Arborists and landscape professionals increasingly deal with the growing demand for diverse species of trees in the landscape. This one day workshop will introduce professionals to the identification and selection of ornamental tree species. You’ll learn plant nomenclature and anatomy; how to identify common landscape trees and become more proficient at tree selection. The workshop will include classroom instruction and outdoor field experience to maximize the learning experience.

Schedule

8:30-9:00 Registration, coffee and refreshments
9:00-9:30 Botanical nomenclature

• Importance of scientific names
• Helpful in identification of plants, where they came from and who discovered them

9:30-10:30 Plant morphology and how to identify a plant

• Characteristics of leaves, twigs, buds, flowers, fruit, and plant form
• How to use a key using twig identification

10:30-10:45 Break

10:45-noon Plant selection: Right plant in the right place

• Ornamental features
• Mature size and spacing 
• Environmental considerations
• Pest problems
• Cultural problems: form, structure, invasiveness

12:00-1:00 Lunch and travel to UW-River Falls campus (parking permits provided)
1:00-3:30 Outdoor tree walk on UW-River Falls Campus (dress accordingly)

• Common landscape deciduous trees
• Review of key identification features using keys
• Tree use and function in the landscape
• Ash alternatives

3:30 Review of workshop and adjourn

For more information, visit University of Wisconsin Extension