Landscape Architect Articles

2026 Speaker Article Template01-31-23 | 10

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Landscape Inspection
by Adam Carr, Irvine Company

Are you looking to develop quality landscapes? Learn how to ensure consistency, quality, and loyal customers by providing consistent communication and value to property owners as well as clear direction to your crews to ensure beautiful landscapes as a result with Irvine Company's Senior Manager of Landscape Operations, Adam Carr.

November 4th at 11:15 a.m.

Landscape Maintenance 201
by Adam Carr, Irvine Company

Adam accepted a position with Irvine Company in 2012, and has been managing all Office projects in San Diego since that time. He has been instrumental in Irvine Company winning many CLCA awards, as well as an International Lighting award. In this seminar, he will identify key components of landscaping maintenance, expectations from service providers, and landsacping dos and don'ts.

November 5th at 9:30 a.m.

Panel Discussion: New Robotic Technologies
by AGZA

This session will explore the benefits of autonomy, technology and software availability, infrastructure requirements, regulations, and more! Attendees will learn about the different types of autonomous mowers, insightful real-world implementation, and key considerations for adoption.

November 4th at 11:15 a.m.

Case Study: AGZA Green Zone Certification
by AGZA

This session will feature two real-world case studies highlighting the successful transition of institutional and private sector operations who have committed to the AGZA Green Zone Certification standards.

November 5th at 8:00 a.m.

Panel Discussion: Electric vs. Gas Motor Regulations
by AGZA

Located in the AGZA Green Zone, this session will explore the evolving regulations concerning electric vs. gas powered motors.

November 5th at 11:15 a.m.

Management of Turfgrass Diseases:
Strategies for Healthy Turf
by Ana Pastrana

Attendees will walk away from this seminar understanding the key factors driving turfgrass diseases and able to identify common turfgrass diseases, distinguish between leaf and root symptoms, and evaluate and implement integrated diesease management strategies.

November 5th at 1:00 p.m.

Selecting and Placing Trees and Shrubs to Prevent Failure
by Ashkan Nochian, Ph.D. Landoos LLC

Learn from educator and former Landscape Architect Ashkan Nochian, Ph.D. how to implement key design principles when landscaping with trees and shrubs, strategically and simultaneously. Gain insights into typical mistakes and failures when designing with trees and shrubs, and discover effective strategies to avoid them. You will acquire practical solutions for establishing a mature landscape efficiently without sacrificing professional design principles.

November 4th at 8:00 a.m.

Invasive Borers in Urban Forests
by Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann, Ph.D. University of California Cooperative Extension

In this seminar, you will learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of invasive bark and ambrosia beetle infestations. Enhance your expertise in urban forest health with this course by UC Cooperative Extension advisor, Beatriz Nobua-Behrmann, Ph.D.

November 4th at 8:00 a.m.

Turf Pest Identification and Management
by Bill Blackman, SiteOne

More seminar information coming soon.

November 4th at 1:00 p.m.

Turf Control
by Bill Blackman, SiteOne

Join Bill as he shares some scenarios of different impacts to turf based on usage and site conditions or limitations. We will share the irrigation methods and products used to better support turf for its site usage in each case, briefly review different products used in turf management and how they impact turf blades or roots, as well as discuss options for moisture management in an interactive discussion with fellow professionals.

November 5th at 11:15 a.m.

Determining Water Availability for Your IR System
by Bill Millward, Rivulis Irrigation

Enhance your irrigation know-how with Rivals Irrigation expert, Bill Millward by working through a design capacity worksheet that will calculate design capacity in GPM and pressure at the point of connection, allowing you to select the proper emission device and irrigation products on your landscape project. Secure your seat now!

November 4th at 8:00 a.m.

Turning AB1572 into New Business Opportunities
by Brandon Burgess, Chino Basin Water Conservation District

This session provides a practical breakdown of what AB 1572 means for landscape professionals, including where the law applies, how nonfunctional turf is defined, key exemptions such as tree-support irrigation zones, and real-world compliance pathways. Beyond compliance, this presentation focuses on how AB 1572 creates new business opportunities in turf renovation, irrigation retrofits, California native and waterwise-style planting design, and long-term water management consulting services.

November 4th at 8:00 a.m.

