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Course Status: Not Currently Scheduled
The next offering of this course is tentatively planned for Fall 2023. Please join our email list to be notified when registration opens!
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Course Overview
This class is part of the Landscape Management Certificate Program, the Landscape Management II Certificate Program, and the Public Grounds Management Certificate Program.
In this two-day class, Licensed Tree Expert Ted Szczawinski will share a wealth of information about how to positively identify plants, trees, and shrubs. With hands-on activities, you’ll learn to unlock clues found in the bark, fruit, leaves, flowers, and more! You’ll learn a step-by-step method that limits endless memorizing. Be prepared to go outside!
This class is highly recommended for anyone planning to attend Landscape Plants: Identification, Selection, and Application.
Who Should Attend?
This class is a great source of information for anyone who wants to improve their plant identification skills. Past participants have included:
- Department of Public Works Employees
- Environmental Project Managers
- Estimators
- Gardeners
- Grounds Supervisors
- Landscape Company Owners
- Landscape Operations Managers
- Park Superintendents
- Lawn and Garden Department Supervisors
- Tree Cutters
Photo Slideshow
See how hands-on learning complements classroom instruction during the Introduction to Plant Identification course by checking out these photos from a past offering!
Meet Your Instructor
Ted Szczawinski, Licensed Tree Expert

Ted is a Licensed Tree Expert and professor of plant science and biology. He teaches students plant identification skills in a manner that’s fun, interactive, and easy-to-understand!
Student Reviews
“I feel the most useful aspect of the program was applying a dichotomous key. Very informative.”
– Past Participant
“I really feel this course will help day to day in my work.”
– Past Participant
On instructor Ted Szczawinski: “Very knowledgeable and can modify his teaching style for varying knowledge levels of students. Highly recommend.”
– Past Participant
Continuing Education Credits
The most recent offering of Introduction to Plant Identification was approved for the following credits from professional organizations. We will reapply for similar credits the next time the course runs, but we cannot guarantee credit approval for future offerings.
New Jersey
NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 6 Technical Contact Hours
NJ Licensed Tree Experts (LTE/LTCO): 10.5 CEUs for LTE and LTCO
NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 10.5 CEUs
International
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA): Certified Arborist: 10.5; BCMA – Practice: 10.5
Attention U.S. Veterans

This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI BillĀ®. Learn more.
GI BillĀ® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions about Introduction to Plant Identification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu

Administrative Assistant: Beth Perez
848-932-7483
beth.perez@rutgers.edu
For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.