Clemson Extension workshop focuses on urban tree care

NORTH AUGUSTA — Clemson Extension is offering a workshop aimed at providing tree care professionals in South Carolina and Georgia with the latest research-based information about tree care and management in the urban environment.

The Professional Tree Care and Health Workshop is slated for 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the North Augusta Community Center, 495 Brookside Ave. The cost of the workshop is $75 per attendee, and registration by noon Oct. 15 is required.

Topics covered during the workshop will include an overview of Clemson Extension, general do’s and don’ts of tree care, soil characteristics and management, pruning and moving trees of different sizes, and management of insects and diseases in urban trees. After classroom work in the morning, the afternoon session will be held outside and will focus on proper pruning techniques, planting potted and B&B (balled and burlap) trees, tree pesticide injections and relocating large trees.

“During the morning we’re going to talk about topics including soil health, pest issues and proper tree care, and then in the afternoon session we’re going to have some demonstrations,” said David Coyle, Clemson University professor and forest health specialist. “We’re going to have a demonstration about how to inject trees for insecticides to protect against leaf-feeding and wood-boring insects, and proper pruning techniques. We’ll talk about proper planting techniques for smaller trees, like those you could get at a home improvement store, and we’ll also have a demonstration to show people how to handle large tree planting and moving as well.”

Credit hours available through the workshop include:

• International Society of Arboriculture CEUs: 5.25hrs Arborist, TW Climber Specialist, Utility, TW Aerial Lift Specialist Municipal; 3.75hrs BMCA Practice; 1.5hrs BMCA Management;
• Society of American Foresters CFEs: 5hrs CAT 1;
• C. Pesticide Credits: 1hr CORE, 1hr CAT 3;
• Georgia Pesticide Credits: 3hrs CAT 23, 3hrs CAT 24, 3hrs CAT 32, 1hr CAT 10.

For more information and/or questions, contact Stephen Pohlman, Clemson Extension area forestry agent, at 803-637-3161, ext. 117, or spohlma@clemson.edu.