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

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.
New 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
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
No 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.
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.

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.