CAP Exam Resources

Aesthetic Pruning Terminology

Focal Point Pruning

Winter Silhouette

Garden Context/Big Picture

Hands-on Pruning Demonstration

APA Members additionally have access to Hands-on Pruning Demonstration videos.

Aesthetic Pruning Guide

A 9-page educational guide describing the Aesthetic Pruning Approach, key concepts, terms, commonly used cuts, techniques for creating branch definition, plant roles, and reading a garden.

CAP Exam Study Guide

Recommended Reading List

  • Gilman, E. F. (2012). An Illustrated Guide to Pruning, Third edition. Delmar.

  • Harris, R. W., Clark, J. R., Matheny, N. P. (2004). Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, 4th edition. Pearson Education.

  • Field, J. (2018). An Illustrated Field Guide to the Elements and Principles of Art and Design, First edition. pp. 26-29, 37-57. Hot Iron Press.