By Andi Anderson
Trees play a vital role in the environment, improving air quality, reducing stress, and providing comfort. Proper care and maintenance are key to ensuring their longevity and promoting healthier urban forests.
The Illinois Extension Community Tree Care Series is designed to teach individuals effective tree care techniques to help trees thrive in local landscapes.
The program welcomes certified arborists, municipal staff, community volunteers, and anyone interested in enhancing their tree care skills. Participants gain knowledge in areas like tree identification, health assessment, pruning methods, and managing environmental stressors.
This hybrid training model includes online webinars and in-person workshops. The winter webinars run from January to March, featuring six sessions held on Wednesdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Topics include:
Site and Species Selection | Jan. 15
Planting and Improper Practices | Jan. 29
Tree Identification and Health Assessment | Feb. 12
Stressors Affecting Tree Health | Feb. 26
Pruning Methods and Tree Benefits | March 12
Advocacy and Choosing Nursery Stock | March 26
Each session concludes with an interactive discussion on tree health, using attendee-submitted photos to address real-world issues. General access costs $10, while certified professionals seeking CEUs pay $50. One CEU is available per session for Illinois Arborist Association members.
In-person workshops will follow in fall 2025, with details provided to webinar participants. Led by experienced horticulture educators and forestry specialists, the program ensures participants have the tools to create healthier, safer community forests.
Register at go.illinois.edu/TreeCareSeries. Contact Emily Swihart for accommodation or additional information. Early registration is encouraged to ensure accessibility for all participants.
Photo Credit: pexels-mayukh-karmakar
Categories: Illinois, General