Shade Tree Short Course and INLA Tradeshow -- Keynote Speaker

Gary Watson

Gary Watson is a Senior Research Scientist at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois in Plant Pathology and joined the Arboretum staff in 1986.

Watson's central research interest of the urban tree root research program is to understand how to keep trees healthy in urban landscapes by maintaining a healthy balance between the crown and the root system. Trees must cope with challenges in urban soil environments that are not encountered in nature. We need to know how root systems react to these, and how to minimize them. Two approaches are used: attempting to direct more of the tree's resources towards root growth; and improving the soil environment so that it is more favorable.

Watson has published many journal articles, contributed to several green industry publications, and has authored six books. His most recent book, Deep Tree Roots, was published in 2007.

Kim Coder

Kim D. Coder, professor in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia-Athens, is an internationally recognized expert in community forestry, forest ecology and tree health care. He has addressed community forestry needs such as quality of life, urban forest risk management, tree care, and arboriculture through workshops, publications and classroom lectures for more than twenty years.

Coder leads arboriculture workshops around the world that present essential information on basic tree care, trees and storms, and tree protection on construction sites to groups that include utility workers, arborists, landscapers and community foresters. He also provides educational programming for professional, non-profit and community groups as well as elected and appointed officials who make decisions about community forests and trees. Coder's public service activities and expertise on scientifically-based management practices have led to healthier trees and a healthier environment around the world.

In 1988, Coder helped found and served as education chair and president of the Georgia Urban Forest Council, which aims to conserve and enhance Georgia's community forests. In 2005, the Council presented Coder a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to the community forestry profession.

GENERAL SESSION HANDOUTS FROM KIM CODER:

SESSION A3 (Advanced Tree Health: Essential Element Misdiagnosis
Disasters!) HANDOUTS FROM KIM CODER:

Essential Elements of Tree Health. Dr. Kim D. Coder. 2011. University of Georgia. Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources Outreach Monograph WSFNR 11-20.