Tuesday Schedule

with Dr. Rafia Khan, Texas A&M University

This session dives into the identification, biology, and management of two of the most persistent and damaging pests in trees and shrubs: borers and scale insects. Attendees will learn how to detect early infestations and implement effective, integrated control strategies.

Key Takeaways:

1. Know the Signs – Early detection of entry holes, frass, dieback, or sticky residue can prevent extensive damage and loss.

2. Timing is Critical – Effective control often depends on targeting vulnerable life stages with the right products at the right time.

3. Integrated Management Works Best – Combining cultural practices, biological controls, and selective insecticides leads to longer-term success with less environmental impact.

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Dr. Stephanie Adams, Texas A&M University 

Root rot is a common yet serious issue that can silently undermine plant health and landscape investment. This session covers how to identify, prevent, and manage root rot caused by fungal pathogens and poor soil conditions.

Key Takeaways:

1. Early Detection is Key – Symptoms like yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting may signal root rot long before visible decline.

2. Improve Soil and Drainage – Overwatering, compacted soils, and poor drainage create ideal conditions for root rot pathogens to thrive.

3. Integrated Management Approaches – Combining cultural practices, resistant plant selections, and targeted fungicide applications can help manage and prevent outbreaks.

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TNLA and LA CES CEUs with Justin Krobot and Joe Zaniewski, Tree Mann Solutions, LLC

This session highlights strategies for integrating existing trees into landscape projects while minimizing damage during construction. Attendees will learn how thoughtful design, planning, and collaboration can protect mature trees and enhance long-term landscape value.

Key Takeaways:

1. Plan with Trees in Mind – Early site assessment and mapping of critical root zones help guide design decisions that avoid root damage.

2. Protect Before You Build – Fencing, mulching, and limiting soil compaction during construction are essential for tree health.

3. Design for Long-Term Success – Incorporating trees into the landscape adds ecological, aesthetic, and economic benefits—preservation should be a priority, not an afterthought.

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LA CES and TNLA CEUs with Dr. Andrew King, Texas AgriLife Research and Extension

Healthy trees start with healthy soils. This session explores how soil structure, biology, and management practices directly influence tree establishment, growth, and resilience. Participants will learn strategies to assess and improve soil conditions for long-term tree success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Soil Health is Tree Health – Compaction, poor drainage, and low organic matter are common issues that limit root growth and tree vitality.

2. Feed the Soil Food Web – Encouraging beneficial microbes through compost, mulch, and reduced chemical use supports nutrient cycling and disease resistance.

3. Assess Before You Plant – Soil testing and site evaluation help select the right species and guide amendments for optimal root development.

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ISA CEU available with Karl Flocke, Texas A&M Forest Service

This session provides guidance on assessing and restoring trees following events like hurricanes, ice storms, floods, or wildfires. Attendees will learn how to evaluate damage, prioritize safety, and implement recovery strategies to support long-term tree health.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start with a Safety Assessment – Identify and address immediate hazards such as hanging limbs, split trunks, or uprooted trees before beginning cleanup.

2. Don’t Rush to Remove – Many trees with moderate damage can recover with proper pruning, support, and time—evaluation by a professional is key.

3. Support Recovery, Not Just Cleanup – Post-disaster care includes watering, mulching, and monitoring for pests and disease, which are more likely to affect stressed trees.

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ISA And TNLA CEUs with Matt Campbell, ArborJet This session explores the vital connection between soil moisture chemistry and plant health. Participants will learn how water quality, salinity, and nutrient availability in the soil solution influence plant physiology, root development, and overall growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Water Quality Impacts Nutrient Uptake – pH, salinity, and dissolved ions in irrigation water directly affect a plant’s ability to absorb essential nutrients.

2. Soil Chemistry Drives Root Behavior – Imbalances in soil moisture or chemical composition can alter root growth patterns and trigger stress responses.

3. Monitoring Matters – Regular testing of soil and water chemistry helps prevent issues like nutrient lockout, toxicity, or stunted plant development.

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ISA and TNLA CEUs with Emmett Muennink, ArborJet

This session provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of tree injection—from early methods to today’s advanced systems. Attendees will gain an understanding of how innovations in equipment and chemistry have improved tree care, pest management, and disease treatment over time.

Key Takeaways:

1. From Wounding to Precision – Tree injection has progressed from invasive techniques to refined systems that minimize damage while maximizing efficacy.

2. Chemical Advancements – Modern formulations are more targeted, effective, and environmentally responsible than earlier compounds.

3. A Valuable Tool in Integrated Care – Today’s tree injection methods play a key role in managing pests and diseases where spraying isn’t practical or desirable.

