Registration now open for MSU Christmas Tree Root Rot Workshop

Bill Lindberg, Michigan State University Extension - September 21, 2026

Learn more about root rot pathogens in Christmas tree production with this in person, hands-on event.

brown Christmas tree in a field — Phytophthora root rot killed Christmas trees. Photo by Bill Lindberg, MSU Extension

MSU Extension is hosting the Christmas Tree Root Rot Workshop on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This will take place at Michigan State University Horticultural Teaching and Research Center (3291 College Road Holt, Michigan 48842). There is no cost to attend this training; however, registration is required.

Root rots can be a major disease problem in Christmas tree production. This workshop will provide growers with a hands-on educational opportunity by focusing on how to find signs of root rot, diagnostic tests, and how best to manage these diseases.

Restricted-use pesticide credits application has been made.

For more information or questions about this event, please contact Bill Lindberg at lindbe35@msu.edu or 616-438-2738.

Location

MSU Horticultural Teaching and Research Center, 3291 College Road Holt, MI, 48842.

Agenda

1 p.m.: Welcome and Introduction

1:15 p.m.: Overview of common root rot diseases in Michigan Christmas Tree

1:45 p.m.: Demonstration of root rot symptoms, diagnostic specimens, and techniques

2:15 p.m.: Break

2:25 p.m.: Hands-on root rot diagnostic learning activity and worksheet examples

3:00 p.m.: Discussion, sampling techniques, questions

3:20 p.m.: Post-work meeting survey

3:30 p.m.: Conclude

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).