What are Tree Keepers?

Tree Keepers are industry professionals and community members who have attended an all day workshop or taken a 5 week training class on Urban Forestry, Tree Planting, and Tree Care. The Community and Professional Tree Keepers Courses are different.

The Professional Tree Keeper Course is designed for: Landscapers, Grounds Crews, Landscape Architects, Landscape Planners, Builders, Developers, Property Management Companies, Horticulturits, and Tree Care Companies. Pesticide credits available. This class is not intended for ISA Certified Arborists.

The Community Tree Keeper Course is designed for: TreesUpstate Volunteers, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, Park Hero Volunteers, and anyone interested in learning more about how to properly plant, care, and maintain a healthy urban forest. The minimum age is 18 years old. Master Gardeners can earn continuing education hours.

A healthy urban forest begins with proper tree planting and continues with proper mulching and long term tree care.

Why Tree Keepers?

Mature trees provide economic, environmental, and public health benefits. We need newly planted and established trees to thrive, grow, and survive.

Trees that are properly planted, mulched, and cared for will live longer.

Course Schedule

If you would like to schedule a Professional Tree Keeper Course or single Module at your location for all of your employees, call 864-313-0765 or email Joelle Teachey (TreesUpstate Executive Director) or Karen Hauck (Trees SC Executive Director) for Company Tree Keeper and Module Rates.

Upstate Course TBA for 2020–2021

The Cost

The Tree Keeper Community Cost is $50 per person, OR $25 per person PLUS 5 TreesUpstate Volunteer Hours.

The Professional Tree Keeper Cost is $50 per person.

The Community Tree Keepers Course includes:
  • Soils, Nutrition, and Fertilization
  • Pests and Diseases
  • Recognizing Tree Hazards & Risks
  • Site Analysis
  • Species Selection
  • Tree Installation and Establishment
  • Pruning
  • Long Term Tree Care
The Professional Course also includes:
  • Herbicide and Pesticide Application Basics
  • Tree Protection
  • Nursery Stock Selection
CEU’s
  • 4 Pesticide Renewal Credits
  • 7.5 NCBLA hours