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View the 2008 list of classes by:	Tracks >>View All Tracks >>Arboriculture Combined >>Arboriculture Basic >>Arboriculture Advanced >>Business Program >>Horticulture Skills >>Horticulture Skills - Advanced >>Insect ID Laboratory >>Landscape Architecture and Design >>Landscape Maintenance >>Landscape Crew Manager >>Plant Production >>Advanced Landscape Crew Manager >>Pesticide Certification >>Pesticide Recertification >>Spanish >>Home Gardener “Exotic Specimens" (nonprofessionals only)

Landscape Maintenance

MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2008

 

Turfgrass Day

9:50 - 10:50 am

LM1     “Green” Lawn Care
Mike Goatley, Dept. Crop, Soil, Enviro. Science, Virginia Tech

This presentation focuses on ways to deliver an aesthetically pleasing, healthy lawn with an environmentally responsible approach. Particular attention is given to organic lawn management strategies, strengths and weaknesses.
VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1

 

11:00 am - 12:00 noon
LM2     Update on VA’s Nutrient Management
Program: How Will It Affect Your Business?
Tom Tracy, Ph.D., Virginia Turfgrass Council

Two main issues arise whenever fertilizers are applied to turfgrass and landscape planting: (1) proper application, and (2) how others perceive the application. This talk focuses on the second issue.

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1

 

12:00 noon - 1:15 pm             Lunch (on your own) or

Industry Roundtable: “Immigration Issues” hosted by the Virginia Green Industry Council ($15 for box lunch. Register with code IRT (Turkey) or IRV (Vegetarian).

1:15 - 2:15 pm

LM3     Where Will They Come From?
The Next Generation of Leaders in Landscaping
Ron Hall, Landscape Management Magazine

While the question of labor availability is foremost on many owners’ minds, the bigger challenge as the industry grows will be attracting and retaining competent, career-minded managers. Learn practical ideas on finding, employing and training the next generation of landscaping leaders.

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1 | ISA: AMBm = 1

 

2:30 - 3:30 pm

LM4    Sod Solutions: New Turf Breeding Can Answer Your Prayers
Joel Lane, Sod Solutions

Palmetto St. Augustine, EMPIRE Zoysia and Celebration Bermudagrass have become industry standards. These turfgrasses vary in color, texture and other features, but they all share lower water and maintenance needs. Learn how turf selections can provide superior aesthetics and functionality.

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1

 

3:45 - 4:45 pm

LM5   Turf Equipment Preventive Maintenance Tips
Allen Spence, Hinds Community College

Learn valuable preventive maintenance tips that allow you to get the most from your equipment and employees.
VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1

 

4:45 - 6:00 pm            
VA Society of Landscape Design Reception
Network with fellow Designers and LAs at this VSLD member recruitment event.

 

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2008

Ornamentals Day

8:00 - 9:00 am

LM6    Identification and Management of Landscape Woody Plant Diseases
John Hartman, Dept. Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky

Landscape maintenance professionals are often expected to evaluate and maintain the health of woody plants in the landscape. Woody landscape plants are valuable, so accurately identifying and efficiently managing diseases is essential. In this session, participants learn to recognize parasitic and nonparasitic diseases and how to manage important diseases of common woody landscape trees and shrubs. The concept of integrated management of cultural practices and chemical options for woody plant diseases is also presented.

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1 | ISA: AMBs = 1

 

9:15 - 10:15 am

LM7    Tree Appraisal Techniques
Debbie Dillion, Virginia Cooperative Extension

Learn the basic types of tree appraisal, why appraisals may be needed, steps in conducting an appraisal and other factors that should be taken into account. Debbie teaches you how to perform tree appraisals by building your skills from the bare ground up!

(repeated Wednesday 1:00 pm)
VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1 | ISA: AMBm = 1
 

10:15 - 10:45 am Break

 

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

10:45 - 11:45 am

LM8     “Greener” Options for Pest Control on Common Landscape Ornamentals
Peter Warren, Virginia Cooperative Extension

Many clients are asking for environmentally friendly pest controls these days. This session addresses integrated pest management techniques and options for managing pests in more sustainable ways than simply spraying and praying.

