As the Florida Urban Forestry Council (FUFC) Board member representing the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association (FNGLA), I share the interests, concerns, and ideas of growers, contractors, and all FNGLA members with the other allied organizations and agencies of the FUFC. The 2025 Great Southern Tree Conference (GSTC) (November 19-20, at the UF Hilton Convention Center) provided a great summary of the priorities and challenges we want to focus on for FNGLA, the Green Industry, the FUFC, and the Urban Forestry segment of Florida’s economy.
At the 2025 GSTC, we learned so much more about why trees are great; what current research is proving for the nurturing of trees; and about the economic, regulatory, and business challenges that we all need to work together to overcome. The conference was dedicated to presenting and visiting the University of Florida (UF) research sites as they relate to landscape trees – the largest contribution to our Green Industry and Urban Forestry.
Key presentations and research included:
- Challenges, trends, and solutions affecting the Green Industry worldwide, in the US, and Florida economies – Stevan Novakovic of Farm Credit.
- Increasing pressure on government agencies, the Green Industry, homeowners, and the public overall to reduce water use for irrigating landscapes was summarized by Dr. Michael Dukes.
- Developing the urban forests of tomorrow by the redevelopment and modification of urban properties. – John Fleming of Trimark Properties.
- Introducing nature to development projects using ecological landscapes for sustainability principles for both landscaping and for community parts (people, places, views/aesthetics, water, etc.). – by Timothee Sallin of Cherrylake.
- The multiplicity of governmental and private property associations, and research for how tree canopy cover varies depending on HOA management strategies and other challenges for trees within HOAs, was explained by Alyssa Vinson, Urban Forestry Agent with UF-IFAS.
- Panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Ryan Klein of UF, with the discussion focused on how to gain more sustainable landscapes for urban areas.
- The future growth of the tree industry, research and practices to improve tree architecture for urban-ready trees, Florida Grades & Standards, and Florida’s Prescription Pruning Qualification (P.P.Q.) was presented by Dr. Ed Gliman, a core professor and researcher for Urban Forestry and the Green Industry.
- Field trips included tree plots at the various research stations to explore planting space; irrigation restrictions; alternatives to in-ground irrigation; large tree moving methods; planting space & tree stability; pest predation; pruning practices on nursery stock; soil amendments, substrates, and potting soils; sprout growth; and Grades and Standard studies.
- UF-IFAS mission and efforts to support Florida’s tree-industry to educate new professionals, utilize ground-breaking technology like AI, and youth education were discussed by Dr. Scott Angle
- Understanding urban nature through human eyes, to include perceptions of professionals and communities about urban forests, urban greenspace, climate change, storms, and trees; and TREE Fund research was presented by Dr. Mysha Clarke.
- Tree and site data available through current Lidar, photogrammetry, aerial/remote images, and 3D modeling were presented by Dr. Andrew Lassiter.
- The physiology of urban trees, stress tolerance, and implications for irrigation management were described to us by Dr. Grace.
- The role of Fungi in the life of trees, from soil to canopy, was the main topic presented by Dr. Matthew Smith.
- Lightning round student presentations covered topics about planting sites for newly planted trees, municipal tree giveaway programs, phantasma scale in south Florida palms, Neighbor-Wood Watch project (Neighborwood Watch), socio-economic & tree planting success for Trees Atlanta
I hope this summary of the 2025 GSTC provides you with ideas to improve the results of your work and the success of your career in whatever Green Industry profession you are in. Start making your plans to attend tree-centric conference opportunities in Florida. Hear and learn from all that is presented, including the answers to your questions from leading researchers and Subject Matter Experts. I look forward to continuing to work with you for a better shared environment.
– John A. Harris, Landscape Economist; MS, MBA, BS, AAS
Certified Arborist #OH-0274A, Certified Forester, Registered Consulting Arborist, Certified Landscape Inspector, Qualified Tree Risk Assessor, Professional Mangrove Trimmer, Nursery Tree Grader, Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualified
