Agenda:

8:00am - 8:30am -- Registration opens

8:30 AM 9:30 AM --Trees and Urban Forestry: The BIG Picture  Dana Karcher- Project Developer at Davey Resource Group - The 3-30-300 rule. Human comfort zones. Green gentrification. What does this have to do with trees, and specifically trees in our communities? It’s time to move beyond the traditional thought that “trees are nice to have”. Trees are a necessity. And behavior motivations are the next stage in growing our urban forests and taking care of our trees. These tools and concepts are meant to influence our behaviors and attitudes around the growth of the urban forest and trees.

Dana will address competing priorities in communities that cause destruction and devaluing of our trees and urban forests. Includes a discussion on placemaking, elevating our cities to include trees as part of the identity of the community. She will also talk about engaging the community in the decisions around trees, all while helping to understand our motivation around growing a greener future. Collaboration is the key to our urban forest future. By looking at behaviors and attitudes around green infrastructure, we may find the solution to making trees a priority in Texas communities!

9:30 AM 10:30 AM -- Nurturing Your Infrastructure- Matt Grubisich, Consulting Manager, Texas Tree Surgeons This presentation highlights the vital connection between urban design, public health, and sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of innovatively developing public rights-of-way to create healthier, more livable cities. By addressing the growing disconnect between communities and the natural environment, the presentation advocates for accessible, inclusive urban spaces that promote physical activity, well-being, and economic opportunity. Calling for bold, forward-thinking strategies to shape a healthier future for all.

Matt discusses the importance of community involvement in developing a sustainable urban forest as infrastructure. Trees are the only part of a cities infrastructure that will increase in value and Matt discusses what it takes to build a respected, valuable, and thus sustainable urban forest.

10:30 AM - 10:45Am --Break

10:45 AM 11:45 AM -- Introduction to ANSI A300 (2023) Pruning Standards  Patrick Anderson, Director of Research & Arborologists, Rainbow Ecoscience

Understanding the latest updates in ANSI A300 pruning standards

Defining pruning objectives and their importance in tree health and risk management

Overview of pruning systems which defines the long term form of the plant

Importance of consistent pruning terminology for clear communication in specifications

11:45 AM 12:00 PM --Raffel and Introductions

1:00 PM -- Lunch (provided) and networking

1:00 PM 2:00 PM -- Pruning Systems, Objectives, Cuts, and Practices Andrew Wimmel,

Defining pruning systems and five vital elements

Types of pruning cuts: reduction, removal, heading

The science behind pruning and how it influences tree response and architecture

Recognizing and managing pruning limitations based on tree condition and species

2:00 PM 3:00 PM -- Writing Effective Pruning Specifications - Kristopher Rasmussen- TCIA Trainer

Five vital elements of a pruning specification

Defining terms and conditions

Writing pruning specifications for multiple trees

Group exercise: Reviewing and improving pruning specifications

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM- Break and Raffel

3:15 4:00 PM -- Field Application: Structural Pruning & Tree Architecture - Ronnie Nelson, Simply Horticulture President, 

On site visit to discuss and identify pruning strategies

Identifying conditions of concern in young trees and making pruning decisions

Practical application of structural pruning techniques

Observing tree architecture and growth patterns to inform pruning strategies

4:00 PM -- Giveaways and CEUs


Speakers

Dana Kacher

Project Developer at Davey Resource Group, a Past President of International Society of Arboriculture - Experienced Program and Project Developer with a demonstrated history of working with municipalities, non-profit organizations, and utilities supporting them in managing their green infrastructure. Connector of those that believe that trees and the benefits that they provide make stronger and better communities. Inspiring speaker that convinces audiences that a well-managed community forest connects people to nature for the benefit of all humankind.


Matt Grubisich

Matt Grubisich recently joined the staff of Texas Tree Surgeons as their Consulting Manager. Previously he was with the City of Garland 2020 - 2025 as their Parks Director overseeing the maintenance and operations of over 2,500 acres of parks and open space. Previously Matt served as the Director of Operation for the Texas Trees Foundation for the past 10 years. He brings with him over 20 years of operational experience assisting communities prepare for future challenges by enhancing their capacity to implement resiliency projects to create vibrant healthy communities.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Forestry from Iowa State University, is an ISA Certified Arborist, SAF Certified Forester, and has served in a leadership role on numerous local and state Boards and Commissions.


Patrick Anderson

Director of Research and Arborilogist at Rainbow Ecoscience - he provides plant healthcare protocol training and support for Rainbow’s clients nationwide. He has years of practical tree care experience, and conducts field research trials throughout the U.S., with emphasis on plant growth regulators and landscape scale management. Patrick frequently gives talks and guest lectures for green industry groups and has authored numerous articles on tree and shrub care. Patrick has a B.S. in Forest Science from Penn State University, is an ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist and Municipal Specialist, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist, a North Carolina Licensed Landscape Contractor, and is currently a member of the Revision Subcommittee for the ANSI 300 Part 2 Soil Management. In addition, Patrick serves as a TreeMaster for TreesCharlotte


Kristopher Rasmussen

Accreditation Auditor/TCIA Qualified Trainer – Kristopher has dedicated over 30 years to advancing tree care, safety training, and urban forest preservation. With experience as a municipal, commercial, and residential arborist, he shares insights and stories from a lifetime in the field. As a Certified Treecare Safety Professional, Certified Tree Climber, TCI Accreditation Auditor, and Red Cross CPR/First Aid Instructor, Kristoffer is committed to the safety and growth of arborists and their communities. He plays a pivotal role in assessing and accrediting tree care companies, driving them toward excellence and adherence to industry standards. His passion for sustainable practices and fostering collaboration makes him a respected leader and advocate in arboriculture.


Andrew Wimmel

Andrew Wimmel – Director of Operations and Safety for Sam Hill Tree Care. He is the Section 3 (General Safety) Task Group Chair for the ASC ANSI Z133 2024 revision. He is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional. When he’s not looking at trees he loves spending time with his wife and kids being active with their community in Arlington, TX.


Ronny Nelson

Ronny Nelson – President, Simply Horticulture and current ISAT President Ronny is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and serves as the current Chapter President of ISA Texas. He earned his B.S. in Agronomy and Horticulture from Stephen F. Austin State University. After graduating from college, he worked for industry leaders before starting his own company, Simply Horticulture. He is Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, Texas Oak Wilt Qualified, Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualified, Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualified, TCEQ Licensed Irrigator, Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor, and TDA Pesticide Applicator. Ronny is a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists and serves as a consultant on tree appraisal loss and other tree related matters.


Location Information

  • Texas AgriLife Center
  • 17360 Coit Rd, Dallas, TX, 75249 US

Location Information

  • Das Rec Center
  • 345 Landa St., New Braunfels, TX, 78132 US

$0.00

Are you a member of Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council or San Antonio Arborist Assocation?  Make sure to enter your member coupon code above to receive your $20 discount!  

$0.00


Almost done. Where should we send the confirmation?

RegFox Event Registration Software