Schedule Thursday Friday Tree Academy Student Posters CEUs

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

OPENING KEYNOTE SESSION

8:00 - 8:15 am
Welcome & Introductions
Dr. Hallie Dozier, ISA Southern Chapter President

8:15 - 8:45 am
ISA NEWS AND UPDATES
Dr. Tom Smiley, President of the ISA Board of Directors
Caitlyn Pollihan, CEO and Executive Director, International Society of Arboriculture

8:45 - 9:30 am
RECENT UPDATES TO TREE PROTECTION AND TREE RISK BMP'S
Dr. Tom Smiley, Senior Arboriculture Researcher, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories

With the update of the ANSI A300 standards in 2023, the ISA Best Management Practices are also being updated. This presentation with look at both the Tree Risk Assessment and Construction Management BMP.

Talk will include:

  • ISA BMP Review and revision process.

  • Differentiation of tree risk assessment, tree inspection and worksite inspection

  • Roles and responsibilities of the tree risk assessor and tree risk manager

  • Term changes

o Failure mode

o Weather categories

  • Time frame

  • Target zones

  • Occupancy rates and likelihood of impact

  • Reasonableness

  • The new TRAQ form

On the construction management side, the talk will include information on:

  • The six phases of a construction project and how the arborist should be involved

  • Where are tree roots

  • How much root damage can be tolerated

  • New definitions for Critical Root Zone and Tree Protection Zones

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TREE ACADEMY

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

TREE ACADEMY TRAINER

Megan Bujnowski, Upward Training

Dr. Brian Kane, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

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COMMERCIAL/MUNICIPAL SESSION 1

10:15 - 11:30 am
URBAN COMPARABLE TREE ARCHITECTURE: WHAT IS IT AND HOW DO WE GET THERE?
Dr. Ed Gilman, Professor Emeritus, University of Florida

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UTILITY SESSION 1

10:15 - 11:30 am
UTILITY CO-OP VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PANEL DISCUSSION
Facilitated Panel Discussion led by: Matthew Searles, Eocene Environmental Group

Topics will include:

  • Brief introduction of each cooperative and its Vegetation Management plans

  • Implementation and use of various technologies in our Utility Vegetation Management programs

  • Sustainability and Stewardship of ROW ecosystems  

  • Open Forum Q/A discussion

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GENERAL SESSION 1

10:15 - 11:00 am
TRAQ APPLIED
Dr. Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry Specialist, Lp Consulting Group

The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification is widely recognized as an important arboricultural credential and many arborists are learning the importance of the qualification. Are you able to apply the principles of risk assessment properly and recognize the appropriate assessment levels and tools to make the most informed decision possible? This presentation will cover scenario-based tree inspections apply the TRAQ methodology to identify, analyze and evaluate risk and the possible solution perspectives in the process.

11:00 - 11:30 am
WHITE HAT HACKING THE TRAQ METHODOLOGY
James Komen, Consulting Arborist, Class One Arboriculture

An advanced look at TRAQ risk assessments, with a focus on ethical considerations. This presentation demonstrates several ways that the outcome of a risk assessment can become distorted either accidentally or intentionally: separating targets, separating tree parts, and changing time frame. The goal is to help readers of risk assessment reports and users of this methodology to look at risk assessments with a critical eye.Back to top

COMMERCIAL/MUNICIPAL SESSION 2

1:00 - 2:00 pm
IS YOUR TREE PROTECTION ORDINANCE CONSTITUTIONAL?
James Komen, Consulting Arborist, Class One Arboriculture

In modern times, tree protection laws and ordinances of all different kinds are found in many jurisdictions. But if a law or ordinance conflicts with the fundamental rules of a state or federal constitution, then the law is invalid to the extent of conflict. This presentation discusses a sampling of the constitutional challenges that have tested various tree protection laws in the U.S. courts, both successfully and unsuccessfully. Topics include takings, substantive and procedural due process, equal protection, excessive fines, search and seizure, and even freedom of speech rights.

2:00 - 2:45 pm
SEX AND THE SINGLE TREE
Dr. John Ball, Professor, SDSU Extension Forestry Specialist and South Dakota Department of Agriculture Forest Health Specialist

We love our urban trees but the fruit?  Not so much. Most people rank falling fruit as one of the most dislike features of ornamental trees.  This is one reason for the popularity of seedless tree cultivars.  But seedless today does not necessarily mean seedless forever.  This session will cover the most common reasons why a seedless cultivar is suddenly producing fruit.  There will also be some tips on how to reduce the chances of this happening on the tree you plant.