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Explore how to optimize landscape irrigation using tools and technology designed for evapotranspiration (ET)-based scheduling. This session provides practical guidance on using data-driven systems to improve water efficiency, reduce waste, and support sustainable landscape management. Takeaways: -Learn how ET data improves irrigation scheduling for healthier landscapes with less water.\ -Discover the latest ET tools and how to integrate them into existing irrigation systems. with Charles Swanson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Must attend full day to receive 8 hours TCEQ CEUsRead less...

ISA and TNLA CEUs available with Dr. David Creech

As climate patterns shift, selecting and managing trees that can thrive in hotter, drier, and more variable conditions is essential. This session highlights tree species and cultivars with proven resilience, as well as planting and care strategies to support long-term success in changing environments.

Key Takeaways:

1. Select for Resilience – Discover tree species and cultivars with tolerance to drought, heat, pests, and urban stressors.

2. Match Tree to Site – Successful outcomes depend on aligning tree characteristics with soil type, water availability, and microclimates.

3. Plan for the Future – Incorporate diversity and adaptability into tree planning to build more resilient landscapes over the next several decades.

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ISA and TNLA CEUs available With expert speaker: Mike Sills, Texas Forest Service Mike Sills has been a Regional Urban Forester for the Texas A and M Forest Service’s Dallas Region for eight years. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1995 with a B.S. in Forestry and has been an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist since 1997. He has received accreditation as a Certified Forester and Board-Certified Master Arborist from the Society of American Foresters and International Society of Arboriculture, respectively. He is a Private Pilot and volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol. He and his wife of 24 years, Ginny, enjoy traveling and being at home with their dog, Keelagh, and their rabbit, Captain Hastings.Read less...

ISA and TNLA CEU available With expert speaker: Tim Jackson, Davey Tree Care

This session focuses on the fundamentals of structural pruning to promote strong, healthy tree architecture. Attendees will learn how early pruning decisions impact tree stability, aesthetics, and longevity in both urban and landscape settings.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start Young for Lasting Impact – Early pruning helps establish a dominant leader and proper branch spacing, reducing future risk and maintenance costs.

2. Identify and Correct Structural Defects – Learn how to recognize codominant stems, included bark, and poor branch attachments that can lead to failure if not addressed.

3. Timing and Technique Matter – Understand when and how to make pruning cuts to guide growth without overstressing the tree.

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with expert Paul Winski, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

This session offers practical guidance on the safe and effective use of biological pesticides in nursery and landscape operations. Participants will explore how these pest control tools differ from traditional chemicals and learn best practices for storage, application, and integration into IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs.

Key Takeaways:

1. Proper Storage and Handling – Biological pesticides often have shorter shelf lives and specific storage requirements to maintain effectiveness, such as temperature control and avoiding direct sunlight.

2. Application Timing is Critical – Success depends on applying biologicals at the correct pest life stage and environmental conditions to maximize impact.

3. Integration with Other Controls – Biologicals work best as part of a broader IPM strategy, complementing cultural and mechanical controls while reducing resistance risks.

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In "Water Plans and Sustainability," industry expert DJ Seeger of Seeger Water will guide attendees through the essential components of effective water planning and long-term sustainability practices. Drawing from real-world experience and forward-thinking strategies, DJ will explore how businesses and communities can develop water plans that balance conservation, compliance, and operational needs. This session will highlight innovative technologies, practical approaches to water management, and the critical role sustainability plays in the future of our industry. Key Takeaways: 1. Learn how to create and implement an effective water plan that meets both regulatory requirements and operational goals. 2. Discover sustainable water management practices and technologies that improve efficiency and conserve resources. 3. Understand the long-term benefits of integrating sustainability into water planning for business resilience and community impact. About the expert speaker: DJ Seeger, Seeger Water DJ grew up immersed in his family’s irrigation business. In 2017, he became President and rebranded the company to focus on water conservation, expanding its operations to include backflow testing and water pumps. Seeger Water is integrating ML/AI into their mainlines, meters, and irrigation systems to detect leaks when they happen. Today, Seeger Water leads in water management and irrigation, with the entire Seeger family actively involved in the business.Read less...

with expert CHRIS PSENCIK with McFarlin Stanford

This session focuses on how intentional recruiting, smart branding, and a values-driven approach can help you attract and retain top-tier talent. Learn how to go beyond filling positions to building a loyal, high-performing team that fuels long-term business growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hire for Culture and Capability – Identify candidates who not only meet skill requirements but also align with your company values and long-term vision.

2. Use Strategic Sourcing – Leverage employee referrals, digital platforms, and industry networks to consistently connect with top talent.

3. Retention Starts at Recruitment – Clear expectations, onboarding, and growth opportunities set the tone for a workplace where A-players thrive and stay.