OSHA - Turning Injury Data into Prevention
by Charity Madrid-Torres

Join University of Arizona's Health & Safety Officer to distinguish between OSHA recordable and non-recordable incidents, accurately classify common workplace injusties and illnesses, and avoid frequent recordkeeping errors. Participants will leave with a practical framework for using injury data to support prevention and operational decision-making.

November 4th at 1:00 p.m.

Groundskeeping Hazard Management
by Charity Madrid-Torres

University of Arizona's Health & Safety Officer Charity Madrid-Torres will share how to identify common hazards associated with landscape and groundskeeping tasks, recognize emerging hazards in real time, and take proactive actions to prevent injuries. Through real-world scenarios and field-based examples, participants will gain a clear, repeatable approach to making safer decisions before incidents occur.

November 5th at 8:00 a.m.

Field Wiring Diagnosis & Troubleshooting
by Craig Borland, Irritrol/Rainmaster

Join Craig Borland to discuss the 4 common failure modes found in field wiring with all Irrigation systems. Learn how to break the system down into 3 easy parts for troubleshooting, by using your voltmeter. Understand what Ohm's of resistance is and what does it mean with field wiring. Discuss common pitfalls with wire connections.

November 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Case Study: Converting UCLA To Electric Equipment
by Dan Mabe, AGZA

The AGZA workshop will cover impacts of conventional landscape maintenance practices, current regulations, and grant opportunities. It will also introduce the basics of transitioning landscape maintenance operations from intensive gas-powered machinery to lower impact technologies which includes battery, electric, robotics, and human powered devices.

November 5th at 8:00 a.m.

Case Study: Robotics In Landscape Projects
by Dan Mabe, AGZA

Join Dan Mabe of AGZA as he explores the process of incorporating robotics into your landscape maintenance program.

November 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Creating Sustainable Permaculture Landscapes
by Dane Shota, Arborist

Certified Arborist and Water Auditor Dane Shota will walk attendees through the design process that cultivates environments that prioritize ecological health and sustainability. Learn about the difference between organic fertilizers and living soil, as well as methods that utilize little irrigation and pruning.

November 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Staff Accountability Secrets:
Are Your People Doing What You Pay Them To?
by Danny Kerr, Breakthrough Academy

When your company grows and you aren't on your job site all the time...problems creep in. Petty finger-pointing becomes an ongoing issue, and you bleed profits due to all the inefficiency. The good news: improving accounability with your team is surprisingly easy to fix. The solution is for you, the owner, to rethink your system for holding people accountable. Join Danny as he hands over Breakthrough Academy's internal secrets for higher performance, faster growth, and fatter net profits.

November 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Plan Your Cash Flow:
How $5MM Landscapers See 90 Days Ahead
by Danny Kerr, Breakthrough Academy

Weather swings. Delayed projects. Seasonal slowdowns. In landscaping, cash flow is always volatile. As 2026 comes to a close, the decisions you make now will determine whether you enter 2027 with confidence or are scrambling to make payroll at the end of Q1. Go behind the scenes with Danny Kerr as he shares how to gain cash flow confidence and eliminate those feelings of panic when you check your bank balance. Follow real examples of landscapers drifting into the red ?EUR" and exactly what they did to turn things around.

November 5th at 1:30 p.m.

Poor Practices in Landscape Management
by Donald Bottger, PGMS

Learn from Donald Bottger, former San Diego Convention Center Director of Venue Operations, about many substandard practices that are commonly seen across the industry. Real-world examples will show improper irrigation installation and maintenance, inappropriate foliage selection, purning, and planting practice, as well as poor chemical usage.

November 4th at 8:00 a.m.

Selecting the Correct Irrigation Smart Controller For Your Application
by Doug Callison, Callison Irrigation Consulting

Connect with Doug Callison, CID, CLIA - President of Callison Irrigation Consulting to learn about the water and labor-savings benefits of using EPA WaterSense weather-based and soil moisture-based smart irrigation controllers. Participants will review the common features of smart controllers and learn how to assess site requirements to then match the site with the most needed smart controller features.

November 4th at 11:15 a.m.

