Tuesday, October 6, 2026
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Don’t Leave Oak Protection to Chance
Legacy oaks are among the most valuable assets in the urban forest, but chronic stress, climate extremes, pests, disease, and site-related challenges can lead to costly decline and loss.
Join us for this educational, expert-led seminar to learn how to identify early indicators of oak stress, implement proactive management strategies, and deliver greater value to your clients. Gain practical insights that can help protect irreplaceable trees, strengthen client relationships, and create new opportunities to grow your plant healthcare business.
Location:
2500 Grand Ave
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Additional Details:
- Free event
- ISA CEUs: Pending
- Breakfast and lunch included
Agenda
8:00–8:30 AM Sign-In / Distribution of Materials / Breakfast
8:30–8:45 AM Welcome / Rainbow Ecoscience’s Promise
Justin Matlock
Great Plains Territory Manager, Rainbow Ecoscience
Brandon Gallagher-Watson
Creative Director, Rainbow Companies
8:45–9:30 AM Midwest US Oak Decline Issues
Cory McCurry
Arborologist, Rainbow Ecoscience
Over the past decade, oak trees across the Midwest have experienced significant decline due to prolonged drought, changing climate, emerging diseases, invasive pests, and general neglect. As keystone species in both urban forests and residential landscapes, oaks play a vital ecological and aesthetic role, making their protection a valuable service you can offer your customers.
9:30–10:15 AM Midwest Oak Insects
Patrick Anderson
Director of Research & Arborologists, Rainbow Ecoscience
Many plant-damaging insects are inciting factors in tree decline, while others are contributing factors to eventual tree death. This presentation will provide an overview of the biology, life cycles, and identifying characteristics of common oak pests, along with the symptoms and damage they cause, and practical management strategies.
10:15–11:00 AM Midwest Oak Diseases
Patrick Anderson
Director of Research & Arborologists, Rainbow Ecoscience
Oak trees in the Midwest are affected by several plant diseases. These range from relatively minor issues that primarily affect aesthetics to diseases such as oak wilt, which can cause rapid tree death. This presentation will provide an overview of the biology, life cycles, and identifying characteristics of common oak diseases, along with the symptoms and damage they cause, and practical management strategies.
11:00–12:00 PM Lunch
12:00–1:00 PM Outdoor Demonstrations
Justin Matlock
Great Plains Territory Manager, Rainbow Ecoscience
These outdoor demonstrations will highlight a practical “toolbox” approach to managing common oak tree issues in the urban landscape. We will explore a range of treatment options that utilize the right tool for the right issue to achieve predictable results. Through these demonstrations, attendees will gain practical strategies for developing effective, sustainable oak management programs.
