Dr. Jim Funai

Dr. Jim Funai

Jim Funai has taught at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) since 2009, following 15 years in the Green Industry. He has served on the board of directors for the Ohio Landscape Association and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. He has also served in roles for many other Green Industry organizations.


Funai is a Certified Arborist, Certified Treecare Safety Professional, Certified Educator for Interlocking Concrete Pavers and holds an Ohio Pesticide Applicators License. Focusing on student success and career readiness is his passion.

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)

High Performance Ornamentals for Midwest Landscapes (An ID-Forward Approach

Start Date/Time:

End Date/Time:

Plant performance in the Midwest is driven less by aesthetics and more by soil realities, microclimate, and correct identification at the species and cultivar level. This session highlights reliable ornamentals—trees, shrubs, and small specialty species—that consistently succeed in our Midwest landscapes, including site-tolerant, underused, and contractor-friendly choices.

The Root of the Problem: Diagnosing Subsurface Issues that Kill Trees

Start Date/Time:

End Date/Time:

Tree decline is often blamed on insects, diseases, or “mystery stress,” when the real cause lies below ground. This session provides arborists with a clear, repeatable framework for diagnosing subsurface issues, including compaction, fill layers, perched water tables, improper planting depth, poor soil structure, and legacy construction impacts.