SUMMER 2025 NEWSLETTER

President’s Message

Hello fellow pruners, and welcome to our Summer Newsletter. We have many fascinating articles by our members. We also remember our friend Dick Austin, who helped and supported so many of our individual members, as well as our collective endeavors—including our recent Fall 2024 APA/NAJGA pruning event. Without Dick's help, we could not have secured the location at the Gardens at Lake Merritt, which was so crucial to the event's great success. His generosity and ability to make things happen is an inspiration, and will continue to be so! 

Enjoy the newsletter, and enjoy this beautiful summer. As ever, feel free to contact me via email at apa@aestheticprunersassociation.org with thoughts or questions!

Lara Miranda

APA Certified Aesthetic Pruner® #65
President, Aesthetic Pruners Association
510.658.3438

Farewell to Dick Austin

Pete Churgel, CAP #30

Dick Austin was a founding member of both the Merritt College Aesthetic Pruning Club and the Aesthetic Pruners Association (CAP #8). He passed away on April 22nd at the age of 92. Dick will be greatly missed by all of us in the aesthetic pruning community.

Dick was born in Aberdeen, Washington, and grew up in the outdoors, especially enjoying the wild nature of the Olympic Peninsula where he regularly backpacked. He earned a business degree at the University of Washington, and after serving in the US Army, he worked in Manila, Philippines, for one year. He returned to the US, settled in Berkeley, California, and raised a family and continued his business career. After retiring at the young age of 57, he pursued one of his many passions, gardening, by studying in the horticulture program at Merritt College in Oakland.

Becoming active in the Merritt College Aesthetic Pruning Club, Dick was known for selflessly giving time and committing to help any new pruners learn the skills they needed. He arranged for the Pruning Club to do a regular pruning service at the Alameda Buddhist Temple.

He worked diligently for more than 30 years to support the efforts of maintaining the Gardens at Lake Merritt, especially the Japanese Garden—his primary love. He was a founding member and first president of the Friends of the Japanese Garden, which he helped found to ensure funding and volunteers for adequate maintenance of the garden. He was the inspiration behind the multi-year project to rebuild the fence and gates for the Japanese Garden with Japanese style woodworking. He had just finished a 10-year project to get the paving at the garden replaced. For years he led the First Friday maintenance days at the Japanese Garden.

As he volunteered with Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt, Dick served many positions on the board. He wrote grants to help finance individual projects and was a constant presence, helping fellow gardeners and offering his services in whatever project was being developed, such as the Autumn Lights Festival and the development of new gardens like the Sensory Garden. In 2018, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf presented Dick with the award for Volunteer of the Year. He also volunteered for the St. Vincent DePaul Society and as a board member for many years at the Central Court Homeowners Association in Alameda, in charge of their landscaping.

Dick earned a contractor license and designed many gardens for clients in Alameda. In 2000, he and his frequent collaborator, Bill Castellon, earned two gold medals at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show for a garden they designed. Dick arranged an internship for him and Bill to work and study at Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion, in Kyoto, Japan, under the temple’s master gardener for a month in 2001. In May of 2002, Dick was invited by an architectural group in Malaga, Spain, to give a talk at their international conference on modern gardens. He spoke—in Spanish—about the prize-winning garden he and Bill had designed: "an occidental garden, in a western setting for Japanese garden aesthetics."

Dick had many interests in addition to gardening. He was a jazz enthusiast, and one of his proudest moments in his life was when, as a high school newspaper reporter, he interviewed Louis Armstrong. He attended jazz events all over the Bay Area and began to host jazz concerts in his home on Sunday afternoons. He and his wife hosted more than 40 such events. He opened his home to the Island City Opera company of Alameda, which used his house as a rehearsal space in the beginning years of that company. Dick loved travel, learning languages, chocolate, all sweets, and backpacking trips in his beloved Northwest with family. He visited many countries all over the world; Japan had a special claim on his heart, although he thought Italy had the best food.

