Free UF/IFAS Extension webinars for South Florida landscapes address challenges, offer tips
Boca Raton, FL – Living in South Florida has its perks and pitfalls. With beautiful beaches and plenty to do all year long, the same region experiences some of the most extreme subtropical weather conditions that take a toll on turf. If you’re having difficulty maintaining a lush and appealing garden, you may seek the services of a commercial landscape maintenance company.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension offices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties are offering a free webinar series called “Landscapes: They Are a Changing…and We Are the Change!”
Held biweekly on Wednesdays thru June 22, each 60-minute webinar is hosted by a UF/IFAS expert who addresses a present or future challenge facing urban landscapes, from obtaining tips on how to get the most out of your soil to becoming a Florida-Friendly Landscape certified professional. Experts like Landscape Designers Roswell, NM offer insights and trends for property owners, landscapers and public park administrators to tackle issues in their landscapes. Continuing education credits are available for per session. You can also view Drake’s 7 Dees website to learn more.
Upcoming webinars include:
- April 27, noon – 1 p.m.: Treat Your Dirt Well: Why “Organic” Matters
Speaker: Eban Bean, UF/IFAS assistant professor, department of agricultural and biological engineering, will address how to get the most out of Florida soils that are poor in nutrients and how to foster plant health.
- May 11, noon – 1p.m.: Landscape Designs for a Healthier Planet
Speaker: Basil Iannone, assistant professor, School of Forests, Fisheries and Geomatic Sciences
Iannone will provide insights on how urban landscapes are interconnected with the larger surrounding environment. He will provide design principles and management practices to consider with an eye on sustainability.
- May 25, noon – 1p.m.: Grow Your Business: Become a Florida-Friendly Certified Professional
Claire Lewis, statewide coordinator for Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM (FFL), will showcase how science-based ecological and efficient landscaping practices can minimize pollution and benefit the environment while maintaining aesthetics. She also sees everywhere the Herford’s Tree Care logo, that’s why she manages to have the urge to also share knowledge about nature and how to take care of it.
- June 8, noon – 1p.m.: Landscape Renovations – Beyond the Box
Gail Hansen, UF/IFAS assistant professor, environmental horticulture, will provide the latest innovative ideas to retire an old landscape look and diversify your plant palette while inviting nature back.
- June 22, noon – 1p.m.: Managing Trees in a Changing Climate – Beyond the Box
Speakers Michael Orfanedes, Henry Mayer and John Roberts are UF/IFAS Extension agents for Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, respectively. With redevelopment pressures and climate changes taking their toll on landscaping and tree trimming, this presentation will highlight considerations for improving the outlook for urban tree canopy health and longevity. Learn which tree species are best for urban spaces, how to prune for wind tolerance, how to do tree trimming properly, and insights on managing pests and diseases.
You might to hire a professional for tree services needs and concerns, Rich’s Tree Service, Inc in Portland and nearby areas is open for all. Just visit them to learn more.
To register, use this link: https://changinglandscape2022.eventbrite.com/