Irrigation Water Management Best Practices
by Doug Callison, Callison Irrigation Consulting

Connect with Doug Callison, CID, CLIA - President of Callison Irrigation Consulting to understand the tools available to set and achieve water management goals for your site. Learn how to use design review, water audits, water use reporting, and more to open lines of communication between property owners, designers, maintenance personnel, and others.

November 5th at 9:30 a.m.

Fire Protection in the 21st Century
by Doug Kent, Author and Educator

Join this dynamic presentation on Firescaping and learn not just the foundational principles of fire protection, but also overcoming some of the barriers to active stewardship and care. Doug Kent, author of Firescaping: Protecting your home with a fire-resistant landscape (2nd Ed.), will discuss best practices in regenerative Firescaping, focusing on reducing hazards and creating healthy environments.

November 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Managing Short-Spined Thrips and Aloe Mites
by Eric Middleton, UC IPM

Join this UC IPM pest advisor to learn about the biology, identification, and host range for short-spined thrips and aloe thrips, which cause significan damage to ornamentals and landscape plants. Middleton will also cover management techniques for what to do if you encounter either in the landscape.

November 4th at 11:15 a.m.

Fire-Resistant Native Plants
by Greg Rubin, CA's Own Native Landscaping

Having had 20 landscapes involved in major fire events, without the loss of a single home, a well designed and maintained native landscape may actually be one of the MOST fire resistant choices available. The results of our 4 year research project for the U.S. Navy, examining the phenomenon of native landscape fire resistance, will be discussed, as well as actual case histories with photos.

November 5th at 1:00 p.m.

Backflow Preventer Basics:
General Knowledge, Repairs, and Testing
by JJ Stoeckel, Backflow Test Pros

JJ Stoeckel will overview what backflow is and why backflow preventers are needed in irrigation to keep the tap water safe. Explore the meaning of back flow, preventer types and proper installation, and learn about common repairs and troubleshooting capabilities. Register today!

November 5th at 11:15 a.m.

Using Central Control Systems to Save Water, Time, and Money
by Jeff Drongowski, Calsense

Join Calsense's Jeff Drongowski, LEED Green Associate, QWEL, and UCLA Extension Sustainability program graduate for an insightful seminar where he will delve into irrigation intelligence, how these systems function, and link capabilities to sustainable outcomes. He will also discuss how evolving public-sector purchasing requirements are shaping specifications, procurement decisions, and lifecycle planning.

November 4th at 2:30 p.m.

Vertical Rescue
by Jose Mercado, Hispanic Arborist Association

Hispanic Arborist Association's Jose Mercado will go over aerial rescue procedures, inspections, calling 911, getting the rope into trees (or aerial lift), checking the victims, and maneuvering friction hitches down along with victim. Sign up today!

November 5th at 8:00 a.m.

Palm Tree Pruning & Safety
by Jose Mercado, Hispanic Arborist Association

Industry expert, Hispanic Arborist Association founder, and certified arborist, Jose Mercado will present a seminar on the best practices of pruning palm trees for the overall safety of both the tree and groundsworkers. Register now!

November 4th at 1:00 p.m.

Aerial Tree Safety
by Jose Mercado, Hispanic Arborist Association

In this course we will go over job site set up, aerial lift inspection, pre-job assessment, AI use, aerial lift rescue, fall protection, suspension trauma, groundsman safety, chipper safety, and climber safety.

November 4th at 1:00 p.m.

Pruning Practices
by Jose Mercado, Hispanic Arborist Association

Industry expert, Hispanic Arborist Association founder, and certified arborist, Jose Mercado will present a seminar on the best practices of tree pruning for the overall safety of both the tree and groundsworkers.

November 5th at 11:15 a.m.

Boardroom Luncheon: Design Your Destiny
Think With The End In Mind ?EUR" No Matter What Stage Your Company Is At
by Judith Guido, Speaker, Consultant

This session will reveal the strategic, operational, financial, people & cultural moves that separate companies that work hard from companies that become highly valuable assets. Whether you run a 5-person irrigation firm, a growing design-build company, or a multi-crew maintenance operation, you'll leave with practical insights to help you focus on the 4 fundamentals of business growth, learn how to read your markets, think like investors while running your company, build efficient high payoff systems that scale beyond owners and rewards teams, and avoid the hidden traps that limit growth.

November 4th at 11:45 a.m.

