Arboriculture

Sales Arborists - How Looking Down Can Increase Up-Sales

Jen@MNLA.org — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:33:04 +0000

Sales Arborists - How Looking Down Can Increase Up-Sales Jen@MNLA.org Wed, 12/20/2023 - 9:33 AM

Overview (All sessions)

Arboriculture

Start Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 11:00 AM

End Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 12:00 PM

A discussion on maximizing your on-site time consulting with a client and how some quick, in-field measurements can lead to service up-sales focused on improving soil and thus tree health.

Presenter

Dr. Jim Funai

Dr. Jim

Funai

Jim Funai, PhD, is a full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP accredited Associate of Applied Science in Horticulture degree program. He has a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist.

Cuyahoga Community College

Beech Leaf Disease

Jen@MNLA.org — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:26:55 +0000

Beech Leaf Disease Jen@MNLA.org Tue, 11/28/2023 - 11:26 AM

Overview (All sessions)

Arboriculture

Start Date/Time

Wed, 01/24/2024 - 8:00 AM

End Date/Time

Wed, 01/24/2024 - 9:00 AM

The latest research on beech leaf disease will be discussed, with a focus on management.

Presenter

Chad Rigsby

Chad

Rigsby

Chad Rigsby is stationed at The Morton Arboretum’s Center for Tree Science as part of a partnership with The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company. In his role at the Arboretum, Chad shares his valuable expertise in tree-insect biochemical, physiological, and ecological interactions; chemical ecology; and arboriculture and urban forestry.

Bartlett Tree Experts

Tree Biomechanics: Pruning, Cabling, and Bracing

Jen@MNLA.org — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:25:25 +0000

Tree Biomechanics: Pruning, Cabling, and Bracing Jen@MNLA.org Tue, 11/28/2023 - 11:25 AM

Overview (All sessions)

Arboriculture

Start Date/Time

Wed, 01/24/2024 - 9:15 AM

End Date/Time

Wed, 01/24/2024 - 10:15 AM

This talk will provide a brief overview of tree biomechanics, and will focus on strategies for mitigating risk through pruning, cabling, and bracing.

Presenter

Chad Rigsby

Chad

Rigsby

Bartlett Tree Experts

Road Salt and Urban Forestry

Jen@MNLA.org — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 20:21:37 +0000

Road Salt and Urban Forestry Jen@MNLA.org Wed, 11/22/2023 - 3:21 PM

Overview (All sessions)

Arboriculture

Start Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 4:00 PM

End Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 5:00 PM

Sodium Chloride, the most predominant salt used on streets for melting snow and ice, is the lubricant of the modern lifestyle in northern climates during wintry weather conditions. These same streets and parking lots are also the battleground where urban foresters strive to build green infrastructure for canopy coverage, stormwater management and aesthetics. It is all too common to observe the damages and casualties on roadsides in spring, when plants start to display the impacts of salt through discoloration and canopy loss. At this stage, it is often too late to remedy and correct the damaged plants.

The urban forestry community is aware of the issue. Many of these professionals have snow removal as part of their responsibility requiring salts as part of standard operating procedures. We will use case studies in Baltimore MD and controlled environment studies in Richmond, VA to demonstrate a unique protocol of protecting plants from salt damages.

Presenter

L. Dean Alberty

L. Dean

Alberty

L. Dean Alberty is a visionary in urban tree health and soil conservation serving as the Director of Strategic Planning at The Institute of Soil Genomics for Healthy Community Forestry and the Senior Chair of the Missouri Community Forestry Council. Dean also serves on the board of Missouri Green Industry Alliance and the D.I.G. Conference Chairman.

Dean is involved in growing better trees and helping people grow better trees as a soil microbiome expert. His profound knowledge of soil microbes empowers us to uncover the secrets of genomics for healthier communities.

The Institute of Soil Genomics for Healthy Community Forestry

Diagnosing Herbicide Injury in Landscapes and Nurseries

Jen@MNLA.org — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:33:18 +0000

Diagnosing Herbicide Injury in Landscapes and Nurseries Jen@MNLA.org Wed, 11/22/2023 - 2:33 PM

Overview (All sessions)

Arboriculture

Start Date/Time

Wed, 01/24/2024 - 2:45 PM

End Date/Time

Wed, 01/24/2024 - 3:45 PM

Herbicides provide highly effective and efficient means to eliminate unwanted plants (weeds) in landscapes and nurseries. Unfortunately, with vague labels and misunderstandings about the chemicals in herbicide products, mistakes often happen, leading to impacts on non-target plants. These impacts may cause symptoms ranging from minor cosmetic concerns to severe injury and to plant death. When valuable plants such as trees are involved, liability for mishaps may be staggering; herbicide toxicity issues are often catastrophic compared to other mistakes. These mistakes are made by professional applicators and homeowners alike. When property owners (our clientele) make errors, they are often reluctant to acknowledge even the application of a chemical, and we as tree or plant professionals may be blamed.