Dick was a modest, gentle, genial man and that demeanor complemented his determination, persistence, creativity and strength when pursuing his goals. But he never did anything to get recognition. He worked behind the scenes to support what he felt needed doing. Dick made things happen.

A memorial service will be held at the Lakeside Garden Center on June 27th at 1 PM.

If you care to make a donation in his memory, please consider the Oakland East Bay Garden Center. (Donations can be made online or mailed to OEBGC, Inc., PO Box 10895, Oakland, CA, 94610.)

Feature Article

Tree Architecture and Morphophysiology: Notes from a Kew Gardens Symposium

Peter Quintanillia, CAP #25

I think we could all agree that understanding a tree's natural growth pattern makes you a better pruner. I've been fascinated by the trunk and branch framework of trees since I took my first pruning class 25 years ago, and for years I equated a tree's structure with its architecture. But after attending a conference on tree architecture, I've come to realize that a tree's architecture is a far more nuanced and intricate concept.

The conference, Tree Architecture and Morphophysiology Symposium, presented by the Arboricultural Association (trees.org.uk) and held at the amazing Kew Gardens in London, was attended by arborists from around western Europe. It was great to see Jocelyn Cohen, a fellow aesthetic pruner, in attendance.

The event brought together the leading researchers in the field, headed by Francis Hallé, whose decades of research in tropical forests have fundamentally shaped our understanding of tree architecture. Tom Joye from Belgium and Jeanne Millet from Quebec, Canada, both instrumental in advancing architectural analysis of temperate species, gave presentations. Giovanni Morelli and Stefania Gasperini from Italy also presented their work in morphophysiology, showing how form and function intertwine throughout a tree's life. Andrew Hirons, author of Applied Tree Biology, was also a presenter.

Tree Architecture

The symposium opened by defining tree architecture and emphasizing that it transcends species identification and aesthetic appeal. A tree's architectural model is the genetically determined blueprint that guides its growth over its lifetime. In contrast, its structure refers to the present physical arrangement of the trunk and branches, which is shaped by genetic factors, environmental influences, and pruning.

Francis Hallé and others have categorized trees into about 24 basic architectural patterns worldwide, with roughly eight common in temperate regions. These models dictate a tree's branching and growth habits, offering predictability that can guide management. For example, some oaks follow the Koriba model, while most pines follow the Rauh model.

One especially relevant concept for arborists is reiteration—the tree's ability to reproduce its architectural units. This allows trees to grow larger, live longer, and become more resilient. We've all encountered epicormic shoots that resemble miniature versions of the parent tree.

These are not just reactions to pruning or signs of stress, but strategic adaptations. Understanding reiteration helps arborists interpret a tree's condition and potential for recovery.

Morphophysiology: Form Meets Function

Morphophysiology integrates tree form with its physiological processes. Research illustrates that tree development is governed by a shifting balance among three forces: hormonal regulation, mechanical stability, and energy allocation. These forces shift in dominance throughout a tree's life, with hormonal influences predominating in youth, mechanical factors becoming paramount in middle age, and energy considerations increasingly important in maturity.

This approach identifies five developmental stages in a tree's life, each with distinct structural and functional traits. A tree's age doesn't always align with its developmental stage. A tree may be old by years but still exhibit youthful characteristics—or vice versa, depending on stress exposure. This distinction is important when trying to tell the difference between natural aging (senescence) and premature decline.

Senescence is a predictable stage marked by outer canopy dieback. In contrast, decline stems from stress and can occur before full development. Morphophysiological indicators, such as the type and location of epicormic shoots, can be diagnostic clues. Vigorous, upright shoots often signal strong recovery potential, while sparse or distorted ones may indicate irreversible decline.

Practical Applications and the Art of Observation

The speakers focused on applying these insights to everyday arboriculture. Recognizing a tree's architectural model can improve species selection, inform pruning strategies, and guide risk assessments. Architecture-informed pruning supports a tree's natural growth patterns, leading to healthier, longer-lived specimens.

