Woodsman, spare that tree.or maybe not

WSU Extension Bugs and Blights series

Learn to recognize conifer decline in the landscape, determine the cause, and take proper action.

 

EVERETT, Wash. –Threats to our backyard and neighborhood forests can come from insects, diseases, the environment, and more. Often, it’s only after the tree comes down that homeowners learn the roots were full of rot, destined to topple in the next good breeze. Unfortunately, the symptoms may be subtle and mimic other less serious problems, or be missed altogether. The last Bugs & Blights session for 2008 will focus on the multiple causes of conifer decline, a common problem throughout the Pacific Northwest.

 

In this two-hour workshop you’ll learn to recognize the symptoms of a broad variety of conifer health issues along with a host of corrective measures and next steps. The class is offered three times on Wed. Nov. 19th at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Location is WSU Snohomish County Extension, Cougar Auditorium, 600 – 128^th St SE, Everett, WA 98208.

 

Topics covered will include the distinction between foliage diseases and general decline with samples and diagnostic tools. Both needle- and scale-type trees will be covered. The forest surrounding Extension’s McCollum Park offices provide living and dying examples in the hands-on lab portion of the class.

 

Cost is $20 per person or $10 for active Master Gardeners. To register call (425) 338-2400, e-mail klchristen.cahnrs-wsu-edu or download the form at www.snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/registrationform.pdf and mail with your check. WSDA pesticide recertification credits as well as WSNLA CPH credits are available.

 

For more information, contact Sharon Collman, collmans-wsu-edu, (425) 357-6025.

 

About the teachers:

Sharon Collman leads Snohomish County’s horticulture education program, including assistance to Master Gardeners and garden writers, as well as production, marketing and pest management to the nursery and landscape industries in Snohomish County. She also provides expertise in plant problem diagnosis, beneficial insects, entomology networking, and backyard biodiversity.

 

Dave Pehling has been studying and teaching about insects for WSU Snohomish County Extension since 1978. Special interests include beekeeping, insect pest management, and pollinators. In addition to entomological work, Dave teaches vertebrate pest management for the WSU Master Gardener and Livestock Advisor programs in several Western Washington counties.