Landscape and Property Care

becoming proficient in grounds-care skills

Turf Management

Turf grass identification—Learn to identify turf grasses by using keys.
Sprayer/spreader calibration—Learn how to mix and apply chemicals properly.
Disease/insect recognition—Learn to recognize common disease and insect damage.
Pesticide safety—Learn how to use pesticides safely.
Professional turf equipment demonstration—Hands-on training using commercial turf maintenance equipment.

Landscape Installation

Proper installation technique—Learn common landscape installation standards.
Introduction to design—Learn how to create a pleasing environment.
Estimating methods—Learn timesaving tips for the designer.
Hands-on installation of small landscape—Participate in an actual landscape installation.

Tree Care

How does a tree grow?—Take part in a basic plant growth study.
Climbing technique/hands-on training—Instruction in using ropes and other methods of gaining access to the tree.
Insect/disease recognition—Learn to recognize common symptoms and damage from insects and disease.
Instruction in felling—Instruction and possible participation in the process of removing a tree from the landscape.
Safety issues—Learn to protect yourself, others, and your equipment.

Equipment Maintenance and Repair

Proper methods—Learn to use tools properly and efficiently.
Basic troubleshooting and repair—Learn to quickly determine the cause of engine problems.
Hands-on training in landscape repair shop—Participate in repairing a piece of landscape maintenance equipment.

Forestry

Introduction to forest management—Includes basic instruction and terms of forest management.
Cruising techniques—Participate in an actual cruise (inventory of species, diameter, height and grade) of a tract of timber.
Tree identification—Learn what to look for in order to correctly identify trees.

Lt. Michael Spillman: Lt. Spillman has been the director of the Landscape Department of the International ALERT Academy since 2001, and he is the Course Leader. Before coming to ALERT, he owned a successful lawn care business in Oklahoma. He has had 15 years of experience in the lawn and landscape field and 12 years of experience working with pesticides in the turf and ornamental category. Lt. Spillman has received 3 years of forestry training at Oklahoma State University.
Sgt. Stephen Parrish: Stephen completed ALERT Basic Training in 1997 and has been involved with ALERT on and off since then. Stephen joined our Landscape Department in 2001. Previously, Stephen had 8 years of engine/equipment diagnostic and repair experience, 6 years of turf care and landscape experience, and 4 years of sawyer experience.
Mr. Michael Daniels (Guest Instructor): Mr. Daniels owns a forestry consulting business and also manages and markets timber and timberland. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in forestry and has worked for the US Forest Service, the Mississippi State Forestry Service, and a major timber company. Mr. Daniels teaches forestry management in the Landscape Course.
Mr. John Whitt (Guest Instructor): Mr. Whitt is from the Houston, TX, area and owns his own business called All Seasons. He teaches tree trimming in the Landscape Course.