During one of our breaks, I asked Francis Hallé how one might begin to understand a tree's architecture. His response was simple and profound: "Draw it." Known for his beautifully illustrated books, he emphasized that drawing forces extended observation and creates a dialogue with the tree. Unlike photography or casual observation, the act of drawing requires careful attention to form, branching patterns, and structural relationships.

While many of the concepts discussed build on familiar ideas of tree development, tree architecture offers a framework for predicting growth patterns across species and environments. The conference, besides introducing me to a whole new vocabulary of tree growth terms, reinforced the value of moving from intuitive to science-based assessment. That means learning to see not just what a tree looks like today, but how it is genetically programmed to grow—and how we can best support it through informed care and observation.

Peter Quintanilla is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and an APA Certified Aesthetic Pruner®. He teaches arboriculture and landscape pruning at Cabrillo College and Monterey Peninsula College.

Feature Article

The Art and Science of Summer Pruning for Deciduous Fruit Trees

Kunyu Zhang, APA Member

Fruit trees can be very ornamental, for their blossoms in spring and decorative fruit later in the year. However, aesthetic pruning of deciduous fruit trees can be challenging. Dormant pruning is not necessarily the best way to prune an established deciduous fruit tree, since it can potentially remove the fruiting wood, and stimulate strong reaction growth.

Summer pruning can be done anytime when fruit trees are in leaf. However, it is preferable to perform summer pruning between mid-spring and summer. The objective of summer pruning is to remove excessive vigorous growth, which creates an aesthetically pleasing effect at the same time. Negative space, or ma in Japanese, defines the canopy. Sunlight can penetrate the canopy more effectively after summer pruning. Lower fruiting branches benefit from the removal of excessive vegetative spring growth.

A thinning cut (removal cut) is the cut applied primarily during summer pruning. It is very important to prune right outside the branch collar when removing the excessive vegetative growth. Ideally, aesthetic pruners should hide the cuts when selecting which branches to remove. The upright shoots should be removed to make the height more manageable and to guide the eye to admire the canopy. After the harvest, it is a great time to remove a branch that is out of place if the fruit production is prioritized over aesthetics temporarily.  

Dormant pruning has its advantages. A framework of a tree is clear when foliage is absent. However, cold and wet months are not necessarily the best time to prune some deciduous fruit trees, such as apricots and cherries, in temperate California due to Eutypa dieback. Summer pruning is the solution when the disease pressure is relatively low in the region, where summers are dry.

Summer pruning controls the vigor of fruit trees. Excessive vegetative growth is usually not the goal of growing fruit trees. Typically, no more growth is stimulated after summer pruning. In general, both dormant pruning and summer pruning should be performed regularly on deciduous fruit trees. Summer pruning reduces the workload for dormant pruning. Pruners might be interested in recommending clients for a separate visit for summer pruning of deciduous fruit trees.

In regions of the Northern Hemisphere where sunburn can be an issue, pruning should be done more lightly on the south and west sides of the fruit tree during the summer. Summer pruning should not undermine the health of fruit trees, and sunburn is permanent. Foliage protects thin-barked fruit trees from the sun. Summer pruning promotes the flowering of the following spring, since flower bud formation for the next year occurs primarily in summer.

Tom Spellman, the Southwest sales representative of Dave Wilson Nursery, said that fruit tree pruning is an artist's unsigned canvas: never finished. It is a challenge for pruners to strike a balance between aesthetics and production. Backyard production aims at quality instead of quantity. We prune the space, and we prune the tree to harmonize with the rest of the garden. As aesthetic pruners, we should communicate with our clients what is the best for them and their deciduous fruit trees. Pruning should not be done in one event. And we should remind ourselves and our clients that pruning should stay true to the design intention.

APA Upcoming Events

New Professionals Meeting

Ergonomics and Body Health for Pruners

with Physical Therapist Summer Prueitt

*Save the Date*

Sunday, August 24, 2025
3:00pm – 5:00pm (PDT)

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APA Potluck and Party

Saturday, August 30, 2025
6:00pm – 9:00pm (PDT)

Katherine Randolph’s Eagle Rock Gardens
Mill Valley, CA

Please Join Us! Children and significant others are welcome!

