Landscape Professionals Field Day

Presented by NC State's Department of Horticultural Science and the JC Raulston Arboretum

Thursday, July 16, 2026 — 8:45 am - 4 pm

Join us for the 2026 Landscape Professionals Field Day, an educational event designed for green industry professionals seeking practical solutions, fresh ideas and valuable industry insight. Industry experts will cover a wide range of timely topics focused on best practices, emerging trends and real-world applications that can improve day-to-day operations. The event also offers opportunities to network with peers, discover new techniques and earn continuing education credits while investing in professional growth.

Field Day Schedule of Events

8 am

Registration

Registration opens at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center.

8:45 am

Welcome

Welcoming remarks from the NC State University CALS Administration, NC Cooperative Extension and JC Raulston Arboretum leadership.

9 am — 12 pm

Color Field Trials Tour and Landscape Professional Morning Outdoor Sessions

Concurrent Sessions (Color Field Trials and Horticultural Field Lab): Each session runs about 50 minutes and will be repeated three times throughout the three-hour period. Participants are divided into three groups which rotate through all three stations.

"It's All about Color" — Tim Alderton, JC Raulston Arboretum

Tour the Color Trials, see the new plant introductions, and vote for your favorites.

"Do's and Don'ts of Weed Control in Color Beds" — Joe Neal, Ph.D., Weed Extension Specialist, NC State University

When mulches do not provide adequate weed control, there are herbicide options available for color beds — but choose wisely! Herbicide selection must be tailored to the species being planted, as herbaceous ornamentals can be sensitive to herbicides commonly used in landscape plantings. This demonstration will highlight recommended herbicides for use in color beds, along with common application mistakes and examples of resulting plant injury.

"So, it All Comes Down to This — The Down and Dirty of Soil Amendments" — Barb Fair, Ph.D., Landscape Extension Specialist, NC State University

We will present "final" results from the 2024 soil management and native plant field study, which began in summer 2024 and is now in its final growing season. Attendees will hear early findings from the final season and have an opportunity to participate in data collection demonstrations. The session also will include a cost analysis of soil amendment materials to help professionals evaluate economical and effective strategies for improving plant establishment and long-term performance. Additionally, final results from a similar 2017 study involving two tree species will be shared. The goal is to provide guidance on soil management BMPs.

12 pm — 1 pm

Lunch

Box lunches and drinks served at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center patio area.

1 pm — 4 pm

Landscape Professional Afternoon Indoor Sessions (Ruby C. McSwain Education Center)

"The Pest is Yet to Come: Preparing for Emerging Threats in NC Landscapes" — Kelly Oten, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Forest Health, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, NC State University

Emerging tree pests don’t wait for us to be ready. From spotted lanternfly to elm zigzag sawfly and crape myrtle bark scale, new threats are already showing up in our landscapes. This session covers what we know, how to recognize these pests, and, most importantly, what you can do about them.

"Turfgrass Pests and Problems in the Triangle" — Ray McCauley, Ph.D., Turfgrass Extension Associate, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences , NC State University

Turfgrass pests detract from turfgrass aesthetics and function, which can cost practitioners thousands of dollars to correct. Many abiotic stresses including drought, winterkill, and chemical misapplications further complicate turfgrass management. This presentation will address common turfgrass pests, their control, and common management issues in the Triangle. The use of integrated pest management programs will be emphasized in this presentation to ensure proper identification, adequate control, minimal damage, and acceptable aesthetics.

"Understanding the ecological roles and impact of insect friends & foes" — Bill Reynolds, Entomologist and Naturalist

Learn to recognize and identify many of the common insects and invertebrates encountered in our homes, yards, gardens, and agricultural areas. How to encourage beneficials and simultaneously discourage potentially harmful species.

4 pm

Field Day Concludes

Continuing Education Credits

This course was approved by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services for Pesticide credits in the following categories:

1 Forest (G)
3 Ornamental & Turf (L)
3 Demonstration & Research (N)
1 Agricultural (O)
3 Dealer (D)
3 Private-Specialty Training (X)

This course was also approved by the NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board for five (5) practice credits.

Registration

Early registration: $55.00 through Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Late and day-of registration: $65.00, Monday, July 6 through Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Registration includes attendance at all sessions and a boxed lunch with a drink.

Advance registration is required.

Registration is complete once payment is received. A confirmation receipt will be sent from notify@cashnet.com.

Note to NC State University and NC State Extension employees: P-cards cannot be used to pay the registration fee for this event. To set up an Interdepartmental Sales Transaction, email jcraprograms@ncsu.edu with your department name, bookkeeper's contact information (name, email and phone), fund number to be charged and a complete list of registrants.

Cancellations are accepted up to two weeks before the program start date. A 15% cancellation fee applies.

Location: JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Directions: Get directions to the JC Raulston Arboretum.
Parking: Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.
Questions: Contact Barb Fair at barbara_fair@ncsu.edu for more information about this field day. For help with registration, contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu.