Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Information on commercial environmental horticulture with a focus on Arizona and the Southwest.
What commercial horticulture associations exist in Arizona?
How can I become a Certified Arborist?
How can I become a Certified Nursery Professional in Arizona?
How can I become a Certified Landscape Professional in Arizona?
How do I start a nursery in Arizona?
How do I prepare a diseased plant part or soil for shipping to be examined and where do I send it?
How do I prepare an insect or a plant damaged by insects for shipping and where do I send it for identification?
Where can I send plant, soil, or water samples to be analyzed?
Who is in charge of plant/pest quarantine rules?
How do I know if a plant is poisonous?
Can I legally remove cactus from the desert?
What commercial horticulture associations exist in Arizona?
There are several professional associations of interest to people working in commercial horticulture. They are the Arizona Landscape Contractor’s Association, the Arizona Nursery Association, and the Cactus and Pine Golf Course Superintendents Association. Links are listed under Arizona organizations at: http://ag.arizona.edu/extension/ornamentalhort/links.html.
How can I become a Certified Arborist?
Information about the International Society of Arboriculture certification program can be found at the ISA website http://www.isa-arbor.com/. Classes in Arizona are generally sponsored by the Arizona State Land Department Urban Community Forestry Program and the Arizona Community Tree Council, Inc. (http://aztrees.org/). Certification exams are offered in different locations in the state. Some counties offer preparatory classes and give the Certified Arborist Exam at the conclusion of classes. Contact your local Cooperative Extensions office or the Arizona Community Tree Council.
How can I become a Certified Nursery Professional in Arizona?
The Arizona Nursery Association (ANA) sponsors and administers this certification program. Applicants need at least one year of experience in the nursery industry and must pass a four part exam. Classes and exams are held in Phoenix, Tucson, and Prescott. Contact ANA for classes and further information (http://www.azna.org/).
How can I become a Certified Landscape Professional in Arizona?
The Arizona Landscape Contractor’s Association supports the Arizona Certified Landscape Professional Program. Optional workshops are taught once a month and certification exams are given in April and October of each year. Find information about the certification program at http://www.azlca.com/ACLP.HTM.
How do I start a nursery in Arizona?
Starting a wholesale or retail nursery requires expertise in many different fields such as business, plant production, marketing, and human resources to name a few. Steps to develop a nursery include a production and marketing plan, a feasibility study and a business plan, obtaining financing and permits, selecting and obtaining a site, and the design and layout of the nursery. For more information: http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1393.pdf
How do I prepare a diseased plant part or soil for shipping to be examined and where do I send it?
Contact the University of Arizona Plant Pathology Department at: http://ag.arizona.edu/PLP/plpext/sample/sample.html for information on submitting specimens for analysis.
How do I prepare an insect or a plant damaged by insects for shipping and where do I send it for identification?
Insects should be placed in an unbreakable vial and can be shipped in a padded envelope or a box. Plants with symptoms and/or insects should be placed in a box to ensure integrity of the sample during transportation. Send samples to the Insect Diagnostic Clinic, Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, 1140 E South Campus Drive, Tucson, AZ 85721.
Where can I send plant, soil, or water samples to be analyzed?
The University of Arizona does not offer this service. A list of commercial laboratories conducting soil, plant, feed, or water testing can be found at http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1111.pdf. In addition, refer to the local Yellow Pages for a listing of laboratories that offer this type of analysis.
Who is in charge of plant/pest quarantine rules?
The Arizona Department of Agriculture regulates plant quarantine within the state. Information can be found at http://www.azda.gov/PSD/quarantine.htm. For complete information on Arizona’s quarantine rules, please contact Kathleen Cameron at (602) 542-0979 or kathy.cameron@agric.state.az.us.
The USDA has responsibility on plants entering Arizona from another country. More information can be found at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/.
How do I know if a plant is poisonous?
A list of common plants in Arizona that are poisonous and an emergency number are listed at the website of the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center Home at: http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/outreach/poison/. The University of Arizona Herbarium can be contacted for questions about whether plants are poisonous (phone 520-621-7243).
Can I legally remove cactus from the desert?
Cactus can be legally removed from the desert if permission is given by the owner to remove them. All open land in Arizona is owned either by private individuals, corporations, governments or Indian Nations. Contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA) for information and procedures about removing and transporting native plants at: http://www.azda.gov/ESD/nativeplants.htm
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