REGISTER

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APA Picnic

*Save the date*

Sunday, September 21, 2025
11:00am – 3:00pm (PDT)

Redwood Bowl Picnic Area

Roberts Regional Recreation Area, Oakland, CA

Come spend time with fellow pruners! Bring your friends and family. Bring food and beverages for yourself and/or to share.

Other Events

Webinar: The Effort Behind Simplicity: Practical AI in Consulting Arboriculture

Discover how AI tools can assist consulting arborists by improving reports, automating workflows, and streamlining business operations.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

5:00pm (PDT)

Registration Fee: $20.00 ISA member, $30.00 ISA non-member

Online Event
Western Chapter of ISA (wcisa.net)

Please send us information on events in your area that may interest other members so that we can include them in this column.

Before and After: Maples

This column was created to showcase APA members’ before and after photos. If you have a photo set that you would like to share in the newsletter, please email apa@aestheticprunersassociation.org with the subject line “Before and After photos.” 

APA Members-only Videos

Members can access video links to past APA Talks!

Links to Tree Talks, APA Annual Meeting talks, and other archived presentations are available on the APA website under the Resources tab.

You must be logged in to your account to view the videos.

NEW Video Available:

Pruning Wisdom from Members

"When, if ever, would you recommend removing a tree to a client?"

My approach to trees is more practical than sentimental. If it’s not serving its purpose in the setting and there’s not a reasonable way to get it to, I recommend removing it. 

Here is the most common reason I advise removing a tree: “Wrong tree, wrong place.” Over and over, I see this problem. While I don’t take removing a tree lightly, I think respect for a tree’s essence and expression means that it’s better to remove it than to keep it in a spot where it can never reach its potential (for example, an Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ in a place where it needs to stay low). It’s difficult to bring out a tree’s natural grace when it’s in too tight of a spot. Also, if a tree is consistently struggling due to poor growing conditions, unfavorable climate, or pest or disease pressure and attempts have been made to address the problem(s), I say it’s time to go. Better to get on with planting something better suited to the location. 

In my current work area, few of my clients have the money and interest to have me do regular maintenance pruning to keep vigorous trees in check and fitting into the scale of their gardens. If clients aren’t going to be able to maintain the tree over time, they either need to let go of the original vision of their garden and let the tree take over, or take it out and plant something more suitable. Obviously, climate affects this; I currently work in northern California in a mild climate with lots of moisture—trees grow with wild abandon. But when I worked in northern New Mexico where there had been years of drought, there were very, very few situations where trees grew too vigorously. And, more of my clients had plenty of money to pay for regular maintenance. (I miss that!)

When I go to do an initial estimate, I often find young trees that were planted with nowhere near enough room to accommodate their mature size. I encourage clients to remove them while they are still small to save the expense of large tree removal, and to get on with planting something more appropriate to the space. Sometimes I find trees and shrubs planted so closely that none of them can thrive or show off their best form. In this case, I select the most promising or well-placed and recommend removing the others.

The last reason that I recommend tree removal is when there is a clear hazard: rot at the base and along the trunk of a tree towering over a parking spot for a vacation rental; heavy branches on a tree known for weak branch attachment planted close to a house; a tree notorious for spreading roots planted next to the walkway to a front door…

Though it’s not fun delivering what feels like grim news, when I have recommended tree removal, my clients have thanked me. They appreciate the honest assessment, helping them see the future of their trees and the potential expense. And because so many nurseries sell trees with misleading information about mature tree size, and so many landscapers plant “the wrong tree in the wrong place” or just too many, I’m happy for the opportunity to give clients sound advice on replacement trees. 

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As a consulting arborist and a Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), I was often called to provide recommendations for tree removal or preservation. The client was often concerned with safety, preservation of a mature tree, or the impacts of construction related activities.

As a pruner or tree worker, my opinion regarding a tree’s presence in a garden takes on an aesthetic aspect, with a few exceptions. With the client I attempt to see the big picture or garden context.

