Future arborists learn on the job

Otago Polytechnic arboriculture students perch like exotic birds in a horizontal elm tree in Balclutha Bridge Playground on Monday morning.

A total of 16 students, led by programme co-ordinator Ben Fentiman, were learning on-the-job pruning and shaping skills in the characteristic mushroom-shaped tree, one of seven they attended to in the town each year as part of their course.

Mr Fentiman said the elms were ideal for learning the specific skill set required for ornamental trees.

"We’ll be moving through several of Balclutha’s parks today, as there are a few of these down here.

"They have a naturally horizontal growth, but would also grow much taller if they weren’t regularly pruned and shaped. They’re perfect for our students to practise and refine their skills."