Main Content
Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat disease and pest problems affecting ornamental trees, conifers, and shade trees in this interactive online class.
Course Status: Registration Closed!
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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: November 4, 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. A wide range of pests and diseases affecting trees across the eastern half of the United States are presented through videos, text, and photos.
Course Content
This course covers:
- Basic tree biology
- Common and less common tree diseases
- Insect pests and pesticide options
- How to deal with decay and fungi
Course Format
Plan to spend approximately five hours reviewing the course content and completing assignments at your convenience during the two-week period. You will also have access to a message board where you can write in questions to instructor Steve Kristoph during the course. The course concludes with a live Zoom Q&A session at 9:00am EST on November 14 where you can interact with the instructor.
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.
Required Assignment
Students will also 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 on the message board.
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 bachelor’s and master’s 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): 2 Technical Contact Hours
NJ Licensed Tree Experts (LTE/LTCO): 5.0 CEUs
NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 5 CEUs
National
Society of American Foresters CFE Credits: This program has been reviewed and is approved for professional CFE credits by the Society of American Foresters. Category 1: 5.00; Category 2: 0.00
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.