3:30 - 4:15 pm
THE SCIENCE AND BMP’S OF TREE PLANTING AND ESTABLISHMENT TO PROMOTE TREE GROWTH AND LONGEVITY
Dr. Richard Hauer, Director of Urban Forestry, Eocene Environmental; Professor Emeritus of Urban Forestry, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point

Ever get in a heated discourse on to remove or not remove burlap from planted trees? Just what does the science of tree planting say about this topic? This talk will dig into the planting and present the first known study on the full-removal, partial-removal, and non-removal of burlap and wire baskets. The participants will learn about pull-testing trees as an approach used to test different planting methods. Techniques and approaches to implement with containerized and container-grown trees are presented. Several other approaches, gravel beds, bare root, and air transplanting will be covered. During establishment, does the set it and forget it model of the chicken rotisserie really work for trees? Probably not, would be nice if it did for all species, but most importantly just what steps should and can you easily take to promote tree establishment. In summary, what does the science and BMP’s say about tree planting, establishment, and more to promote tree growth and longevity? The talk will further provide strategies any community can implement to promote tree planting and establishment as part of a community-wide involvement in growing the urban forest. Finally, this talk will provide a format that will both educate early career professionals and provide advanced topics for all through humor and interactive participation.

4:15 - 5:00 pm
MANAGING TREES IN CEMETERIES
RJ Laverne, Manager, Education, & Training, The Davey Tree Expert Company

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UTILITY SESSION 2

1:00 - 2:00 pm
CONDITION BASED VEGETATION MANAGEMENT WILL REQUIRE NOT ONLY AN UPGRADE OF OUR TECHNOLOGIES, BUT ALSO AN UPGRADE OF OUR THINKING
Robert Vanderhoof, Research & Consulting SME, ARBORMETRICS

Technological advances such as LiDAR, high-altitude imagery, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are poised to fundamentally transform our approach to Utility Vegetation Management (UVM). To turn massive data sets into practical business solutions, a deeper understanding of data management’s role in UVM is essential. The ability to work with data—to understand, process, extract value from, and communicate it effectively—will remain a critical skill in the coming decades.

Shifting from strictly time-based cycle management to a more proactive, condition-based approach requires viewing vegetation management as asset management. A reliably functioning right-of-way is similar to a reliably functioning piece of hardware, such as an insulator or utility pole, both of which need to be monitored and maintained throughout their life cycles.

Unlike time-based cycle maintenance, CBVM addresses the actual risk to utility infrastructure by monitoring vegetation as we monitor infrastructure assets. By monitoring the condition of the utility forest more frequently, utility vegetation managers can potentially control costs by reducing unnecessary vegetation work common in time-based cycle maintenance.

Adopting CBVM represents a forward-thinking approach that combines technological advances with strategic data management to improve the reliability and efficiency of UVM. This approach not only enhances infrastructure reliability and safety but also offers potential cost savings through more targeted and effective maintenance practices.

2:00 - 2:45 pm
AGGRESSIVE HOMEOWNERS: TRAINING FOR A MINDSET OF DE-ESCALATION
Liz Westberg, Manager of Quality Assurance and Training, Growth Solutions

Interacting with aggressive or hostile homeowners has long been an issue for utility tree workers, but is becoming more common in other spheres of tree care as well. This discussion will walk through both common and rare hostile encounters with homeowners, occupants, and general members of the public, best practices for de-escalation and leaving that situation in a safe manner, and ways in which utilities and tree companies can provide support to front line workers.

3:30 - 4:15 pm
CHANGES TO THE Z133
Dr. John Ball, Professor, SDSU Extension Forestry Specialist and South Dakota Department of Agriculture Forest Health Specialist

The Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations is our guide to safely navigate the many hazards on our work sites.  The new 2025 Z will be out this summer and there are many changes to the previous 2017 editions.  This session will cover the major changes and the incidents they are intended to reduce or eliminate.

4:15 - 5:00 pm
SIF PREVENTION FOR UTILITY ARBORICULTURE
Jacob Taylor, Corporate Safety Director, Asplundh Tree Expert Company

We use data / theory / feedback from Dr. Matthew Hallowell University of Colorado at Boulder.

