CityTrees Hosts Hands-On Tree Pruning Seminar in Redwood City
Today, CityTrees, in partnership with the Redwood City Public Library, hosted an engaging and educational tree pruning seminar for 20 local residents. The event aimed to enhance community knowledge about proper tree care while also making a direct impact on the city’s urban forest.
Held at the Redwood City Public Library, the seminar kicked off with a 45-minute session led by CityTrees Board Member and certified arborist James Biddle. As the lead arborist for Stanford University, Biddle brought a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to the training. Participants learned essential pruning techniques, including when to prune, what tools to use, and the specific regulations governing tree care in Redwood City.
Following the classroom session, attendees headed outdoors to put their new skills into practice. Under a clear, sunny sky, the group inspected and pruned 15 city trees that had been planted by CityTrees between 2019 and 2022. The hands-on experience allowed residents to apply their learning in real-time, making adjustments to tree structure and improving overall tree health.
During the pruning session, volunteers removed tree stakes that were no longer needed and identified one dead tree, which was promptly removed. The team also took detailed notes on trees that require additional staking or more extensive pruning efforts, which will be addressed by the CityTrees board in the coming weeks.
Among the trees cared for during the event were Yoshino flowering cherry, Crape Myrtle, Silver Linden, and California Bay Laurel—each contributing to the city’s green canopy and ecological diversity.
The seminar successfully combined education with hands-on stewardship, empowering residents to take an active role in urban forestry. CityTrees looks forward to hosting more community events that promote tree care, sustainability, and civic engagement in Redwood City.
For more information on upcoming events or to get involved with CityTrees, visit https://citytrees.org/planting-pruning-events/.