborist preparing the prescription and the production arborist. This credential teaches you how to prescribe and perform pruning in accordance with industry standards and ISA’s BMP supported by the latest research and experience.
​
Why should I get this qualification?

  1. Improves professionalism for new and seasoned arborists
  2. ​Establishes a standardized, accountable, objectives-based pruning process
  3. ​Teaches an approach that increases life expectancy, improves clearance and reduces likelihood of failure
  4. ​Improves your ability to explain to tree owners, contractors, and crew why and how to prune.

Who should get this qualification? Arborists who prune trees or prescribe pruning or people who prepare and manage pruning contracts.​​

Find out more about the PPQ program here > Florida Chapter Prescription Pruning Qualification

Which PPQ Track Should I Take?

​
​There are two types of attendees and tracks for this training: PRODUCERS and PRESCRIBERS

PRODUCER TRACK – ​Attends Day 1 Only

Production arborist (Producer) working in trees, or anyone, seeking an organized process of evaluating tree owner and arborist conditions of concern, and an approach to pruning designed to solve these concerns.

  • ​ISA certification is not required
  • 7 ISA CEUs (CA, CTC, UF/MS , BCMA-P)
  • Producers are finished with the training at the end of day one, and each receives a certificate of completion. 
  • Receive a Pruning Prescription Manual and Workbook​
  • ​There is no exam.​

PRESCRIBER TRACK – Attends Days 1, 2, and 3 with Exam

A pruning prescriber (Prescriber) is a certified arborist that determines the need for pruning and prepares a work order (prescription) for pruning that meets the clients goals.

  • Must be an ISA Certified Arborist
  • Walk-ins not accepted for Prescribers
  • 15.5 ISA CEUs (CA, CTC, UF/MS , BCMA-P)
  • Receive Pruning Prescription Manual and Workbook​
  • ​​Day 2 and 3 of training focus on preparing pruning prescriptions using many examples which include outdoor exercises. This is an interactive program with many activities. There is a review and a multiple-choice exam on Day 3. Those passing the exam become PPQ qualified.
  • Qualification is valid for 7 years

Course Agenda​

DAY 1 – Producers AND Prescribers in the same class
​8:00 am -5:00 pm

  • Intro​duction with definitions​
  • Tree Architecture​
  • Response to Pruning Cuts​
  • Guiding Urban-compatible Tree Architecture (pruning)

DAY 2 – Prescribers only
8:00 am – 5:00 pm​​​

  • Prescription approach to pruning​
  • Preparing prescriptions​
  • Outdoor prescription exercises and discussion​
  • Mature trees and palms

DAY 3 – Prescribers only
8:00 am-12:30 pm​

  • Review​
  • Exam

Manual


​Producers and Prescribers each receive a Prescription Pruning Qualification Manual Workbook at the event. 

Registration Fees

PRODUCER – ONE DAY

​​Early Bird Registration – On or before September 4, 2026

$195 – Current MSA Chapter Member
$250 – Non MSA Member ​
​
​Registration – September 5 or later

​$250 – Current MSA Chapter Member
$300 – Non MSA Member

PRESCRIBER – 3 DAYS with EXAM

​​Early Bird Registration – On or before September 4, 2026

$695 – Current MSA Chapter Member
$750 – Non MSA Member ​
​
​Registration – September 5 or later

​$750 – Current MSA Chapter Member
$800 – Non MSA Member

Instructors​

 
Dr. Gilman was on the faculty 1986-2016 as professor at the University of Florida. He received honorary membership in ASLA in 2016. Ed wrote “Illustrated Guide to Pruning” which is in its third edition. He received the Authors Citation Award in 1999, Educators Award in 2003, Research Award in 2007, and the Award of Merit (ISAs highest award) in 2016 from the International Society of Arboriculture. He has published more than 120 scientific peer reviewed journal articles on roots, planting, and pruning trees during 44 years in academia and industry. Ed has conducted more than 800 presentations to professional groups throughout his career world-wide. He now conducts training, prepares specifications, and consults for companies on arboriculture related issues.

Rob Calley serves as the small production company representative on the PPQ Committee. Rob is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) and Certified Arborist (CA), He is also a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP) and has the ISA TRAQ Assessment (TRAQ) and Florida Chapter ISA PPQ. He was president of the Florida Chapter ISA in 2020 and currently serves as the Chair of the Florida Chapter Marketing Committee. He is the recipient of “The True Professional of Arboriculture Award” in 2019.​

Questions​

msa@msa-live.org​