Properly caring for trees fosters healthy and resilient communities.
Tree care isn't always led just by certified arborists, so Illinois Extension is ensuring that everyone has access to research-backed information on practicing proper tree care through the Community Tree Care Series webinars. Communities with healthy, viable trees are more likely to benefit from improved air quality, reduced stress, and increased personal comfort for many.
Registration is required and includes access to six webinar sessions and recordings. The live sessions are from 9 to 11 a.m. Each webinar covers two main topics per date. The cost is $10 for general access to all sessions and $50 for those seeking Continuing Education Units for access to all sessions. This session theme focuses on after planting and tree responses.
9 AM: Rooted in Success: Tree Care After Planting
- Planting a tree is just the beginning of a long-term investment in community health, environmental resilience, and landscape beauty. This program covers best practices for tree care following planting, ensuring that newly planted trees thrive and that clients are satisfied. Participants will gain an understanding of best practices during the critical establishment and learn how to recognize signs of stress or disease. The program also connects participants with trusted resources, such as Extension services, arborists, and tree care guides, to support long-term success. Presenter: Emily Swihart, Illinois Extension horticulture educator
10 AM: Branch Management: Tree Responses to Cultural Practices
- Trees react to pruning, planting, and environmental stress in ways that aren’t always visible. Explore how common tree care practices influence growth, healing, and decline through internal processes, like hormone signaling. Attendees will learn how tree biology can lead to better decisions and healthier trees. Presenter: Sarah Vogel, Illinois Extension horticulture educator
Two hours of CEUs are available per session to Illinois Arborist Association certified arborists who qualify. During registration, please specify that you are attending as a certified professional and enter your ISA certification number. Arborists must attend the live sessions to receive CEUs.
For questions or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Sarah Vogel and team at uie-CommunityTrees@illinois.edu or 217-877-6042. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
About the Community Tree Care Series
Illinois Extension’s Community Tree Care Series webinars return with new topics and presenters to help individuals learn how to support tree health in their local landscapes. This training provides information and resources to those seeking additional insights for keeping trees healthy and minimizing risks.
The 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.
Additional Series Webinars
Jan. 13: Trees for Pollinators and Evergreen ID
Jan. 20: Forest Health Updates and Fungal Mutualists
Jan. 27: Construction and Urban Soils
Feb. 3: Chainsaw Safety and Pruning Young Trees
Feb. 10: Changing Climate and Historic Pests
