Overview (All sessions)

Plants sometimes decline and/or die for no apparent reason. Differentiation of the plethora of plant problems we encounter in our landscapes may be quite challenging. Sometimes the causal factors are not pests and diseases. Herbicides are, perhaps, the most poorly understood input in our management of landscapes….especially because our clientele, the public, are often involved in their (mis)application. And when herbicide misapplications occur, they can be “Humdingers”. Accurately diagnosing Herbicide Kerfuffles requires some basic in-field tests, which will be shared in this program.

Electrical issues are among the most common—and most frustrating—challenges in irrigation systems. This session gives participants the skills and confidence to diagnose and resolve electrical problems quickly and safely.

It will cover common failure points in controllers, valves, sensors, and communication lines, along with best practices for grounding, surge protection, and proper installation.

In this one-hour session, attendees will be guided through the complete life cycle of the design-build process—from initial client engagement to final construction management. Drawing on more than three and a half decades of experience, this presentation explores how thoughtful collaboration, careful site analysis and programming, inspired concept design, and disciplined execution come together to create truly one-of-a-kind gardens.

This session updates landscape managers on current quarantines, movement restrictions, and compliance requirements affecting plant sourcing and maintenance. Learn practical strategies for early detection, monitoring, and treatment using integrated pest management (IPM) principles. Attendees will gain the tools needed to protect boxwood plantings, meet regulatory standards, and maintain healthy, pest-resilient landscapes.

General overview of all 3B, categories in sections, Records, PPE, storage, Pest ID, Environmental stewardship, some job site scenario questions.

Pest ID importance in turf and ornamentals, product selection, PPE, drift/off-target prevention, location awareness, label comprehension, and some job site scenario questions.

Homeowners are investing more in outdoor living than ever before—yet many landscaping pros leave money on the table by focusing only on traditional turf installations. In this session, you’ll learn how to expand your “backyard wallet share” by positioning artificial turf as a premium, end-to-end solution that enhances every square foot of outdoor space. From patios and play zones to pet areas, side yards, rooftops, and full-property transformations, we’ll explore strategies to identify new use cases, upsell effectively, and increase project value without increasing crew size.

Pull up a chair and tap into decades of hard-earned wisdom in this lively, candid discussion with some of the most experienced irrigation professionals in the field. Ask the Old Guys brings together a panel of seasoned veterans who have seen it all—good years, dry years, system failures, breakthrough ideas, and everything in between.

Information and updates for nursery and greenhouse growers, including plant quarantines.