The utility arborist has faced a multitude of hazards during their pursuits. While the industry continues to get safer year over year when comparing OSHA lagging indicators; significant life-changing injuries and fatalities (SIF) continue to occur at a flat rate for 20+ years. Now, leaders in the space are championing a focus on SIF causation, direct controls, and the mental / industrial and cultural gymnastics required to move aware from a focus on OSHA lagging indicators (OSHA recordability) and devoting previous time, energy, financial resources in SIF identification and prevention.

Topics and conversations challenge some current / persistent safety theories of 'every injury is preventable' and 'minor events always lead to catastrophic events' as well as other potential cultural shifts.

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GENERAL SESSION 2

1:00 - 2:00 pm
REVIVING URBAN LANDSCAPES: THE ROLE OF NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS IN SOIL DE-COMPACTION AND TREE SURVIVAL
Dr. Glynn Percival, Senior Arboricultural Research Manager, Bartlett Tree Expert Company

Urban landscapes often face challenges such as soil compaction and poor tree survival rates, which can significantly impact the ecological and aesthetic value of our towns and cities. Our studies have explored the potential of nature-based solutions (NBS) to address these issues. Nature-based solutions, include techniques like the use of nitrogen fixing cover crops, worms, organic mulches, biochar, and mycorrhizal fungi to potential offer sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional urban landscaping practices.

Field experiments were conducted in various urban settings to assess the effectiveness of these methods in improving soil structure, enhancing canopy growth and subsequent eco-systems benefits, and promoting root growth. Results show that NBS can significantly reduce soil compaction, enhance root mycorrhizal fungal establishment as well as nutrient uptake and root development. These improvements lead to better tree establishment and survival rates, contributing to the overall resilience of urban green spaces.

Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of integrating NBS into urban planning and policy frameworks to create more sustainable and livable cities. By adopting these practices, urban areas can mitigate the adverse effects of soil compaction, support biodiversity, and enhance the well-being of residents. The findings underscore the need for continued research and collaboration between urban planners, ecologists, and policymakers to promote the widespread implementation of nature-based solutions in urban landscapes.

2:00 - 2:45 pm
ENGAGING ARBORISTS TO ATTRACT AND TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION
Erin Demers, Manager, Workforce Recruitment & Retention, TCIA

In the face of an aging workforce and increasing demand for skilled professionals, the arboriculture industry must innovate to attract, train, and retain the next generation of arborists. This presentation explores effective strategies for engaging young people in arboriculture, highlighting successful outreach programs, educational initiatives, apprenticeship opportunities, and career pathways. By fostering a passion for tree care and environmental stewardship, we can ensure a sustainable future for the arboriculture industry and green spaces.

3:30 - 4:15 pm
WHOLE TREE PHILOSOPHY: CIRCULAR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MEMPHIS
Mike Larrivee, P.G., Director of Generative Initiatives, The Works, Inc.

Additional authors: Annalise Riekerk, Manager, Memphis Native Tree Works; Kayla Stuart, Owner/Operator Tree:CPR; and Patrick Gridley, Manager, Memphis Urban Wood

The Works Inc., in partnership with Urban Wood Economy and Tree:CPR has developed a regenerative circular industry to plant and maintain trees, grow and manage urban canopy cover in Memphis equitably, utilize trees at the end of their life, and integrate training and jobs to further social, economic and environmental justice in Memphis, TN. We propagate and install West TN native hardwood trees, work in multi-agency forestry partnership to build equity in the public benefits of our urban canopy and divert end-of-life trees from the landfill, converting them into lumber, compost and other value-added products following a zero-waste philosophy. The value of these enterprises is captured and directly reinvested in marginalized communities through on-site employment, training opportunities, and tree canopy growth.

4:15 - 5:00
ANSI A300 STANDARDS - INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
Dr. A.D. Ali, Manager, Special Projects, Davey Institute, The Davey Tree Expert Company

ANSI A300 is a set of consensus standards for the care of trees, shrubs, palms, and other woody landscape plants. The standards apply to arborists, urban foresters, horticulturists, landscape architects, and others. They may serve as the basis for work specifications, training, best practices, regulations, and other measures of performance. In this presentation, I will discuss the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) standard which provides a sustainable approach to address ecological, social, and economic concerns associated with pest management. The reason, tenets and implementation will be presented, along with the various components that include: plant and site inspection and assessment, objectives, specifications, methods, evaluation and reporting. An example of a practical implementation of those steps will also be presented.

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POSTER SESSION – MEET THE AUTHORS

2:45 - 3:30 pm
Posters and authors to be announced.

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