Can we agree on the design elements that make this garden attractive? What is the story? Are we experiencing harmony in the balance, movement, style, color, texture, or feel of this environment? Are elements present that detract or disturb this flow or story?

Before we broach the subject of removal, replacement, or “adjustment” of any element in their garden, I must first see what my client sees. I must understand the role of each significant element in their sanctuary.

Sometimes a removal is “obvious”: The tree has outgrown the garden, and removal of the tree opens the yard visually and to plant variety. 

Sometimes I must “overturn” a decision made by a designer as to tree placement: Removal of a newly planted tree that was blocking the view to a focal point tree is necessary.

Or sometimes a decision is based on the exception I mentioned earlier, which is “sentiment.” I once argued for retention of a significant (to me) tree. However, I could not make a convincing argument that the tree fit in the garden context; the client removed the tree. I must admit, she made the right decision!

Risk, safety, and sentiment aside, the reason to retain, transplant, or remove a tree is whether or not it fits the garden context. That said, the decisions we make might be subjective, but they must never be arbitrary.

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Unless I am informed otherwise, I operate on the assumption that the trees I am working on are considered the most valuable specimens and therefore the highlights of their respective spots in the garden.

I rarely recommend removal of a specimen I am working with unless it is clearly beyond salvation. I have seen Japanese maples last for decades while losing and gaining branches, so I am reluctant to declare a goner unless it is hopeless.

Much more often, I recommend removal of a nearby tree (usually an evergreen) that has grown to block the sunlight needed by a focal point tree for healthy growth. This is fairly common in mature gardens where background trees and hedges have been growing for many years. I recently had a client remove a holly next to a highly styled Acer palmatum that was showing weak spring growth. However, if the offending shade-maker is a redwood or an oak,  there are legal and emotional barriers to removal. In that case, the only option is transplanting to a more favorable location.

Welcome New APA Members

Associate Members

Andrew Bready (Lakewood, CA)
Joni Krats (Gibsons, BC)
Vanessa Morgan (Portland, OR)
Rick Till (Portland, OR)

Affiliate Members

Vivian deZwager (Tacoma, WA)
D.B. Robinson (Davis, CA)
Sabrina Sam (Larkspur, CA)
Patrick Walsh (San Anselmo, CA)

Student Members

Preeya Lofgren-Boll (La Honda, CA)

Committee Chair Reports

CRAFT STANDARDS COMMITTEE
Co-Chairs: Walt Fujii, CAP #10 and Allison Levin, CAP #34

Committee members: Dina Blackwell, Carolyn Cooley, Grant Foerster, Randall Lee, Maryann Lewis, Lara Miranda, Judy Thomas

In light of the ongoing work performed by two subcommittees, the Craft Standards Committee (CSC) did not meet.

One subcommittee is finalizing the reworked parts of the APA Certified Aesthetic Pruner® (CAP) oral exam. Photos and exam questions were updated for the purpose of clarity. This was done in response to comments the CSC received from both applicants and test administrators. Special thanks to Dina Blackwell, Carolyn Cooley and Allison Levin for taking on this task.

The other subcommittee, composed of Dina Blackwell, Randall Lee and Walt Fujii, is finalizing the consolidation of written exam questions. The recently submitted questions reviewed and reworked by Maryann Lewis, Grant Foerster and Dina Blackwell will be included in this consolidation. This updated written exam will be submitted to the APA Board of Directors for approval.

The CSC will be returning to the topic of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Certified Aesthetic Pruners® in 2025. As always, we welcome participation from interested members!

The APA Certified Aesthetic Pruner® (CAP) designation recognizes those professional pruners who demonstrate a high level of proficiency when applying the art and science of aesthetic pruning. For this reason, the Craft Standards Committee continues to seek members whose knowledge and experience will maintain the well-earned reputation of the CAP designation.

