Published: October 08, 2009 04:25 pm      

Tree care conference slated for Oct. 28

STILLWATER — By Trisha Gedon

Special to The Sun



STILLWATER — Gardeners looking for innovative information regarding proper tree care should plan to attend a tree care conference that will be hosted by the department of horticulture and landscape architecture at Oklahoma State University.

Tree Care Conference will take place Oct. 28 at the OSU Botanical Garden located west of Stillwater. The conference is geared toward arborists, nursery professionals, urban foresters, landscape managers, landscape architects, Master Gardeners, related professionals and advanced hobbyists.

The information offered at the conference will be the latest, research-based information available, said Mike Schnelle, OSU Cooperative Extension ornamental floriculture specialist.

“Some of the best industry professionals will be on hand to share their expertise in the various workshops during the lectures,” Schnelle said. “Everyone who attends this conference will gain so much valuable information that will be applicable to all varieties of trees that are suitable to Oklahoma’s climate and growing conditions, as well as surrounding states that have similar climate and growing conditions.”

Early registration is $75 and must be postmarked by Oct. 19. Extension educators, Master Gardeners and OBGA members may pre-register at the discounted rate of $50. Students who are interested in participating in the workshop may pre-register for $30 with a copy of their school ID. Registration for any participant Oct. 20 or after will be $100. Seating is limited and early registration is encouraged. The registration fee includes lunch.

The lectures will be taught by OSU faculty and industry professionals. Damon Smith, assistant professor at OSU, will share his expertise about landscape plant health and preventative disease management. Megan Kennelly, Kansas State University Extension specialist, will be on hand to talk about healthy pine trees and the top 10 tree problems. Eric Rebek, OSU Extension specialist, will provide participants with information regarding managing caterpillars in Oklahoma.

Dave Zucconi, horticulture/arboriculture technician with the City of Tulsa, will share information about tree planting and basic maintenance. Other topics on the program include an overview of plant parasitic nematodes and diseases they cause, helping trees survive storms and winterizing trees.

“There will be many other provocative concepts offered in a short period of time,” Schnelle said. “The group we have assembled to share their expertise guarantees that participants will go home with sound and practical advice.”

For more information about the conference, call Stephanie Larimer at 744-5404 or e-mail ger at stephanie.larimer@okstate.edu. Additional information also is available at the department’s Web site at www.hortla.okstate.edu.