Become a Volunteer in Pruning (VIP) with Missoula Urban Forestry and Trees for Missoula!

After proper planting, formative pruning is one of the most important steps in tree maintenance. Formative pruning young trees enables them to develop functional and durable branch structures that in maturity will be free from major physical weaknesses and able to support the flow of nutrients and energy reserves.

The 2015 Missoula Urban Forest Master Management Plan identifies formative pruning as a need that can be addressed by a trained volunteer corps, so in October 2015, Trees for Missoula (TFM) and City of Missoula Urban Forestry Division (UF) trained the first class of Volunteers in Pruning (VIPs).

VIPs are trained to use proper pruning techniques, the five-step method and optimal pruning timing. VIPs prune trees within City right-of-way and in parks.

UF certified arborists guide VIPs in pruning every Wednesday afternoon during the late fall and winter months.

WHO: Future and Current Volunteers in Pruning

WHAT: Volunteers in Pruning (VIP) Training - Part 2 of 2 with Marie Anderson, Urban Forestry Specialist, Missoula Parks & Rec

WHEN: Wednesday, November 17, 2021

SCHEDULE: 1 - 4 pm - practical instruction field work

WHERE: Fort Missoula Regional Park Maintenance Bldg. - 3219 Fort Missoula Rd.

DETAILS: Face masks must be worn inside building and outside when within 6’ of those not familiar to you.

Pruning tools will be provided for practical field work. You are welcome to bring your own!

Please bring a pair of gloves and dress for the weather!

RSVP Required! Karen.Sippy@treesformissoula.org