Facilitation Group - Small to Mid-Sized LC Companies / Breakfast
by Judith Guido, Speaker, Consultant

More seminar information coming soon.

November 5th at 8:00 a.m.

TLE Boardroom: The 8 Functions of a High-Value Green Company
?EUR" KPIs That Turn Hard-Working Business Into Scalable, Profitable & Valuable Co's
by Judith Guido, Speaker, Consultant

This session provides a practical framework and roadmap that works at whatever stage your company is in. Participants will leave with a clear understanding, blueprint, and associated key metrics for running a high-performance company that reduces chaos, increases accountability, and turns a busy operation into a predictable, profitable, and highly valued company.

November 5th at 9:45 a.m.

Chainsaw Safety
TBA

In this Chainsaw Safety session, participants will acquire an understanding of chainsaw safety features and operation principles encompassing maintenance, fueling, and proper handling techniques. Participants will also develop skills in assessing risks, identifying potential hazards, and implementing preventive measures. They will also gain awareness of resources available for continued operational and safety training.

November 4th at 11:00 a.m.

H-2B Compliance and Labor Shortages
TBA

More seminar information coming soon.

November 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Organic Herbicide Alternatives to Glyphosate
by Lindsey Hack, UC IPM

In this seminar, Lindsey Hack will help attendees understand the use of organic and non-conventional herbicides in landscape situations, including considerations regarding cost, efficacy, and personal protective equipment when switching to organic herbicides.

November 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Tree Pests
by Ken McCormick, Sims Tree Health Specialists

This seminar will guide attendees through the complex web of tree pest issues, including what constitutes a disorder and how to tell whether it's caused by a biotic or abiotic agent. The program concludes with practical, science-based pest management strategies highlighting early detection, cultural practices, and treatment approaches that support long-term tree vitality.

November 5th at 9:30 a.m.

Tree Problems
by Kevin Sims, Sims Tree Health Specialists

In this class we will go over some common tree issues and how to spot them. These issues will range from biotic to abiotic, and we will look at treatment options and things you can do before an issue starts.

November 4th at 2:30 p.m.

Designing for Bees and Native Pollinators
by Kim Chacon, Cal Poly SLO

This session provides landscape professionals with practical, evidence-based strategies for integrating pollinator habitats into residential, commercial, and municipal projects. Attendees will leave with plant selection strategies to immediately enhance biodiversity, increase landscape value, and meet sustainability goals.

November 4th at 2:30 p.m.

AB 1572: Understanding the Law Banning
Irrigation of Non-Functional Turf
by Krista Guerrero, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Join this Senior Resource Specialist from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to understand the history and intend behind AB 1572, including the difference between functional and non-functional turf as defined in the bill. This session will address who is required to comply, how nonfunctional turf can be identified on your property, and what steps are necessary to meet the requirements. Get clear, authoritative answers directly from one of the agencies that sponsored and helped develop the legislation.

November 5th at 9:30 a.m.

Smart Irrigation 201
by Mark Pedicone, Imperial Sprinkler Supply

Imperial Sprinkler Supply's Mark Pedicone will delve into the process of retrofitting existing projects currently lacking Smart Controller technology to incorporate the latest advancements in controller technology.Secure your seat today!

November 5th at 8:00 a.m.

Corporations & LLCs:
Secret Strategies for the Landscaping Industry
by Michael Wedaa, Augmentus Business Solutions

Take a look at the exciting side of corporations and LLCs. Discover advanced, secret strategies for getting the most out of your business entity. Topics include legally shifting expenses to your business, navigating business credit, and utilizing trusts and LLCs.

November 4th at 2:00 p.m.

Creating Award-Winning Landscapes
by Mike Garcia, Enviroscape LA

From the local level, regional, state and international levels, award winning, licensed Landscape Contractor, Mike Garcia will reveal to all to show the difference between "just another landscape" and Landscapes that shine and stand out. Register now!

November 4th at 2:30 p.m.

New and Underused Plants for California Projects
by Nicholas Staddon, Staddon Consulting

Join Nicholas Staddon, plantsman and West Coast resource for terrific California plants, as he navigates us through a host of new and proven plants for our regional landscapes with a special section on trees. Handouts will be provided as well as information on plant trends, cultural shifts, and a listing of relevant books and magazines.

