Commercial Horticulture

Commercial horticulture in Illinois is a multibillion dollar industry. Thousands of people make their livings working with plants, and the industry generates millions of dollars in taxes. University of Illinois Extension serves a wide variety of commercial horticulturists, including arborists, nurserymen, landscapers (contractors and maintenance), urban foresters, groundskeepers (parks, schools, zoos, forest preserves, cemeteries, shopping centers, and industrial sites), golf course superintendents, greenhouse owners, florists, garden center managers, seed producers, and people who grow fruits, vegetables, and sod.

Assisting the Horticulture Industry

Extension horticulture program seeks to provide assistance in the following areas:

• plant identification;
• pest identification;
• pesticide use;
• culture;
• plant selection; and
• decision making

Educational Opportunities

Extension educators interact with industry professionals on a wide variety of topics and concerns through seminars,workshops, and one-on-one discussions. A few educational offerings include:

• northern Illinois greenhouse seminars;
• horticulture plant maintenance seminars;
• pesticide applicator clinics;
• special integrated pest management clinics; and
• urban forestry plant care seminars (being developed).

Cooperation with Others

The efforts of many are needed to reach all who would benefit from horticulture information. Extension works with related organizations to disseminate educational information. Our partners include the Morton Arboretum, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Chicago Park District, Illinois Arborist Association, Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, Illinois Turfgrass Association, Municipal Foresters, Specialty Growers Association, and local community colleges.