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NEW COURSE!
This is a new, online version of our popular in-person course. Now you can benefit from the expertise of instructor Steve Kristoph with the convenience of learning anytime, anywhere!
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Course Details
Course Name: Diseases and Pests of Trees Interactive Online Course
Course Code: AL0819WA26
Course Opens: November 3, 2025 at 12:00 pm EST
Course Closes: November 14, 2025 at 12:00 pm EST
Optional Live Online Q & A Session with Instructor: November 14, 2025, 9:00 am – 11:00 am EST
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced and instructor-led*
*Participants will complete approximately 5 hours of course content (comprising videos, text, photos and assignments) at their own pace anytime while the course is open. Participants may also interact with the instructor through discussion boards and a live Zoom session.
Registration Fee: $195 per person
Registration Closes: October 31, 2025
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
This exciting online class takes place over a period of two weeks. It makes use of videos, text, and photos to show a wide range of tree pests and diseases. It also contains a message board where students can writ in questions to instructor Steve Kristoph, as well as a live question and answer session using Zoom on November 14.
This class content begins with a discussion of basic tree biology. It will teach you about common tree diseases as well as those less common. You’ll study insect pests and pesticide options, as well as how to deal with decay and fungi.
Students will need to upload two photos that show examples of tree pests and diseases that they find. They’ll be able to see and discuss the examples posted by other students as well as possible solutions.
We estimate that it will take five hours to complete this class over the two week period.
NOTE: In order to participate in the Zoom session, it’s recommended (though not required) that students have a device with a camera and microphone.
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.
Continuing Education Credits
The Diseases and Pests of Trees course (5 contact hours) is approved for the following credits from professional organizations.
New Jersey
NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): Pending
NJ Licensed Tree Experts (LTE/LTCO): Pending
NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): Pending
Meals
No meals will be provided at this course.
Course Requirements and Policies
Technology Requirements
This online course will be delivered via Canvas and Zoom.
Equipment you will need to access this training:
- Laptop or desktop computers are recommended for this class.
- A camera and microphone are recommended for the Zoom portion of the class.
Email 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
Cancellations 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.
Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu
Administrative Assistant: Damiana Parada
848-932-7107
damiana.parada@rutgers.edu
For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
