Region 4/PlantCNY Virtual Education Day
Date / Time: Thursday, February 17, 2022 / 11am–1:30 pm
Credits: 2 CNLP; 1.5 DEC (2,10,3a,25,6a)
Welcoming & Introductions
Roots and the plants who love them: A chat on something that can be hard to see and challenging to explain to a client
with Jason Grabosky – Rutgers University
Unless you have a set of DC-Universe super-person x-ray eyes, it is unlikely that you can easily observe roots in a landscape while walking the site with a client. For those reasons, two things are immediately apparent, we make a good number of assumptions to simplify our professional lives, and we tend to look for easier observations above ground to make inferences or outright guesses at what is happening below ground. Let’s talk about that….. There are some methods (mostly for larger roots systems like trees) to locate and map root systems. There is a substantial and increasing literature on root research, we have several tools at our disposal if we think to use them or if we can justify their use to the client. This presentation will stress the importance of having a method of observation to then notice patterns more readily (for the landscape professional). We then use this method to better communicate to the client and provide a more professional and consistent service in our billing practice. Connecting the two in conversation/consultation with the client suggests this talk will focus on some basics of root morphology and root function in a practical manner. This talk will work to focus on both patterns in colonization strategies of shrubs and then focus on trees since there are risk factors if a tree fails from root issues, particularly in wind storms. Knowing a bit about roots can helps us better address questions of risk with a client. Also, understanding, or having a process of checking for roots can better target pesticide, amendment, bio-product or fertilizer dosing and placement for a more efficacious application. Finally, as time and audience questions allow, the topic will turn toward roots and pavement design.
Jason Grabosky is professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources at Rutgers University as the John and Eleanor Kuser, Endowed Faculty Scholar in Urban and Community Forestry. Dr. Grabosky teaches classes in tree care, forest ecology and urban forestry. His research is very general in its approach, but focuses most often on urban tree growth and management.
Deer Spotted Lantern Fly, Box Tree Moth and Elm Zigzag Sawfly
with Thomas Allgaier -NYS Dept of Agriculture and Markets
The origin, spread, lifecycle, survey, trapping and reporting of Spotted Lantern Fly, Box Tree Moth, and the Canadian detection, lifecycle and feeding damage of Elm ZigZag Sawlfly
Thomas Allgaier is the Invasive Species Coordinator for the NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets. With over 20 years of public service between federal and state positions dealing with invasive plant pests. Prior to his public service he worked in various landscape construction, garden center and greenhouse positions. Thom holds an associate’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Farmingdale State University, a Bachelor’s of science from Empire State College where he studied Environmental Biology, and a Master’s of Science degree from University of North Carolina – Wilmington where he studied Environmental Science..
