The University of Illinois Extension will offer three fall programs — tree maintenance, poisonous plants and bonsai — presented by horticulutre educators.

Each will start at 1 p.m. Tuesdays at the Livingston County Extension Office, 1412 S. Locust St., Pontiac.

Kari Houle will offer the tree maintenance program Sept. 15. Houle will stress that careful tree maintenance choices can lead to a tree that should survive for a long time.

The poisonous plants program will focus on garden flowers, vegetables, fruits, houseplants, landscape trees and shrubs and native wild plants known to exhibit toxicity. Dr. Tony Bratsch will review some of the most common poisonous plants in gardens and homes, their associated toxins and effects on humans and animals, as well as tips for keeping children and pets safe. This program will be Sept. 29.

Bonsai is the practice of growing miniature trees in pots. Phil Nixon will discuss this topic at 1 p.m. Oct. 13. Nixon has been growing bonsai for 37 years, and is a charter member of the Bonsai Society of Central Illinois.

Presentations will be via the University of Illinois telenet system and local computer PowerPoint presentations, allowing live discussion between the instructor and gardeners throughout Illinois. Fees of $3 per session or $6 for the series will be charged. If interested, call 815-842-1776 to reserve a seat and packet of information.