You’ve probably seen them before – those white threads too long and slender to be roots, yet intimately associated with the root system of trees and shrubs. The threads are fungal hyphae, and their association with many plant species are collectively called mycorrhizae.

These fungal partners are also dependent on woody mulch, especially those mulches made from natural woody debris. Understanding how roots, mycorrhizae, and decomposing wood all are interconnected helps us make good management decisions regarding mulch use. Most importantly, this information helps gardeners avoid using fungicides, which kill these beneficial species.  Join our March Speaker Series, as Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, Washington State University Urban Horticulturalist presents.

Mulch queen, Linda Chalker-Scott

Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott has a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Oregon State University and is an ISA certified arborist and an ASCA consulting arborist.  She is WSU’s Extension Urban Horticulturist and a Professor in the Department of Horticulture. She conducts research in applied plant and soil sciences, publishing the results in scientific articles and university Extension fact sheets. She is currently the editor for WCISA’s Western Arborist magazine, the Journal of NACAA, and Editor-in-Chief for Compost Science and Utilization. She is also actively involved in enhancing the scientific literacy of her audiences by teaching them how to assess the credibility of information from print and online sources.

Linda also is the award-winning author of five books and is featured in a video series – The Science of Gardening – produced by The Great Courses. She also is one of the Garden Professors – a group of academic colleagues who educate and entertain through their blog and Facebook pages. Linda’s educational contributions to science-based information have been recognized by such groups as Garden Communicators International, the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, and the International Association for Arboriculture.

** Counts as one-hour metro area OSU Master Gardener continuing education credit.

Free webinar. All welcome.

Register for this webinar in advance: https://bit.ly/3jutEAc

*Once you register you will receive a confirmation email. That email contains the link for you to enter the webinar – so be sure to save the email.