Herbicides are not well understood by the public who nevertheless adore using them. Herbicide product ingredients and labels are constantly changing, leading to additional confusion from year to year. We must also learn to differentiate herbicide toxicity issues from pests, diseases, and other maladies we may encounter.

Presenter

Dr. Dave Roberts

Dr. Dave

Roberts

Dr. Dave Roberts has researched many issues in Michigan’s plant industry, including Oak Wilt, Dutch Elm Disease, and Diplodia Tip Blight of Pines, along with a variety of cultural problems such as plant nutrition and herbicide toxicity. During his career, he has discovered a variety of new diseases and pests such as Phomopsis Canker of Spruce and the first bacterial wilt disease of turfgrasses in North America. In the early 2000s, his research on Ash Decline in Southeast Michigan led to the discovery of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer in North America.

In his retirement, Dr. Roberts intends to remain active with the Green Industry. Dr. Roberts is President, CEO and CBW (Chief Bottle Washer) of The Plant Doctor, LLC…aka the Tree Doctor.

The Plant Doctor, LLC

Distinguishing Oak Afflictions

Jen@MNLA.org — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:12:14 +0000

Distinguishing Oak Afflictions Jen@MNLA.org Wed, 11/22/2023 - 2:12 PM

Overview (All sessions)

Arboriculture

Start Date/Time

Wed, 01/24/2024 - 4:00 PM

End Date/Time

Wed, 01/24/2024 - 5:00 PM

Oak trees (Quercus sp.) represent increasingly important components of the Michigan Landscape, whether the landscape is urban or is natural woodlands/forests. The loss of important species of trees (examples: Ash, Elm, and Chestnut), coupled with seemingly almost daily new introductions of pests and diseases (examples: Hemlock Wooly Adelgid, Beech Leaf Disease, Pear Trellis Rust), makes it vitally important that we learn to distinguish the myriad of Oak maladies so that we can properly manage and preserve this important genus of tree.

Some of the oak afflictions that may mimic one another or may be misdiagnosed include Anthracnose, Heat and Drought Stress, Cicada Damage, Physiological and Environmental Scorch, various Borers, Oak Wilt, and cultural problems such as herbicide misapplication and excess soil moisture that may lead to Phytophthora collar rot; both problems may result in tree death and be confused with Oak Wilt and other issues.

Presenter

Dr. Dave Roberts

Dr. Dave

Roberts

In his retirement, Dr. Roberts intends to remain active with the Green Industry. Dr. Roberts is President, CEO and CBW (Chief Bottle Washer) of The Plant Doctor, LLC…aka the Tree Doctor.

The Plant Doctor, LLC

Will This Tree Fail? Recognizing and Mitigating Conditions of Concern in Urban Trees

Jen@MNLA.org — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 19:06:17 +0000

Will This Tree Fail? Recognizing and Mitigating Conditions of Concern in Urban Trees Jen@MNLA.org Wed, 11/22/2023 - 2:06 PM

Overview (All sessions)

Arboriculture

Start Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 9:45 AM

End Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 10:45 AM

Trees are built to withstand the forces they have grown to endure. Given enough time, however, all trees will develop structural defects. Many defects pose negligible risk to the surrounding environment or to the tree itself. On the other end of the spectrum, severe defects can lead to catastrophic failure. While many defects such as large cavities or broken branches are easy to recognize, others can be more subtle.

In this presentation, I will discuss some common and not so common defects found in trees, and why they can be a problem from a biomechanical perspective. We will also explore management practices that can be used to mitigate risk caused by these problems.

Presenter

Dr. Jake Miesbauer

Jake

Miesbauer

Jason “Jake” Miesbauer, PhD is an Arboriculture Scientist at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL. His research focuses on tree pruning, tree biomechanics, and tree risk management. He earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in Urban Forestry and Business Administration from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and a PhD in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida.

Prior to pursuing a career as a scientist, Jake spent several years in the tree care profession as a practicing arborist, gaining insight and experience that continues to drive and inform his research. He is a Past-President of the Illinois Arborist Association, and currently serves as Secretary and Treasurer for the Arboriculture Research and Education Academy (AREA).

