Rate My Professor Bert Cregg

Bert Cregg is a Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University, with an appointment in the Department of Forestry. He holds a Ph.D. in Forest Resources from the University of Georgia (1990), an M.S. in Forest Science from Oklahoma State University (1986), a B.S. in Forest Management from Washington State University (1983), an M.P.A. in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska (1995), and an A.S. in Forestry from Centralia College (1980). His interest in trees developed in high school through botany, ecology classes, and summer work on a Christmas tree farm. Before joining Michigan State University in 1999 on a 50% research and 50% extension appointment, he worked as a Research Plant Physiologist for six years at the U.S. Forest Service's National Agroforestry Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, and as Tree Physiology Project Leader for International Paper, managing a 300-acre tree research station. Over more than 26 years at MSU, he has conducted extensive research and extension programs.

Cregg's research specializes in the physiology and management of trees in nursery, Christmas tree, and landscape systems, including improving urban tree adaptation to climate stresses, transplant success techniques, nursery crop responses to recycled irrigation water, Christmas tree genetics, nutrient and pest management, and Pot-in-Pot production. Recognized as an international expert in Christmas tree production, he leads on-farm trials on post-harvest care, soil nutrition, transplant survivability, and species selection, such as the 'A Gift Seed' fir genetics program. He has secured USDA Specialty Crop Block Grants, collaborated on multi-state educational programming including the Great Lakes Christmas Tree Journal, and served as a speaker at state, national, and international meetings and advisor to the Michigan Christmas Tree Association. In 2025, he was inducted into the Michigan Christmas Tree Association’s Growers Hall of Fame for his research, service, and industry contributions. Key publications include 'Species and season affect response of container-grown shade trees to pre-plant root modifications' (Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 2021), 'Phosphorus requirement for biomass accumulation is higher compared to photosynthetic biochemistry for three ornamental shrubs' (Scientia Horticulturae, 2021), 'Carbon sequestration potential of extensive green roofs' (Environmental Science & Technology, 2009), and 'Post-Emergent Control of Nuisance Cones in Fraser Fir Christmas Tree Plantations' (Forests, 2018).