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PROFICIENCY AWARD IN HARDY TREES VHT250

  • Duration (approx) 500 hours
  • Qualification Proficiency Award

Course Description

Become a Hardy Tree Specialist

Learn about the classification and characteristics of conifers and deciduous trees.

Understand the processes of cultivation, development, and maintenance.

Develop skills in the selection and cultivation of trees

Students will devise processes for tree selection, cultivation, and maintenance.

Elective modules enable students to choose between studying the areas of tree physiology and disorders, and environmental systems and the rehabilitation of degraded landscapes.
Trees give a garden a three dimensional structure throughout the year.  They can also give a garden an undeniable age.  However, one of the most important early decisions in the design of a garden is which trees to plant.  There are many variables to consider such as final size, soil-type, and colour of flowers.  If you get this right then your garden will be off to a flying start.  This course focuses on all aspects of the cultivation of big woody plants and is a great addition to the education of anyone who looks after gardens or who works on a large estate.

Modules

Core ModulesThese modules provide foundation knowledge for the PROFICIENCY AWARD IN HARDY TREES VHT250
 DECIDUOUS TREES BHT244
 WORKSHOP I BGN103
 WORKSHOP II BGN203
Elective ModulesIn addition to the core modules, students study any 2 of the following 4 modules.
 ARBORICULTURE I BHT106
 CONIFERS BHT230
 EUCALYPTS VHT117
 TREES FOR REHABILITATION (LANDCARE REFORESTATION) BHT205




WHY STUDY HARDY TREES WITH ACS?

  • Quality - our courses are developed and tutored by experienced professionals, with real world experience.
  • Relevant - our courses are relevant to today's world, with teaching that you can apply to real life situations.
  • Independent - ACS were established in 1979 and remain an independent distance learning school, meaning we remain fully focused on the development and teaching of our students.
  • Flexible - our courses can be started at any time and studied at your own pace, and therefore fitted around your existing commitments.
  • Choice - other than offering a wide range of courses in a multitude of disciplines, we provide the options of either online studies or eLearning - you choose the option which best suits you, so you can determine where and when you study.


HOW THE COURSE WORKS
You can start the course at any time.
It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies.  Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way.  If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.

Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor.  The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.

Each of the modules shown on this page are also available to study as individual courses.  Details of the individual courses and prices are given on the pages accessable via the links in the module titles.


HOW THE PROFICIENCY AWARD IS ASSESSED
The Proficiency Award  In Hardy Trees requires 500 hours of study. It is made up of three 100 hour modules and a Workplace Project.

To pass the course –

  1. Pass all assignments on the three 100 hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
  2. Pass three examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.
  3. Complete a Workplace Project.  The project should last around 200 hours.  There are four options available to you to satisfy this requirement.  Don’t worry if you are not sure at this stage, your tutor will be there to help you every step of the way. This includes evidence of work experience or other studies or workshops, a research project or completion of Workshop I.



WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
The Proficiency Award In Hardy Trees will equip students with a wealth of knowledge about the classification, characteristics, cultivation, and maintenance of Conifers and Deciduous Trees and is an ideal course for:

  • Amateurs and professionals.
  • Plant collectors and breeders.
  • Nurserymen.
  • Botanists.
  • Landscapers.
  • Gardeners.
  • Horticulturists.

 

Any Questions?

Our tutors are more than happy to answer any questions, so please click here to ask a question.

Request a copy of our handbook here.
Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Diana Cole (Horticulturist)Horticulturist, Permaculturist, Landscaper, Environmentalist. Holds a Diploma in Horticulture, degree in geography, permaculture certificate and various other qualifications. Between 1985 and 94, Diana was a task leader with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Since 2001 she has been chairperson of the Friends of Mellor Park (with Stockport MDC). From 2005 she has worked exclusively in horticulture as proprietor of her own garden design and consultancy business in and around Derbyshire; and at the same time as part time manager of a small garden centre. Diana has been an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable tutor with ACS since 2008.
Dr Lynette Morgan (Horticulture)Lyn worked with Rivendell Mushroom Farm between 1986 and 88; and then as a research assistant and technician for a few years while undertaking university studies. In 1991 she graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Horticultural Science (Hons) which covered broad horticultural sciences, as well as nursery vegetable and fruit production. Throughout the 90's she worked in both the nursery industry and horticultural crop production, before establishing her own business "Suntec" which has built an exceptional international reputation providing consulting services; particularly in hydroponic crop production. Dr Morgan has a broad expertise in horticulture and crop production, and a keen appreciation of the global scene. She travels widely as a partner in Suntec Horticultural Consultants, and has clients in central America, the USA, Caribbean, South East Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.
Maggi BrownMaggi is regarded as an expert in organic growing throughout the UK, having worked for two decades as Education Officer at the world renowned Henry Doubleday Research Association. She has been active in education, environmental management and horticulture across the UK for more than three decades. Some of Maggi's qualifications include RHS Cert. Hort. Cert. Ed. Member RHS Life Member Garden Organic (HDRA) .

Check out our eBooks

BanksiasLearn more about Banksias in this 62 page ebook with pictures. Knowing which banksia to plant can be difficult given the different growing conditions.
Landscaping & Gardening in the ShadeLandscaping and Gardening in the Shade will involve many considerations including buildings, plants and care of plants.
Plant LanguageAn essential companion for any horticulture enthusiast, professional or student, this ebook will help you pronounce and understand plant names.
Growing ConifersThe great thing about conifers is they look good all year round. Most of them are grown for foliage, and in general, foliage remains the same pretty well all year. Unlike other trees and shrubs, you do not have a month of attractive flowers, followed by an obscure plant the remainder of the year. A brilliant blue of gold foliage conifer will be blue or gold month in, month out.

Course Enquiry

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