Diseases and Pests of Trees

Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat disease and pest problems affecting ornamental trees, conifers, and shade trees.

Main Content

Diseases tree with bark missing

Course Status: Registration Closed

Online registration has closed. Please join our email list to be notified when the next offering is scheduled!

Jump to: Overview | Instructor | Reviews | CE Credits | Contact Us | Related Courses | Join Email List

Register Now

Pay with Credit Card:

Pay with Check, PO, or Money Order:

Course Details

Course Name: Diseases and Pests of Trees
Course Code: AL0810CB23
Date of Most Recent Offering: March 21, 2023

Date: TBD
Time: TBD

Location: Holly House, 130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Directions & Map)
Format: Classroom course

Registration Fee: TBD
Early Bird Discount Fee: TBD

Registration Closes: TBD

Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Course Overview

Trees are often the most overlooked plants in our landscape – until something happens. Many pests and diseases of trees can result in future problems unless they are addressed when first observed.

In this course, horticulturist Steve Kristoph will teach you to identify the common and not-so-common pests and diseases of ornamental trees, conifers, and shade trees, and discuss options for prevention and treatment. You’ll also review basic tree biology and best management practices that will help to prevent potential problems.

Who Should Attend?

This class is well-suited for individuals in the tree care, grounds management, and landscaping industries who want to improve their ability to identify and treat pest and disease problems in trees. Past participants have included:

  • Arborists
  • Department of Public Works Employees
  • Foresters
  • Gardeners
  • Grounds Managers
  • Invasive Species Specialists
  • Landscape Architects
  • Landscape Designers
  • Licensed Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators (LTE/LTCO)
  • NJDOT Employees
  • Plant Protection Managers
  • Shade Tree Committee Members
  • Tree Climbers
  • Tree Service Owners/Operators

Meet Your Instructor

Steve Kristoph, Steven Kristoph Nursery

Headshot of instructor Steve Kristoph

Steve Kristoph is widely known for his encyclopedic knowledge of plant material. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in horticulture from Rutgers University, and he has been an adjunct instructor at Rutgers for over 25 years. He also owns and operates Steven Kristoph Nursery in Monmouth County, NJ, where he grows many types of ornamental trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials. The landscaping division of his business, P. Steven Kristoph Garden Design, serves both residential and commercial customers and offers a full range of services, including design, installation, maintenance, and seasonal color. Steve is passionate about plants and enjoys sharing his passion with others.

Student Reviews

Most useful part of the course: “Learning about the effects of different diseases on trees and plants and how to identify diseases.”

– Past Participant

Most useful part of the course: “[Learning] How to differentiate between different pests’ characteristics.”

– Past Participant

“The presentation was organized and the PowerPoints were great. I appreciated how Steve solicited input from others and encouraged conversation.”

– Past Participant

Continuing Education Credits

The most recent offering of Diseases and Pests of Trees was approved for the following credits from professional organizations. We will reapply for similar credits the next time the course runs, but we cannot guarantee credit approval for future offerings.

The Diseases and Pests of Trees course is approved for the following credits from professional organizations.

State of New Jersey map iconNew Jersey

NJ / CT Pesticide Applicators: 1 unit in CORE; 8 units in 3A, 8C, and PP2

NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 5 Technical and 0.5 Government CEUs (DLGS Course #16393)

NJ Licensed Tree Experts (LTE/LTCO): 5.25 CEUs

NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): Pending

World map icon International

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA): Pending

DE, NY, MD, and MA Pesticide Applicators: If you need pesticide credits in these states, you must register and notify Joe Canzano at least 45 days before the course start date. Call 848-932-7317 or send an email to joe.canzano@rutgers.edu.

Meals

Place setting icon with napkin, plate, fork, and knifeNo breakfast will be provided. Box lunches will be available for pre-registered attendees only.

NOTE: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please alert us at least one (1) week in advance of the course start date so that we can make reasonable accommodations. We cannot guarantee accommodations for special requests made after that time.

Course Requirements and Policies

coronavirus icon COVID-19 Mask & Vaccination Policies for Face-to-Face Classes

Registrants attending OCPE events are not currently required to wear face masks or provide proof of vaccination.

Rutgers Culture of Caring graphic stating masks welcome, test to know, recover at home

To continue to protect yourself and others:

  • Masks are welcome.
  • If you have symptoms, testing is encouraged.
  • If you feel unwell, please recover at home. Contact us to cancel your registration at 848-932-9271, option 2 or registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Red checkmark in circle iconPre-registration/Walk-Ins

Pre-registration is required. We’re sorry, but we cannot guarantee a seat, materials, or meals for walk-in registrants.

Icon of map marker over folded mapLocation Changes

Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.

email iconEmail Requirement

A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.

  • If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
  • If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
    • Your full name
    • The shared email address that needs to be changed
    • Your unique email address
    • A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions

x icon with circle around itCancellations and Substitutions

A $35 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.

Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions about Diseases and Pests of Trees, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Headshot of Rutgers Program Coordinator Joe Canzano

Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu

For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Hazardous Tree Identification students standing outside looking up at trees

Hazardous Tree Identification

Collage of different kinds of plant pests and plant diseases

Pest Management of Ornamental Landscape Plants

Chain saw on top of tree stump next to fresh cut tree trunk

Basic Chainsaw Safety

white envelope icon with @ sign representing email

Join Our Email List!