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EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Chair: Carolyn Cooley, CAP #15

Committee members: Evelyn Borchert, Cathy Crystal, Greg Kitajima, Allison Levin, Lara Miranda, Peter Quintanilla, Judy Thomas

The Education Committee has begun hosting quarterly Coffee Talks, a chance for informal conversation among pruners on Zoom. We’ve had rich discussions at the two we’ve hosted so far; the next one will happen in September. On June 22nd, we’ll have a New Professionals talk on “Tools We Love,” and on August 24th the topic will be “Ergonomics for Pruners.” We’re working on some upcoming Tree Talks and are planning a hands-on workshop for the fall—stay tuned! 

If you would like to be a part of this committee or pop in to a meeting, please join us! We meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7:45pm (PDT); look for an announcement with a Zoom link in the APA forum.

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FINANCE COMMITTEE
Chair: Barbara Eaton, CAP #60

Committee members: Dina Blackwell, Melissa Hyams, Mark Mendell, Lara Miranda, Nina Rizzo, Shivawn Layne (Accountant), Helga Mahlmann (former Accountant)

In the first quarter of 2025, our main income was from membership dues, totaling about $4,000. The APA hosted a thought-provoking Tree Talk with UK topiary artist Darren Lerigo that brought in $325, and we received a small amount of additional income from CAP application fees and merchandise sales. Our CD account earned $338 in interest for the quarter. Our main first quarter expenses included $2,900 in insurance, $475 in website expenses, $300 in organizational membership dues, and a little over $300 in various administrative expenses. 

Anyone interested in joining the Finance Committee is welcome to email Barb at apatreasurer@aestheticprunersassociation.org.

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MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Chair: Alex Senauke

Committee members: Dina Blackwell, Lara Miranda

Between February and June this year, we gained 9 new members. Our active membership stands at 172. Several of our new members come from Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

Additionally, we continue to publicize APA programming on LinkedIn. Follow us to stay up-to-date and to easily share events with your professional network:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/aesthetic-pruners-association/

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PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE
Chair: Jeff Becerra 

Committee members: Dina Blackwell, Jane Chua-Couzens, Barb Eaton, Melissa Hyams, Nina Rizzo

The APA will once again staff a booth at the Solano Stroll. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, September 14, from 10am–5pm in Albany, CA. We’re looking for APA members who can spend some time at the booth to promote the APA, educate people about the benefits of hiring a pro, and even hand out a few business cards. Any shift length welcome! Reach out to Jeff Becerra at jeffbecerra@sbcglobal.net for more details.

We’re planning to do a fall picnic for APA members, as well, on Sunday, September 21, from 11am–3pm in the Redwood Bowl Picnic Area

at Roberts Regional Recreation Area in Oakland, CA. All members are welcome to bring family, friends, and food or beverages to share.

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SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Chair: Randall Lee, CAP #3 

Committee members: Dina Blackwell, Melissa Hyams

We had four candidates for the Sachiko Umehara Scholarship this year. The Scholarship Committee of Dina Blackwell, Melissa Hyams, and Randall Lee met in April and scored the candidates. The committee chose to award the scholarship of $500 to Carolyn Reuman. Carolyn is a member of the Merritt College Pruning Club and has participated in the Hands-on Pruning class. The APA Board approved the decision by the Scholarship Committee and Randall notified the Peralta Colleges Foundation of the APA's choice. The Peralta Colleges Foundation notified Carolyn in May.

The Sachiko Umehara Scholarship, managed by the Peralta Colleges Foundation and funded by the Aesthetic Pruners Association (APA) and individual donors, is designed to help cover the tuition costs of the academic classes offered through the Merritt College Landscape Horticulture Department. This scholarship is awarded to any student who wishes to get a horticulture education and take the Aesthetic Pruning series of classes offered at Merritt College.
• Scholarship amount: $500.
• Deadline to apply: March 1, 2026
• Apply online starting October 1, 2025 through the Peralta Colleges Foundation (https://peraltafoundation.org/scholarships/). Students cannot apply directly for the Sachiko Umehara Scholarship, but the Peralta Colleges Foundation system matches all scholarships in their database for which applicants are eligible. Applicants should demonstrate a stated need and an educational commitment to learn the craft of aesthetic pruning.
• The scholarship is awarded by the APA and announced in May.