Landscape Pro University - Coastal

 

Educational Sessions:

7:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Registration and breakfast

Agronomics Track - approved for GA Cat 24 - 5 hours, SC Cat 3 - 5, see individual sessions for ISA 

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Biostimulants: Opportunities in Turfgrass - Dr. Clint Waltz, UGA

• If you’re looking to elevate your turfgrass management to the next level, this seminar is a must-attend. Discover the powerful benefits of biostimulants and learn how their strategic use can transform your turf’s health and resilience. You’ll gain expert, research-backed insights into nutrient enhancement, pest control, plant protection, and managing abiotic stress. Don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself with proven tools and knowledge—unlock the full potential of your turfgrass and stay ahead in a competitive industry.

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM: Talking Turfgrass Weed Science - Setting the Bench - Dr. Ben Pritchard, UGA

• Join for an engaging session starting with an introduction to UGA’s new Turfgrass Weed Scientist. Follow along with their experiences and the key things  learned so far, and then participate in an audience Q&A focusing on the latest challenges and innovations in weed science, control and turfgrass management from landscape professionals in Georgia.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Can Turfgrasses be Roundup Ready? - Dr. Clint Waltz, UGA

• You may have heard of Roundup Ready crops, but have you ever wondered why this groundbreaking technology isn’t widely used for turfgrasses? Discover how integrating Roundup Ready into the turfgrass industry could revolutionize weed control, making maintenance far simpler and more efficient. This seminar will show why adopting this approach could be a game-changer for professionals, while giving you valuable insights into all the factors that make it an attractive choice.

12:30  PM – 1:30 PM: Coastal Turfgrass Diseases Identification and Prevention - Stay Ahead of 2026 -Dr. Alfredo Martinez (UGA)

• Prepare to stay ahead of the curve as this engaging session dives into the most pressing coastal turfgrass diseases and the latest prevention breakthroughs. Discover practical, research-driven strategies you can implement now to minimize risk and maximize turf health, ensuring your management program is ready to meet the challenges of 2026 and beyond. This is your opportunity to gain actionable insights and give your turfgrass a winning edge for seasons to come.

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM: Landscape Entomology for Landscape Professionals - Richard Evans, UGA Extension, Liberty, Bryant and Chatham Counties

• Designed specifically for landscape professionals, this session will equip you with actionable techniques to safeguard lawns, shrubs, and trees from prevalent pests. Learn how to implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies tailored for the landscape industry, resulting in healthier environments and greater operational efficiency. Take advantage of practical insights that can directly enhance your service offerings and protect your clients’ investments.
  • ISA:  1 hour arborist, bcma science, bcma practice, urban forest professional

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Landscape Management Track -approved for GA Cat 24 - 5 hours, SC Cat 3 - 3.5, see individual sessions for ISA 

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Troubleshooting common ornamental problems in the landscape - Dr. Bodie Pennisi, UGA

• Join us for an engaging and solutions-driven presentation on tackling some of the most common issues in the coastal landscape. We will explore the common causes —from site-related stress, environmental challenges, and improper management practices—and provide evidence-based strategies that you can immediately apply. With a focus on practical diagnostics, we will provide you with tips to improve plant health, extend landscape longevity, and enhance client satisfaction. For a bit of color, we will also include discussion on tropical plant selection for the coastal areas.

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM: Beat the Bugs: Smarter Strategies for the Landscape - Dr. Bethany Harris, UGA

• Pest challenges in landscapes can impact plant health, client satisfaction, and your bottom line. This session provides practical, research-based strategies for identifying and managing key landscape pests while minimizing environmental impact and reducing unnecessary chemical use. Learn to incorporate integrated pest management (IPM) principles into your daily operations and implement proactive measures such as scouting that can help as you manage pests effectively. Learn practical strategies to strengthen your pest management approach which can lead to healthier, more resilient landscapes for your clients.
  • ISA:  1 hour arborist, bcma science, bcma practice, urban forest professional

10:30–11:30 AM: Outdoor Landscape Walk – What professionals should be on the lookout for! - Dr. Bodie Pennisi, UGA and Rick Smith, The Pruning Guru

• This informal outdoor session is a walk and discussion on issues and troubleshooting as we find them in the landscape. Topics may include but not limited to, plant/weed ID, abiotic stresses and symptoms, nutritional disorders and symptoms, and best management practices. 

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Resiliency in the Landscape: Tree Selection and Preparing a Landscape for a Natural Disaster - Dr. Bethany Harris , UGA

• Learn how proper tree and plant selection and landscape planning are essential to landscape resilience during natural disasters. In this session, we will cover choosing durable species, proper planting techniques and selection at the nursery, and proactive maintenance strategies to minimize damage and promote recovery after severe weather events.
  • ISA:  1 hour arborist, bcma science, bcma practice, urban forest professional

M - 2:30 PM: Professional pruning sets your company apart - Rick Smith, The Pruning Guru

• This session explores the compelling reasons for expertly pruning ornamental trees and shrubs, providing valuable insights for both customers and employees. Discover how proper techniques can transform landscapes, enhance plant health, and elevate the beauty of any outdoor space.
  • ISA:  1 hour arborist, bcma science, bcma practice, urban forest professional