University of Illinois Extends Tree Care Webinar Series for 2026

The University of Illinois Extension has launched a new series of webinars focused on tree care, aimed at providing vital information to individuals interested in enhancing their knowledge of tree maintenance. Recognizing that tree care is not solely the responsibility of certified arborists, the extension program seeks to empower community members with research-backed insights to foster healthier urban forests.

The Community Tree Care Series consists of six online sessions scheduled between January 13, 2026, and February 17, 2026. Each session is designed to educate participants on essential tree health practices, promoting the importance of routine maintenance for the longevity of trees. Healthy trees contribute significantly to improved air quality and enhanced community well-being, making this initiative particularly relevant.

Registration for the webinars is required and provides access to all sessions, including recordings. Each live session runs from 09:00 to 11:00 a.m. and covers two key topics. The cost is set at $10 for general access and $50 for those pursuing Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Certified arborists can earn two hours of CEUs per session, with attendance at the live presentations mandatory for credit. Participants must specify their certified status and provide their International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification number during registration.

Webinar Schedule and Topics

The schedule for the Community Tree Care Webinar Series is as follows:

– **January 13**:
– 09:00 – 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**:
– 09:00 – 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**:
– 09:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Protecting Trees During Construction
– 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Addressing Urban Soils for Healthier Trees

– **February 3**:
– 09:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Chainsaw Safety: Practices, Equipment, and Behaviors
– 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Pruning Young Shade Trees

– **February 10**:
– 09:00 – 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**:
– 09:00 – 10:00 a.m.: Rooted in Success: Tree Care After Planting
– 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Branch Management: Tree Responses to Cultural Practices

To register for the webinars, visit go.illinois.edu/TreeCareSeries. For inquiries or accommodations to participate, contact Sarah Vogel and her team at [email protected] or by phone at 217-877-6042. Early requests are encouraged to ensure sufficient time to meet access needs. This initiative not only serves arborists and tree care professionals but also community volunteers and those with a vested interest in tree health, fostering a collective effort towards maintaining vibrant urban landscapes.