Trees, Glorious Trees

UC Cooperative Extension Ventura County presents

Trees Make a Better World

A free five-part webinar series with James Downer, Ph.D.

Webinar I: April 22, 2021

The Benefits of Trees

Trees enhance our environment by reducing pollution, providing oxygen, and increasing the physical and psychological well-being of people. Trees also save energy, help capture water and provide habitat for animals, insects and soil microbes that help keep carbon from our air. We can enhance the services trees provide by planting more trees. Before you can plant a tree, you have to choose one. This involves understanding tree morphology - what forms and shapes are available - and how tree genetics regulates development. Once the choice is made, selecting a well-grown tree that will perform as expected is very important. Size, condition, freedom from disease and defect are critical selection parameters. Inspecting trees in the nursery requires careful observation and you need to have a checklist of what you are looking for.

Webinar II: April 29, 2021

Planting Trees

Trees often fail to thrive because they are improperly planted. The first phase of planting is to analyze the planting site: space to grow, soil, water, and sunlight. The site should be suited to the tree selected. Once the planting location is identified, planting can begin. Root washing! We will discuss timing of planting, how to make the planting pit, the role of organic materials, what goes in the backfill, fertilizer, mulch, and watering devices.

Webinar III: May 6, 2021

Pruning Trees

Trees often require pruning from the day they are planted into old age. While there are many reasons to prune trees, not all are effective or helpful. Pruning requires knowledge of trees, their physiology and growth, and responses to bud removal. Pruning should be frequent but strategic. For those that do not want to prune trees they will need to hire a tree-pruning contractor (arborist and tree worker). Selecting a qualified tree pruning contractor can be daunting. By understanding the basics, you can tell if your contractor is doing good work.

Webinar IV: May 13, 2021

Caring for Trees

Once your new shade tree has been selected planted and had its first pruning, the work for its survival is just beginning. Trees need water, nutrients, oxygen (near their root systems), and sunlight to grow well. Tree horticulture requires an understanding of a tree's growing needs.

Webinar V: May 20, 2021

Managing Tree Pests and Diseases

Trees like all plants are at times susceptible to insect and plant pathogen attack. New pests are arriving with increasing frequency. These can be dangerous to both native and ornamental shade trees. The first step in fighting tree pests is recognizing their damage and the signs and symptoms associated with their presence. Once identified, a control program can be developed to reduce the impact of tree pests on tree performance.