November 4th at 11:15 a.m.

- The Future of Landscape Panel -
Historic Property Maintenance
by ?

More seminar information coming soon.

November 5th at 11:15 a.m.

- The Future of Landscape Panel -
Playground Management and Maintenance
by ?

Playgrounds and Sports Complexes present unique challenges for grounds management professionals. Learn how to keep play equipment and surfaces in pristine condition as a part of your landscape maintenance team's regular schedule.

November 4th at 2:30 p.m.

- The Future of Landscape Panel -
Designing For Maintenance Success
by Scott Rice, PLA, ASLA, RHA Community Works; Brenna Castro Carlson, PLA, Atlas Lab;
Haven Kiers, PhD, UC Davis

A beautiful design means nothing if it can't be maintained. Landscape Architects, LAF Researchers, and Maintenance Professionals will explore real-world successes and cautionary tales with a focus on designing within realistic maintenance budgets, identifying chronic pain points in the field, and building the cross-disciplinary communications habits that lead to spaces to that truly last. Attendees will leave with practical tools for bridging the design-to-maintenance gap on their next project.

November 5th at 9:30 a.m.

- The Future of Landscape Panel -
From Ash To Action:
An Industry Roundtable on Rebuilding After The L.A. Fires
by Stephanie Landregan, PLA, FASLA, Altadena Green;
Alyssa Moffitt, PLA, ASLA SoCal; Jeff Montejano, BIA SoCal

This panel brings together association leaders from building, landscape architecture, landscape maintenance, and aboriculture for a frank, birds-eye assessment of the recovery effort. Panelists will share progress updates within their disciplines, surface blind spots and cross-industry gaps, celebrate wins, and identify the knowledge and skills practitioners need most right now. Attendees will walk away with real-world insight and actionable guidance for navigating the rebuild and for building greater fire resilience into everything they do going forward.

November 4th at 1:00 p.m.

Coordinating Outdoor Lighting Around Pools
and Entertainment Centers
by Steve Allen

Sign up today to learn how to transform the backyard into a place where your client can enjoy and create lasting memories. Give your customers the ability to change everything on their smart phones, changing the scenery with the touch of a few buttons, as well as celebrate your favorite holidays or events.

November 4th at 1:00 p.m.

Pre-Construction Management
by Todd Kaberline, zzTakeoff

Join Estimating Software Developer Todd Kaberline as he discusses the evolution of estimating over the last 40 years, from computers and digital plans to today's advanced takeoffs and estimating methods. He will also discuss estimating software companies, current and future takeoff practices, estimating costs and markups, and how AI is revolutionizing landscape estimating.

November 5th at 11:15 a.m.

Solutions to Irrigation Salinity for Urban Trees in Arid Areas
by Wei Zhang, Tree Diaper

In agriculture, farmers can cope with the soil salinity by switching crops, but urban trees mean to stay in one place for decades and centuries, it is a slow suicide and it may become catastrophic on a future day. Reducing irrigation can be a solution, but how to keep the soil moisture level and improve the overall health of the urban trees? This presentation will introduce a novel solution to achieve this goal.

November 4th at 1:00 p.m.

Vertical Rescue
by Jose Mercado, Hispanic Arborist Association

In this course, we will go over aerial rescue procedures, inspections, calling 911, getting the rope into trees (or aerial lift), checking the victims, and maneuvering friction hitches down along with the victim.

November 4th at 9:30 a.m.

Balancing Water Restrictions and Needs for Young Trees
by Wei Zhang, Tree Diaper

How much water do trees need to survive/thrive? It may be surprisingly much less than most water prescriptions. We will look at case studies of saving 90+% water usage during droughts and water restrictions by reducing wastes and losses. The main goal of this presentation is to provide methods to keep trees alive and thrive during water restrictions and shortages without breaking rules or paying fines while conserving the precious water resource.

November 5th at 1:00 p.m.

Managing Gophers and Ground Squirrels
by Trevor Watson, Arborjet | Ecologel

Join Trevor Watson as he discusses strategies for integrated approaches these burrowing rodents. Information will be provided on fumigation, rodenticide, trapping, and other approaches to gopher and ground squirrel management.

November 5th at 1:00 p.m.

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