Boise Community Forestry, a division of Boise Parks and Recreation, will offer "All About Trees" - a weekly series of free classes starting Feb. 27.

Five classes will be held Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Boise Public Library Hayes Auditorium, 715 S. Capitol Blvd.

Here's a preview of the classes: February 27 - "Fruit Trees" with Matt Perkins, Boise City arborist and manager of the Laura Moore Cunningham City Arboretum. Perkins has extensive experience in pruning fruit trees and fruit tree culture. Knowing how and when to prune for fruit is much different than pruning an ornamental tree. March 6 - "Tree Biology" with Gary Moen, arborist and Professor Emeritus at Boise State University. Learn how a tree works from top to bottom. Understanding how a tree functions will help you make decisions about the long term health of your trees. This class is an important foundation for the other classes. March 13 - "Tree Pruning" with Dennis Matlock, Boise City arborist. Pruning is much more than cutting off branches. Incorrect pruning can cause serious problems for your trees and, consequently, you. Learn the correct way to make a pruning cut, the tree's response to the cuts you make and how to prune for the long term health and beauty of your trees. March 20 - "Tree Selection and Planting" with Ryan Rodgers, Boise City arborist. Choosing a tree requires careful consideration of soil and the environment along with considering the mature characteristics of the tree. Ryan will point out cultural requirements and growth habits of tree varieties that do well in the Treasure Valley. Planting incorrectly is one of the most common reasons for tree failure. Unfortunately, sometimes the problem isn't evident for 10 or more years. Once you've chosen the perfect tree for your area, learn the correct way to plant, or what to look for when someone else plants, to ensure the long term success of the tree. March 27 - "Tree Problems" with Debbie Cook, Boise City arborist. Learn about some of the most common problems with trees in the Treasure Valley. You'll hear about insects and diseases that affect our trees but also about the most common problems people create by incorrect cultural practices. You'll learn to identify the problems and will be given suggestions on how to correct them. Boise Community Forestry is responsible for maintaining 41,000 trees in parks and public rights of way. Community Forestry also offers hands-on planting, tree pruning and guided tree tours. Sign up for one or more classes online at www.parks.cityofboise.org, contact Community Forestry at forestryinfo@cityofboise.org, or call (208) 608-7700.