Best Practices: Chemical Free Landscape Maintenance

by Brandon Elrod | TLE Seminar

CEUs/PDHs: DPR 1,ISA 1,PGMS 1,NALP 1*

Seminar Dates: September 20, 2023 2:00 PM

Seminar Cost: $45 Register for Seminar

Seminar Description:
With increasing public outcry over the use of herbicides, you may be considering a transition away from their usage. Public policy is even starting to limit the use of these chemicals, as 42 countries have banned or condemned a well-known and broadly-used herbicide. In reality, herbicides and pesticides were created for convenience and efficiency, so any alternative will need to also hold up to the same scrutiny, if it has any chance of being a successful substitution. Join us as we discuss the realistic ways that chemical-free landscape maintenance can be implemented.

Learning Objectives:
1. Design tips to reduce potential for weeds.
2. Maintenance techniques as alternatives to herbicides & pesticides.
3. Restorative practices to establish resilient landscapes.

Brandon Elrod

I’m Brandon Elrod, and I love trees! Originally a Landscape Architecture student, I earned a degree in Ornamental Horticulture after I discovered it was possible to have a career spent among the trees! I’ve been a Certified Arborist for 25 years and an ISA member for 18, and my career has been spent in holistic commercial arboriculture.  

I originally interned with the USDA Forest Service before being hired by a nationwide tree care company. After a decade working for them, I launched my own holistic arborist company. I went on to found Community Forests Council, a non-profit where I currently work to bridge the world of arborists with the world of urban foresters.   

I’ve had some great opportunities to collaborate with other arborists and educators over the years: I was able to serve on the Rancho Santiago Community College District’s advisory committee for arboriculture; I have volunteered on the WCISA’s Spanish Committee for a few years now, and I am especially proud of having launched the first ever Spanish Regional Conference during my time as chairman of the WCISA’s Spanish Committee. I now serve on the Board of Trustees for Oak Valley College.   

I believe strongly in the importance of continued personal growth, and as a result I have earned my Agricultural Pest Control Adviser License, Certified Professional Horticulturist endorsement, Master Herbalist certificate and a diploma in Ecology as well as a doctorate in an ancillary field. Most recently I graduated from Yale University’s Tropical Reforestation Certificate program and the Municipal Forestry Institute.