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Ecological Arboriculture
Learn the practices Mt. Cuba’s arborists use to integrate ecological thinking into every aspect of tree care, from planting and maintenance to risk assessment and long-term conservation. This course blends traditional arboriculture with cutting-edge ecological approaches, offering insight rarely featured in conventional training programs.
🥬Develop the ability to analyze and prepare planting sites so young trees establish successfully and support long-term landscape goals.
🥬Build skill in evaluating the biomechanical condition of mature trees, recognizing structural defects, and implementing mitigation strategies which balance safety with ecological value.
🥬Explore how senescent, damaged, and dead trees can be retained or repurposed to provide critical wildlife habitat and contribute to forest ecology—an approach central to Mt. Cuba’s mission.
Field sessions provide hands-on experience assessing real-world scenarios, including identifying habitat potential, understanding the broader context of tree conservation, and incorporating thoughtful management to support biodiversity while maintaining functional, aesthetically pleasing, and safe built spaces. Outdoor learning may involve walking over rolling terrain and mulched paths. Please dress for terrain and the weather; classes are held rain or shine. Lunch is included each day.
This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Three Thursdays: 5/7 through 5/21.
🥬 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available
About the Instructors:
William Trescott is the arboriculture manager at Mt. Cuba. He joined the staff full-time in 1988 and began his arboricultural career as a tree climber in 1989. William is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist®. In addition to daily tree care duties, he is currently involved in Mt. Cuba Center’s tree canopy replacement project and development of best practices for ecological arboriculture.
Scott Kelley is the head arborist at Mt. Cuba. He has been working with trees since 1980, and joined Mt Cuba Center in 1986. Scott is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist®.
Julia Rucko is an arborist at Mt. Cuba. Julia has been working with trees since 2017 and joined the Mt. Cuba team in 2026. She is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist®.
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