Not all who care for trees are certified arborists, but many are carrying out the work arborists often do. This training provides information and resources to those seeking additional training to accomplish their goals of keeping trees healthy and minimizing risk regardless of whether or not they are certified.
This program is of special interest to arborists, public and private tree care professionals, municipal or county staff, community volunteers, and anyone interested in developing their tree care knowledge.
Registration will give access to six webinar sessions. Sessions will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The dates and discussion topics are as follows:
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January 15, 2025: Site and Species Selection and Construction Damage We kick off our Community Tree Care Series with Species and Site Selection from Chris Enroth, Illinois Extension horticulture educator. This session will build upon your knowledge to help you decide which species to plant and where to plant them. We will cover fundamental tree needs and site considerations and examine real-world examples where the species does not fit the site. Continue this informative webinar on understanding and mitigating the impact of construction activities on trees with Jenny Lee, Illinois Extension program coordinator. Learn how to identify potential risks, protect root systems, and preserve the health of trees during and after construction projects. This session is perfect for homeowners, landscapers, arborists, and contractors looking to enhance their tree-care knowledge and make environmentally conscious decisions.
- January 29, 2025: Planting and Improper Practices Planting trees is an act of optimism, one that gives to future generations. Illinois Extension horticulture educator Emily Swihart will arm you with the knowledge of proper planting techniques to ensure the investment made in a newly planted tree. Site preparation, planting depth, and care during establishment set trees on the right path toward long-term health and vitality. We'll also explore common improper practices that harm tree health with Illinois Extension horticulture educator Sarah Vogel. Learn what NOT to do when planting, pruning, and placement to ensure your trees thrive.
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February 12, 2025: Tree ID and Health Assessment Learn to recognize and classify various tree species by using leaf shape, bark, fruit, and other characteristics. This session is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the trees around them. Illinois Extension horticulture educator Sarah Vogel will discuss evaluating the health of your trees by identifying what to look for, like growth patterns and defects. Discover how to take corrective and preventative actions to keep trees healthy and mitigate the risk of a hazardous tree.
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February 26, 2025: Abiotic stressors and Biotic Stressors Don’t be hasty to blame insects or diseases for your tree problems. Think again! Many tree stresses stem from abiotic (non-living) factors such as environmental conditions, poor selection, or improper planting. Illinois Extension forestry specialist Justin Vozzo will delve into these often-overlooked abiotic causes of tree stress and failure. But when should you consider biotic (living) stressors? Illinois Extension horticulture educator Chris Enroth will guide you through disease diagnosis and introduce you to some notable tree diseases and insects currently affecting trees in Illinois.
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March 12, 2025: Pruning and the Benefits of Trees Join Illinois Extension horticulture educator Emily Swihart to discover the incredible ways trees enhance our lives and communities in this webinar. From improving air quality and reducing energy costs to supporting wildlife and boosting mental health, trees are essential to a healthy and sustainable environment. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, community planners, and anyone curious about trees' vital role in our world. Pruning has been described as one of the most important landscape maintenance activities since it affects some of the longest-lived and highest-valued plants. Join Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ryan Pankau for a discussion about how to make the perfect pruning cut and pruning strategies to improve long-term tree health and structural integrity.
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March 26, 2025: Advocacy and Choosing Nursery Stock Join Illinois Extension horticulture educator Emily Swihart for a program that empowers tree people to advocate for the protection and expansion of community trees. Participants will learn how to engage local stakeholders, promote tree-planting initiatives, and influence policies that prioritize green spaces. By emphasizing urban forests' ecological, social, and economic benefits, the program inspires communities to invest in a healthier, more sustainable environment. Finally, Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ryan Pankau will examine the importance of choosing healthy nursery stock and what to look for when purchasing.
Each session will conclude with a discussion of tree health issues based on submitted photos. To submit a photo, email
uie-communitytrees@illinois.edu with your question, pictures of the plant in question, and any relevant information related to the issue.
By submitting a photo, you are permitting the University of Illinois to use the photos for educational purposes. There is no guarantee that a submitted photo will be used during the webinar discussion. If you need more immediate assistance with your individual tree question, contact your local Extension office.
One hour of CEU (continuing education unit) is available to ISA-certified arborists for attending each session. During registration, please specify that you are attending as a certified professional and intend to collect CEUs.
Webinars will be recorded and posted within two to three weeks of the live webinar date to a closed Media Space site. Recordings will be available until May 1, 2025.