Disease development is dependent upon environmental conditions. Diseases such as anthracnose, leaf spots, stem cankers, vascular dieback, and rots are very common right now.  Dr. Woodward-Williams from the University of Georgia will discuss recent issues in this area.

2024 turfgrass and ornamental pest id and management, with focus on Ambrosia Beetles. Presented by Dr. Shimat Joseph from the University of Georgia.

2024 turfgrass disease ID and management: the latest research presented by Dr. Alfredo Martinez from the University of Georgia.

The University of Georgia's Dr. Clint Waltz will give the turfgrass outlook for spring and summer 2024 as well as his analysis of the 2024 sod survey data.

Come hear about creating systems that bring order from chaos… while minimizing errors, improving communications, and maximizing efficiency. Presented by Jenny Hardgrave, owner of Simply Flowers, Inc.

Scott Bernard of Flowerworx shares his tips for successful seasonal color projects, from start to finish: instructions for the crew, bed prep, trenching and tilling, composting, top dressing, planting order and spacing, mulching, and watering. Scott also provides photos of suggested container plant combinations as well as a demonstration of his method for planting a container. Deer, slugs, fungicides, and pre-emergents are also discussed.

Are you ready for spring?  Is your turfgrass ready?  Join Dr. Clint Waltz from the University of Georgia to discuss his observations on the December 2022 freeze, pest and disease issues, along with the annual Georgia sod producers inventory report.

Prevention is the most important integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for disease control, insect tolerance, and reducing weed competition. Most insects, diseases, and weeds that affect lawns can be minimized or avoided just by simply managing your grass properly. This presentation will give you the tools to maintain a healthy, stress-free turfgrass with improved pest tolerance and resilience. Presented by Paul Pugliese with University Extension.

Common issues that can be easily fixed in ornamental production will be discussed including weeds, pests, disease, watering and fertilizing along with preventative actions that can be taken. Presented by Dr. Ping Yu from the University of Georgia.

This session will focus on planting depth and drainage problems, excessive pruning and crowding, pH, nutrient imbalances, PGR toxicities, herbicide drift, abiotic stresses, etc. Presented by Dr. Bodie Pennisi from the University of Georgia.

Dr. Shimat Joseph from the University of Georgia will talk about the lifecycle, ecology, and seasonal occurrence of fall armyworm and other emerging pests, such as rhodesgrass mealybug or other scales. Particularly, Joseph will discuss the management options for these pests in turfgrass.

In many instances, outdoor water use can be controlled and minimized with proper landscape design and plant selection. Learn how appropriate plant choices, healthy soils with appropriate grading, use of mulches, and limiting the use of high water-using plants can significantly reduce the need for supplemental irrigation. Disease and pest control will also be addressed in this session. Presented by Dr. John Ruter from the University of Georgia.

Offer, acceptance, consideration, oh my! Do you need a contract? Does the contract you have say what you think it says? Have you protected yourself in case things do not go the way you planned? Presented by Elijah Craig and Evan Alberhasky, Stanton Law, LLC.

Meeting client expectations while following the science of best practices in horticulture and keeping up with a multitude of regulations can be daunting for the landscape practitioner. This session will highlight some of the most common regulatory requirements for the landscape professional and provide examples of how client expectations, regulations, and best practices in horticulture may collide. Requirements for pesticide application, (including pest and disease id and management) will be covered. Presented by Greg Huber from the University of Georgia.

Organizing your tree and ornamental pruning program for maximum efficiency will help you better serve the customers, plants and the bottom line. Fertilizer, plant health troubleshooting and growth regulators will be discussed. Presented by Rick Smith, The Pruning Guru.

Non-native invasive plants have detrimental impacts upon natural areas. Learn what the impacts are, the importance of managing them, and how to do so. The presentation will address non-native landscape ornamentals that have “escaped” into natural areas and out compete the native vegetation. Treatment options (herbicide use) will also be discussed. Presented by Brian Arnold of Songbird Landcare, Inc.

Christine Green and Elijah Davis, attorneys at Stanton Law, LLC, will provide key information to respond to EEOC complaints, including what to expect in the investigation phase, the purpose of a Position Statement, and how to prepare for potential litigation.

Learn how to design a landscape lighting system to enhance the value of your customer’s landscapes. Topics include fixture selection as well as basic design and layout concepts, presented by Reid Garner, Jason Radake and Dirk Hessman from Hunter Industries, Inc.

Smart controllers often get all the press, but smart irrigation starts in the field with efficient design, products, and maintenance practices. Learn about upgrades to sell to your customers that will provide water savings and a quick ROI. Presented by Reid Garner, Jason Radake and Dirk Hessman from Hunter Industries, Inc.