Extension offers disease and weed management workshop for Christmas tree growers

Cornville, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension will offer an Integrated Disease and Weed Management in Christmas Tree Production course on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Quinn’s Tree Farm, 290 West Ridge Road in Cornville.

Participants will learn how to apply crop protectants using backpack sprayers safely and efficiently. UMaine Extension Plant Pathologist Alicyn Smart will introduce participants to the biology and management of Phytophthora root rot disease of true fir. Extension Ornamental Horticulture Specialist Manjot Sidhu will introduce integrated strategies for both broadleaf and grass weeds that commonly impact Christmas tree production, as well as report findings from recent weed management research in ornamental horticulture production systems. Participants can earn 3 pesticide credits.

Cost of the course is $20. Online registration is required on the event webpage by June 26, 2025. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact 207.342.5971 or billiejo.pendleton@maine.edu.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.