CHAMPAIGN, Ill – While gardeners often delight in tending to roses, zinnias, and bee balm, the trees in our yards deserve just as much attention. These majestic plants provide essential shade, structure, and privacy, yet they often go overlooked until problems arise. Understanding how to properly care for trees, from the moment they’re planted to their mature years, is crucial for long-term yard health and safety.
University of Illinois Extension is hosting a comprehensive workshop focused on tree care. This free event will cover a range of topics, including proper structural pruning for young trees, risk assessments for mature trees, and tips on when it’s time to call in a professional.
Ryan Pankau, Extension Educator, emphasizes the importance of informed tree care. “As gardeners, we put a lot of energy into our flower beds, but it’s essential not to forget about the trees that form the backbone of our landscapes. From preventing common issues to knowing when to consult a tree care expert, this workshop will help homeowners keep their trees healthy and thriving for years to come,” said Pankau.
The workshop will guide participants through the fundamentals of tree care, highlighting the best practices for maintaining these towering plants while exploring when it’s time to bring in an expert. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, this event will offer practical advice for enhancing your landscape from the roots up.
To register or learn more about the event, visit go.illinois.edu/CCMGTrees.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Valerie Nicolini at
Vln3@illinois.edu or call our office at 217-333-7672
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.