The Morton Arboretum

After the Storm: Crown Restoration Pruning of Storm Damaged Trees

Jen@MNLA.org — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:26:00 +0000

After the Storm: Crown Restoration Pruning of Storm Damaged Trees Jen@MNLA.org Wed, 11/22/2023 - 12:26 PM

Overview (All sessions)

Arboriculture

Start Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 1:30 PM

End Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 2:30 PM

Storm damage is a common issue faced by urban tree managers. Sometimes trees are severely damaged and need to be removed. Many more, however, receive moderate levels of damage and can be saved. When tree branches get damaged during storms they typically respond through the production of sprouting branches. Sprouts are a critical component in replacing the tree’s photosynthetic capacity. As the new branches grow and develop, restoration pruning becomes an important process to help improve the structural integrity of the tree crown.

This presentation will cover the process of managing trees that have been damaged in storms, from first response after the storm, through the crown restoration process.

Presenter

Dr. Jake Miesbauer

Jake

Miesbauer

The Morton Arboretum

Introducing the Tree Diversity Reporting Index: A New Tool to Assess Urban Forest Biodiversity

Jen@MNLA.org — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:59:35 +0000

Introducing the Tree Diversity Reporting Index: A New Tool to Assess Urban Forest Biodiversity Jen@MNLA.org Wed, 11/22/2023 - 11:59 AM

Overview (All sessions)

Arboriculture

Start Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 2:45 PM

End Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 3:45 PM

In recent years, it has become a growing priority to establish and maintain resilient urban forests. This has been motivated, in part, by significant tree loss following varied pest and pathogen infestations, and in part, due to concerns regarding urban tree survival in changing climatic conditions. Plans for urban forest resilience are rooted in principles of urban forest biodiversity, begin with comprehensive inventories of urban tree cover, and are often laid out in urban forest management guidance documents. However, there are no universal standards with which this inventory data is presented in urban forest management plans, making it challenging to assess urban forest biodiversity and resilience within and among municipalities.

A newly designed tool, the Tree Diversity Reporting Index (TDRI), introduces a standard by which urban forest diversity can be better reported within urban forest management plans. In this talk, Dowtin will introduce the TDRI tool and provide an overview of how TDRI values are both calculated and useful in developing goals for urban forest resilience. Dowtin will also provide guidance on how the TDRI can be utilized in the future development of urban forest management plans.

Presenter

Dr. Asia Dowtin

Dr. Asia

Dowtin

Dr. Asia Dowtin is an Assistant Professor of Urban and Community Forestry in the Michigan State University Department of Forestry, where she teaches coursework in urban and community forestry. Her research uses in situ sampling and laboratory-based techniques to quantify hydrologic and nutrient cycling in the urban forest. In her work, she explores the relationships that exist between urban canopy structure, spatial context, and plant-water interactions to broaden our current understanding of the influence that species composition and surrounding land use have on urban forest function.

A major goal of Dr. Dowtin’s work is to utilize this knowledge to inform the development of urban forest management plans, specifically those intended to optimize yield of select regulating and supporting ecosystem services by municipal trees.

Michigan State University

Can Soil Additives Improve Tree Transplant Success? A Look at the Science Behind the Hype

Jen@MNLA.org — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 15:37:27 +0000

Can Soil Additives Improve Tree Transplant Success? A Look at the Science Behind the Hype Jen@MNLA.org Wed, 11/22/2023 - 10:37 AM

Overview (All sessions)

Arboriculture

Start Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 8:30 AM

End Date/Time

Tue, 01/23/2024 - 9:30 AM

An array of products are marketed to improve tree establishment. These include natural products such as mycorrhizal inoculants and biostimulants as well as plant growth regulators, polymer gels and other synthetic compounds. Nearly all of these additives have a theoretical basis for why they should improve tree establishment. In practice, however, tree responses to additives often do not match the hype.

In this presentation, Dr. Bert Cregg (MSU Dept. of Horticulture and Dept. of Forestry) will review field-based research on additives and the how and why of which work, and which don’t.

Presenter

Dr. Bert Cregg

Dr. Bert

Cregg

Dr. Bert Cregg is an Extension Specialist and Professor of Horticulture and Forestry at Michigan State University. He conducts research and extension programming on physiology and management of trees in landscapes, nurseries and Christmas tree production. A major focus of his program is the interface between nurseries and the landscape to improve tree establishment and long-term survival.

Prior to joining the faculty at Michigan State University, he was a research tree physiologist for International Paper and the USDA Forest Service.

Michigan State University