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. Register for all 4 courses for $60 or one or more courses for $25 each. Full course descriptions with bios

Wednesday, February 5

2024 Turf Insect and Disease Trends: The Turfgrass Diagnostic Lab receives about 300 samples every year from those trying to identify fungal diseases of turfgrasses. This talk will discuss some of the trends observed in sample submissions over the last few years. Presented by: Kurt Hockemeyer, Turfgrass Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison

Sensational Sedges: The wide range of available sedges (Carex sp.) continues to expand and add value in our landscapes. Whether used to replace turf, provide erosion control, or add definition and color to openings and edges, these low-maintenance perennials have significant potential. Explore a wide range of sedges for a myriad of uses in the landscape along with recommendations for proper selection, installation, and maintenance. Presented by: Mark Dwyer, Horticulturist & Landscape Designer

Wednesday, February 12

Buckthorn Management Update: Invasive woody plants can overtake natural areas and reduce their environmental and recreational value. Learn about recent research on the most effective buckthorn management strategies and treatments. Presented by: Mark Renz, Professor, UW-Madison

Using Plants to Control Buckthorn: The Cover It Up! project has found that re-establishing dense native vegetation can limit invasion of buckthorn and other exotic plants by exerting strong competition for light. This talk will focus on the diversity of revegetation approaches examined and comparing the outcomes of those different approaches. Presented by: Dr. Mike Schuster, Researcher, University of Minnesota

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