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Holly McIIwain, Skilled Pro Academy

Course Title: Profitable Pricing & Customer Communication that Grow Your Irrigation Business

Course Introduction
Running a successful irrigation business isn’t just about fixing sprinklers—it’s about pricing your services strategically and communicating effectively with customers to maximize profitability. Too many businesses undercharge or overcharge, struggle with customer negotiations, or waste time on the wrong clients. This class gives landscaping and irrigation business owners and managers a clear, proven, actionable strategy to set profitable prices, eliminate low-value customers, and position their company as the premium choice in the market.

Attendees will learn how to price with confidence, handle objections like a pro, and implement customer screening techniques that save time and increase revenue. From psychological pricing strategies to real-world communication plans, this course is designed for business owners who want to take control of their pricing, streamline customer interactions, and build a more profitable, stress-free operation.
If you’re tired of customers questioning your prices, struggling to stand out from competitors, or feeling like you always come up short on turn-key priced projects, could it be that the problem isn’t the pricing method—but something else? This game-changing class will give you the tools and mindset shift you need.

Key Topics Covered:

Strategic Pricing for Profitability – How to set prices that sustain your business and position you as a premium service provider.

Customer Perception & Pricing Psychology – What happens when you charge more and when you charge less.

Avoiding Pricing Pitfalls – The risks of undercharging, free work, and unnecessary negotiations.

Handling Pricing Objections with Confidence – Strategies to hold firm on pricing while keeping customers engaged.

Flat-Rate vs. Hourly Pricing – What is the customer really paying for?

Screening & Managing Customers – Identifying high-value clients, setting expectations, and dealing with difficult customers.

Optimizing Customer Communication – Using follow-ups, templates, and scheduling strategies to increase efficiency and referrals.

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Laura Miller, Texas AgriLife Extension

Texas Natives: Key Plants and Key Pests
Native plants are often marketed as pest free options, but our native pests have been surviving on the for years. We will look at some popular Texas Native landscape plants and discuss the pests you are most likely to find on each one. We will also look at the Integrated Pest Management concept of the treatment threshold to help you decide if and when a pest requires management action.

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with Holly McIIwain, Skilled Pro Academy

Proven Secrets to Create a More Profitable Irrigation Service Business
This live course is designed for owners and managers of landscaping and irrigation companies who want to streamline operations, improve customer communication, and empower their staff with efficient processes. By implementing the strategies taught in this course, business leaders can create a standardized approach that enhances professionalism, minimizes confusion, and ensures customer service consistency—without requiring constant managerial oversight.

Class Title: Proven Secrets to Create a More Profitable Irrigation Service Business

Key Topics Covered:

1. Call Flow Process & Best Practices – How to structure initial customer interactions, set service expectations, and clearly define the technician’s role and the customer’s responsibilities.
2. Service Scheduling for Profitability – Strategies to optimize technicians’ schedules, reduce downtime, and maximize revenue.
3. Managing Customer Expectations & FAQs – Ensuring customers fully understand the service process, pricing, and next steps to minimize misunderstandings and callbacks.
4. Standardizing Communication with Templates – A comprehensive list of essential templates to standardize customer communication, including phone scripts, email scripts, voicemail scripts, and FAQs, to synchronize messaging between the office and the field.
5. Project Order & Documentation – Writing clear, standardized project orders to ensure efficiency and customer clarity.

By the end of this course, owners and managers will have the tools to structure and support their customer service representatives, call schedulers, and field technicians more effectively. With a standardized approach, staff will be able to handle common customer interactions and decisions independently, reducing the need for constant managerial oversight.
This interactive course provides the framework to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and build a more profitable, professional service operation that drives referrals.

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with Preston Swor, Hunter Industries

This session explores emerging technologies and best practices in drip irrigation that enhance water efficiency, plant health, and system longevity. Attendees will gain insights into how modern drip systems are evolving to meet the challenges of water conservation and precision agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

1. Smarter Technology – Advances in sensors, automation, and remote monitoring are making drip systems more efficient and user-friendly.

2. System Design Matters – Proper layout, filtration, and pressure regulation are key to maximizing uniformity and minimizing maintenance issues.

3. Water Where It’s Needed – New emitter designs and zone-specific scheduling allow for more precise delivery, reducing waste and improving plant performance.

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Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, Buglady Consulting

TDA And TNLA CEUs available

Challenges of Managing Pests in Texas

Texas’ size and varied climates create unique pest management challenges, with long growing seasons allowing many insect pests to thrive. This session will cover some of the most common pests in the state, focusing on identification, biology, and effective control strategies. Attendees will learn practical scouting techniques for detecting hard-to-spot pests and explore a range of management options.    Both conventional chemical control recommendations and biological control strategies—including biopesticides and beneficial insects—will be discussed, highlighting advancements that have made beneficials a mainstream component of modern pest management programs.

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with Paul Winski, Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Service (more…)Read less...