Tree Care Series 2026: After Planting and Tree Responses

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

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