(Cedar City, UT) – The State of Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, in partnership with the Utah Community Forest Council and Southern Utah University will be hosting the third annual Southern Utah Arborist School December 5-8, 2010 at Southern Utah University R. Haze Conference Center in Cedar City.

The four-day course is designed to help train local and regional individuals in the art and science of planting and caring for trees, the discipline known as Arboriculture. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on subjects including: tree biology, tree nutrition and fertilization, diagnosis of tree pests and disease, and pruning.

The trees that make up Utah’s community forests provide numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits. They play a critical role in providing a healthy environment for people and wildlife. It’s estimated that for every dollar spent directly on trees, they give back two to five dollars in combined benefits to a community. Certified arborists play a vital role in providing proper care to trees in Utah communities. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns not only for homeowners but communities as a whole.

For more information on the 2011 Southern Utah Arborist School contact the DNR 435.586.4408