September 20-22, 2023

Diversity in Texas Tree Communities

Can you see the forest for the trees? The “Urban” forest similar to the “Rural” forest is more than a collection of trees. This academy sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts explores the diversity surrounding trees in Texas communities. Dr. Andrew Loyd, Bartlett Tree Experts, presents “The Landscape Rhizosphere: Exploring the Biodiversity and Function of Plant-Associated Soil Microorganism”. Dr. Chris Riley, Bartlett Tree Experts, looks at “The Connection Between Woody Plant Biodiversity and Pest Management Interventions in Residential Landscapes”. Dr. Mary M. Gardiner, Ohio State University, explains “The Benefits of Vacant Land for Conservation and Ecosystem Services”. Conservationist and consulting arborist Ryan Gilpin, Nidus Consulting, explains ISA’s best practices in “Trees Are Wildlife Habitat”.

Pathogens, Beneficials and Processes

Join Dr. David Appel, Dr. Stephanie Adams and diagnostician Sheila McBride for a look at common tree pathogens, beneficials and their interaction in the environronment. They will be joined by Laura Miller Tarrant county Horticulturist with with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension presenting "Read the Label Protect Yourself". This academy aimed at the liscensed pesticide applicator will provide all 5 TDA ceus required to maintain your liscense while looking at TREE related "Pathogens, Beneficials and Processes". This inaugural TDA Academy aimed at the Plant Health Care Specialist hopefully will become an annual event at the Texas Tree Conference.

Utility Study Session

Geoffrey Kempter, Technical Services Manager, Asplundh Tree Experts and Randall Miller, Director of Research and Development, CNUC provide an overview of Utility Arboriculture, The Utility Specialist Certification Study Guide (written by Kempter and Miller). Questions and discussion will be encouraged. You can purchase the Study Guide here (not included in the price of the Academy)

Topics include: Safety, Program Management, Pruning, Integrated Vegetation Management, Electrical Knowledge,
Storm Preparation and Response Communications.

Additional requirements apply for certification.  More information available at https://www.isa-arbor.com/Credentials/Types-of-Credentials/ISA-Certified-Arborist-Utility-Specialist or click the link below

TRAQ Renewal

The TRAQ Renewal Course is a one-day refresher, with five hours of instruction, and three hours to take the exam. Current TRAQ holders can complete the course as early as three and one-half (3 1/2) years into their Qualification (18 months before your expiration date). If your Tree Risk Assessment Qualification expires between September 20, 2023 and March 20, 2025, you can register for this renewal. Once your current expiration date passes, you will need to retake the full course and assessment to be reinstated.

Once you have successfully passed the renewal requirements, you will be given 5 years from the date of your previous expiration allowing you to take full advantage of the 5 year period granted with the credential.

Requires a separate $225.00 registration:

Full Conference

Awards Banquet (Catering head count)

English Language

The English Language Tree School is 5.5 hours long and is intended to teach how to perform top quality tree care in an efficient manner. It is presented by Certified Arborist Guy LeBlanc of Arbor Vitae Tree Care of Austin with the assistance, Paul Johnson of Sustainable Forestry Initiative. The indoor sessions cover job site safety, tree industry fatality causes and statistics, tree risk assessment, decay fungi recognition, tree biology, CODIT and how they relate to proper pruning techniques. The outdoor portion demonstrates safe climbing techniques. Both moving rope system (MRS) and stationary rope system (SRS) will be demonstrated/discussed.

Spanish Language: Tree Workers’ Workshop (Taller para Trabajadores de Arboles)

The Spanish Language Tree School is 5.5 hours long and includes outdoor tree climbing demonstrations and indoor presentations: *Climbing Procedures; *Pruning Techniques; *Safe Tree Work; *Oak Wilt; *Urban Trees. The instructors are: Eduardo Medina: 45 years of climber experience including 14 years with Davey Tree Expert Company as a safety instructor in the USA & internationally. Mónica Martínez Hurtado: 12 years of experience in arboriculture, co-owner of Dendroma tree company, member of the Asociación Mexicana de Arboricultura, and has competed in climbing tournaments. Mark Duff: retired after 26 years with Texas A&M Forest Service working on Oak Wilt management plus 13 years of international forestry work & currently runs his own consulting company. Bill Green, 27 years as an agroforesty extensionist & soil conservationist in South America plus 7 years as a regional forester with Texas A&M Forest Service.