University of Illinois Extension Launches Tree Care Webinar Series

The University of Illinois Extension has introduced a comprehensive webinar series focused on tree care, aimed at equipping participants with research-backed knowledge for maintaining healthy trees. The initiative aims to enhance urban forestry, which plays a vital role in improving air quality and providing comfort to communities.

This series, known as the Community Tree Care Series, is designed for a wide audience, including arborists, public and private tree care professionals, municipal staff, and community volunteers. It offers a platform for anyone interested in expanding their understanding of tree health and maintenance practices.

Registration is required for the series, which includes six interactive webinars along with recorded sessions. Each live session will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and cover two main topics. The cost for general access to all sessions is $10, while individuals seeking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) can enroll for $50. Certified arborists who attend the live sessions can earn two hours of CEUs per session, in accordance with the standards set by the Illinois Arborist Association.

Webinar Schedule and Topics

The webinars are scheduled as follows:

– **January 13, 2026**:
– 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: People, Pollinators, and Trees: The Power of the Urban Forest
– 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Needle Little Help? Evergreen Identification and Functions in the Landscape

– **January 20, 2026**:
– 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Forest Pest Update: Who’s Here, Who’s Coming, and What Can You Do
– 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Fungal Mutualists: The Good Guys of Fungal Infections

– **January 27, 2026**:
– 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Protecting Trees During Construction
– 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Addressing Urban Soils for Healthier Trees

– **February 3, 2026**:
– 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Chainsaw Safety: Practices, Equipment, and Behaviors
– 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Pruning Young Shade Trees

– **February 10, 2026**:
– 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Urban Forest Trees in a Changing Climate: Impacts and Strategies
– 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Historic Forest Pest Outbreaks in North America

– **February 17, 2026**:
– 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Rooted in Success: Tree Care After Planting
– 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Branch Management: Tree Responses to Cultural Practices

Participants can register for the series by visiting go.illinois.edu/TreeCareSeries. For further inquiries or requests for accommodations, individuals can contact Sarah Vogel and her team at [email protected] or by calling 217-877-6042. Early requests for accommodations are encouraged to ensure adequate time for support.

The University of Illinois Extension’s commitment to enhancing community tree care through accessible education underscores the importance of informed stewardship in maintaining healthy urban forests.