The Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Short course is held online annually for green industry professionals, especially those in landscaping, nurseries, arborist trade and greenhouse/garden centers. Instructors are University of Wisconsin specialists and green industry experts. The program is hosted by Extension Horticulture Educators and the Wisconsin Arborists Association. Continuing Education Credits are available for arborists.

The event is held online on Wednesday afternoons in February 2025 from 1-3:30 pm. Each course is $25 each. Full course descriptions with bios

Wednesday, February 19

The Best Things Come In Little Packages: Good plants come in small packages. We will discuss smaller scale trees that make a big impact in the landscape. The environmental and ornamental benefits of underused and newer cultivars of common trees will be covered. Presented by: Dr. Laura Jull, Associate Professor, UW-Madison

Diseases of Crabapples and Lilacs to Challenge Your Landscaping Skills: Learn about common diseases of crabapples and lilacs (from cosmetic to lethal). This talk will include tips on how to identify these diseases, as well as information on disease management. Presented by: Dr. Brian Hudelson, Director, Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic, UW-Madison Extension

Wednesday, February 26

Wisconsin’s Trending and Emerging Landscape Insect Pests: From spongy moths to new invasives like the elm zigzag sawfly, Wisconsin saw a number of trending and emerging landscape insect pests in 2024. In this session, we’ll take a closer look at these trending insects and discuss what to watch for this growing season. Presented by: PJ Liesch, Entomologist, UW-Madison Extension

What’s the deal with No Mow May?: Since its start in Appleton, Wisconsin, “No Mow May” has had the goal of increasing early food sources for pollinators by allowing flowering plants in the lawn to bloom. We will discuss our research about the effects of lawns, how they are mowed, and their value to pollinators. We will also include non-grass plants that can be incorporated into lawns for those looking for more diversity. Presented by: Dr. Doug Soldat, Professor, UW-Madison