As the Arboretum’s green industry outreach coordinator, Michelle Catania supports the Arboretum’s mission by promoting healthy, long-lived urban trees and by communicating Arboretum research with tree care practitioners in the green industry. She is devoted to disseminating peer-reviewed scientific research aimed at improving tree and soil health in urban environments.
Catania’s initial years at the Arboretum were spent in Bryant Scharenbroch’s lab studying urban street trees growing in less than optimal conditions. Street trees have to overcome many obstacles, and studying them helped Catania develop models aimed at guiding the tree care industry to improve tree selection and site conditions to advance urban tree health.
Catania delivers scientific research aimed at inspiring the green industry to effectively integrate science-based solutions into their work routines. She also manages data collection and contributes to installations for the Arboretum’s Gateway to Tree Science.
Accomplishments
Michelle Catania is frequently called upon by the green industry for her expertise in urban environmental issues. While earning her degrees from Northern Illinois University, she worked seasonally for the landscape supply industry. After joining the Arboretum’s soil science lab in 2009, she built upon her education and work experience to cultivate a relationship with the green industry.
Catania has co-published several journal articles geared toward improving urban soil conditions to promote healthy urban trees. Over the last several years, she has become a recognized leader in repackaging science and delivering it to the green industry through lectures, conference speaking engagements, and hands-on workshops. She is committed to helping urban trees succeed through educational outreach programs.
Affiliations
Lecturer, Associated Colleges of Chicago Area (ACCA) program
Certified Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Member, Illinois Arborist Association
Research Director, Illinois Arborist Association (2023–2025)
Member, International Society of Arboriculture
Associate Director, North Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District
Communication Lead, Urban Tree Growth and Longevity Working Group (2023–2025)
