Chicago Seminar: Caring for Your Legacy Oaks

Jim Casey
South Central Territory Manager, Rainbow Ecoscience

• Welcome
• Safety brief
• Housekeeping, photo / video
• Review the agenda for the day and expectations
• Introduction of guest speakers and Rainbow Ecoscience staff

Francisco Sicilia
Landscape Horticulturist Specialist, Rainbow Ecoscience

As landscapes face increasing environmental stress from drought, storms, limited irrigation, pest pressure, and intensive maintenance demands, landscape professionals are seeking solutions that improve plant performance while maximizing operational efficiency. Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) have emerged as a valuable management tool that supports landscape and tree resiliency through improved root development, enhanced stress tolerance, reduced growth surges, and more sustainable maintenance practices.

This session will explore how PGRs can be incorporated into comprehensive landscape and tree care programs to improve plant health, maintain aesthetics, and help landscapes better withstand environmental challenges. Through real-world case studies from commercial landscapes, attendees will learn how PGRs can reduce pruning requirements, extend maintenance cycles, improve resource utilization, and create value-added enhancement opportunities for clients.

By the end of this session, participants will understand how PGRs contribute to resilient landscape systems, identify opportunities for implementation in both landscape and tree care programs, and develop strategies for communicating the long-term benefits of PGR use to property owners and stakeholders.

Francisco Sicilia is the Horticulture Specialist for Rainbow Ecoscience. Francisco’s role is to design protocols with the R&D team and Territory Managers at Rainbow Ecoscience for RES customers while working with industry leaders to integrate these protocols into their business. Francisco began working with Rainbow Companies in 2020, after working 18 years in the Landscape Maintenance Industry in various roles. Francisco graduated from Zamorano University, Honduras, with a degree in Agronomy in 2000, then pursued a degree in Agribusiness at Louisiana State University, graduating in 2002 before starting a career in the green industry in Florida.

Matthew Shreves
Technical Advisor, Weathermatic

In this one-hour session, we’ll dive into the wonderful world of irrigation practices to transform your landscape maintenance game. Get ready for an engaging and fun-filled session where you'll discover the secrets of proper watering techniques for lawns and beds, empowering you to create thriving, envy-inducing landscapes while conserving water.

We’ll kick things off with an exciting introduction, highlighting just how crucial irrigation is for maintaining those vibrant greens and picture-perfect flower beds. We'll unveil the key factors to consider, from climate and soil type to specific plant species, ensuring your watering approach is as tailored as a custom-made suit.

Matthew Shreves has been serving the green industry for over thirty-seven years. He has experience in all facets of the landscape and irrigation trade: manufacturing, distribution, and landscape contracting. Leveraging his extensive field experience and technical proficiency, Matthew Shreves plays a pivotal role in assisting Weathermatic’s SmartLink partners to fully unlock the value proposition of the SmartLink Network, bridging the gap between technology innovation and practical application in the world of irrigation.

Kendra Wagner
Research Scientist and R&D Team Lead, Rainbow Ecoscience

Successful pest management begins long before a pesticide application is made. This session will focus on real-world Integrated Pest Management practices that help arborists and landscape professionals prevent problems, improve treatment outcomes, and maximize the value of every management decision. Participants will learn how monitoring, proper plant selection, cultural practices, biological controls, and targeted interventions work together to reduce pest impacts on trees and landscapes. Through case studies and field-based examples, attendees will gain practical tools for managing common pests while promoting healthier, more resilient plants and landscapes.

Kendra Wagner is a Research Scientist at Rainbow Ecoscience, where she oversees nationwide research trials. She has a background in tree care specializing in tree injection, arboriculture, and integrated pest management (IPM). She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick, along with a diploma in Urban Forestry. Kendra attended Mississippi State University for her Ph.D. in Forest Entomology, where she conducted international trials focusing on the effects of drought and forest management on invasive species. At Rainbow Ecoscience, Kendra focuses on drought-related research and the development of management strategies for invasive insect species.

Jon Oren
Regional Sales Manager, Horticulture Alliance

Over the past few decades, microbial research has steadily increased for the green industry. The market has also recently trended upward with several large-scale acquisitions of microbial companies by synthetics manufacturers. The increased use of the biostimulants (both derived and naturally-occurring) appears to be a permanent fixture for several reasons: increasing costs of synthetic fertilizers, environmental concerns, regulatory demands, and consumer health issues.

Jon Oren has been with Horticultural Alliance for five years, interacting with beneficial micro-organisms and biostimulants in tree care, landscape, and agriculture. Prior to joining Horticultural Alliance, Jon worked in the healthcare chemical industry. Jon is passionate about doing more with less by growing plants in proven, safe, and sustainable ways for humans and their environments. His hobbies include gardening, working on his old schoolhouse, weightlifting, walking, and reading. His favorite tree is the Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree). Jon and his wife Rachael live in an old schoolhouse with their five kids. In 2017, Rachael and Jon co-founded a collaborative, university-schedule, classical school in greater Indianapolis, which Rachael runs full-time and four of their children attend. If Jon were hosting a dinner party and could invite three guests, they would include Wendell Berry (farmer, essayist, novelist and poet), Kevin Kelly (technologist and co-founder of Wired magazine) and Jesus. Jon holds a M.Div. from Clarks Summit University and a B.A. in International Business from Cedarville University.

Laura M. Miller
County Extension Agent-Commercial Horticulture, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Tarrant County

This presentation will educate on the importance of considerations when determining potential risks of pesticide use, including toxicity and exposure. We will focus on the sections of the pesticide label that provide precautionary statements, including Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals, First Aid, and Personal Protective Equipment. Other relevant label categories, including Directions for Use and Storage and Disposal, will also be included with practical examples. The importance and benefits of reading and following label instructions will be emphasized.

Laura M. Miller is the Texas A&M AgriLife Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent for Tarrant County. She provides continuing education and problem-solving services to commercial and professional horticulturists, including urban foresters, landscape service providers, parks employees, and fruit, vegetable, and ornamental plant growers. Prior to taking on her present position in March 2008, she was a University of Florida/IFAS Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent in Hillsborough and Polk Counties for seven years.