Practice for you Practice

The fields of medicine, law and architecture are careful to call their professions a “practice”. Acknowledging among other things, there is always something to learn, context matters and not every attempt will be a resounding success. I believe aesthetic pruning falls into this category as well. I think of myself as having a pruning practice and so should you.

This means you have studied your tree or shrub long enough. Get out there and practice a few cuts. Even if you start at the back of the tree or on the lavender shrub nearby. You know your long term goal. You have set an expectation of reaching that goal in three to five years. What a relief to know you don’t have to do everything all at once!

Just like athletes, you can give yourself a practice drill to improve an aspect of your pruning. One such “drill” is to give yourself 1 minute to make three cuts. No more no less. Then assess your choices. Did your cuts get you closer to your goal or were they just “busy work” and not impacting your pruning plan? You can practice this drill as many times as you want or when you feel yourself getting stuck making decisions.

Or maybe you find yourself making too many cuts or not stopping while you are ahead. Often the most difficult pruning skill is knowing when to stop. You may find a timed drill useful as well.

Try making only three cuts in 10 minutes. Keep your timer in sight so you know you have lots of time to make your three decisions. And trust me, it will feel like an eternity! Did your cuts make an impact and you could walk away knowing you are closer to your goal? You can also practice this drill as many times as you like. You may find improvement in making quality cuts over quantity and in your ability to predict future cuts.

These kinds of practice drills will help you to “get out of your head” and narrow your focus to the present moment while also keeping your long term pruning goals in mind. They are also a good reminder to embrace the beginners mindset no matter your experience level and to remember you have a pruning practice.

On my mind

Podcast

ReThinking (episode Dec. 11, 2023). Adam Grant interviews Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen. They wrote a book called “Your Brain on Art”. They talk about the book and the science of neuroaesthetics. I just started listening to the book but this podcast does a good job of introducing some great concepts.

Going ons

Pruning Conifers for Health and Aesthetics.

I will be teaching this in-person class covering topics such as conifer biology, seasonal rhythms, techniques to maintain health and size and enhancing landscape aesthetics through thoughtful pruning.

Licensed landscapers can earn 2 CEU

October 31st, 1:00-3:00 (Still plenty of time to celebrate Halloween!)

$45.00

Register with the  Gresham Japanese Garden here.

Hoffman Center for the Arts in Manzanita Oregon.

I will be teaching an in-person event at the Hoffman Center for the arts in mid October. Date and pruning topic to be finalized but is should be something a little different than past workshops. Check my events page for updates.

Tree Talk: Diagnosing Tree Pests and Diseases - The Aesthetic Pruners Association

Sunday, October 18th on Zoom

3:00- 5:00pm

Register with the Aesthetic Pruners Association Here

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