Since 2011, volunteers have been helping to maintain a healthy and sustainable urban and community forest by participating in the City of Ann Arbor's Citizen Pruner program. The Citizen Pruner program trains volunteers on how to prune young trees to develop strong structure and proper form. Following training, Citizen Pruner volunteers put their skills to work at scheduled work days, where they work in teams to prune city street and park trees.
Citizen Pruner Training
To become a Citizen Pruner, volunteers participate in 4 hours of training over the course of two days. The training includes a virtual classroom session followed by an outdoor field session. During the virtual classroom session, participants learn about tree biology, young tree pruning and the Citizen Pruner program; and during the outdoor session the concepts and tools discussed during the virtual classroom session are utilized and practiced. 
If you are interested in the program and would like to sign up for the training please contact Tiffany Giacobazzi at
[email protected].
Citizen Pruner Training & Work Day Dates
- Jan. 27, 2024 Virtual Classroom Session (YouTube)
- Field Training Day: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 9-11 a.m.
- Work Day 1: Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 9 a.m. - noon
- Work Day 2: Sunday, March 3, 2024 9 a.m. - noon
- Work Day 3: Saturday, March 16, 2024 9 a.m. - noon
To learn more about the Citizen Pruner program, please see the
Citizen Pruner Volunteer Job Description. Citizen pruner work days occur primarily in February and March. Citizen Pruners work in teams with their work overseen by City staff and/or
Advanced Citizen Pruner volunteers. All tools and personal protective equipment (including, safety vests, hard hats, and safety glasses) are provided to Citizen Pruners by the City.