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1 | ISA: AMBp = 1

 

1:00 - 2:00 pm

LM9     Shrubs and Trees Made Better Through Science
Margaret Pooler, USDA / ARS U.S. National Arboretum

Since its establishment in 1927, the U.S. National Arboretum has released over 80 cultivars of trees and shrubs from its woody plant breeding programs that, in some cases, set the industry standard and continue to be sold by the hundreds of thousands today. Examples of long-lasting cultivars from the Arboretum include ‘Natchez’ crapemyrtle, ‘Adirondack’ crabapple, ‘Mohawk’ viburnum, and ‘Mohave’ pyracantha. A discussion of how these plants were bred, tested and released is followed by a showcase of some of the best cultivars for a variety of landscape settings. Attendees also get a sneak peak at what might be released from the National Arboretum in the next few years.

(repeated Tuesday 9:15 am)

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1 | ISA: AMBs = 1

 

2:15 - 3:15 pm

LM10      Ground Graffiti? Dig With CARE
Shane Ayers, Virginia State Corporation Commission

This session provides a review of the Virginia State Commission’s message to all stakeholders: Call Miss Utility at 811 before you dig; Allow required time for marking; Respect the marks; and Excavate carefully. Discover motivational components and learn the requirements of the Virginia Underground Damage Prevention Act and the State Corporation’s Rules for Enforcement of the Act. This session also discusses marking requirements, best practices used by utility operators and contract locating companies, and best practices on how to safely hand dig around underground utility lines.

(repeated Tuesday 9:15 am)
 

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1 | ISA: AMBm = 1

3:30 - 4:30 pm

LM11   Maintenance Mayhem
Laurie Fox, Virginia Tech

A truly awe-inspiring look at design blunders and maintenance bloopers. Come groan with us. No apologies if we show pictures of one of your landscapes!

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1 | ISA: AMBm = 1

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 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2008

Aquatics Day

8:00 - 9:00 am

LM12   The Good, the Bad, and the Algae: Ecological Approach to Pond/Lake Management Michael Smart, US Army Corps of Engineers

Aquatic plants are critically important components of shallow water ecosystems - improving water quality, protecting shorelines from erosion and providing valuable habitat. Many manmade water bodies are completely lacking aquatic plants. High levels of nutrient loading in water bodies can, in the absence of a well established native plant community, promote the growth of undesirable algae or weedy invasive species. The presentation focuses on ecological considerations in the management of small water bodies describing the factors promoting the development of algae and nuisance aquatic plant problems as well as methods for promoting a healthy ecosystem.

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1

 

9:15 - 10:15 am

LM13   Design Considerations for Water Gardens
Barbara Schuler, Creative Garden Design

Learn the “dos and don’ts” of how to properly design and build an attractive and functional water garden. Topics covered include site considerations, how to naturally incorporate the water feature into the landscape, and basic plant recommendations. How to avoid costly and time consuming mistakes during construction and trouble-shooting tips for existing problems are discussed.

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1

10:15 - 10:45 am         Break

10:45 - 11:45 am

LM14   Maintenance Considerations for Water Gardens
Barbara Schuler, Creative Garden Design

This presentation is invaluable for any contractor performing water garden upkeep. Now that the water is in the pond, what next? Is green colored water a problem? What in the world is the “nitrogen cycle” and why should you know how it impacts pond health? This session provides tons of information that makes it much easier to enjoy taking care of water gardens.

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1

11:45 am - 1:00 pm     Lunch (on your own)  

12:00 - 12:45 pm (optional)

Tours of Founders Inn grounds by James River Grounds Management.

 

1:00 - 2:00 pm

LM15   Storm Water Pond (BMP) Management
Laurie Fox, Virginia Tech

This session provides an overview of management including uses, thresholds, buffers, erosion, aeration, wildlife, and vegetation. Learn how to keep a system healthy and functional and how to prevent frequent dredging.

VCH = 1 | VSLD = 1 | LCM = 1

 

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