Clark Williams Owner, Focus on Training

This course is designed for people who want to become Pennsylvania Certified Pesticide Applicators. It is the core, introductory portion, of the certification training and must be taken before any category certifications. The course provides an introduction to the proper use and mixing of pesticides, reading and understanding labels, equipment maintenance and calibration, and record keeping, as well as an overview of Pennsylvania’s rules and regulations regarding pesticide use. Clark has been training applicators for many years through his company, Focus on Training, and previously worked as an utility/power line arborist.

This course carries 7 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=2, P=4, M=1) and pesticide update credits (core) from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. *Note: The Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam will not be offered at the conclusion of this course. Test dates and locations can be accessed through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website at https://paplants.state.pa.us/Index.aspx.

Thursday, September 20
8 a.m.–4 p.m.    (Fee includes lunch)

Clark Williams
Owner, Focus on Training

This class will discuss identification of diseases, insects, and other ornamental pests through the use of signs and symptoms. We will discuss using integrated pest management to control ornamental pests. This includes control methods and pesticide products. We will also consider ornamental applications and will review everything from equipment and techniques, to some of the unique concerns involved when doing foliar pesticide applications.

This course carries 4 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=2, P=2, M=0) and pesticide update credits (Ornamental and Shade Tree Category 6) from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Friday, September 21
8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Marty Shaw
Registered Consulting Arborist and Board-Certified Master Arborist

Decision-makers need to know how much a tree is worth. Each appraisal request has a unique set of facts and circumstances making the job of the professional plant appraiser both complex and challenging. This workshop helps the the appraisal community by explaining the practical ways both aesthetically and functionally that amenity trees benefit owners and prospective owners. This workshop teaches professionals how to solve the three approaches to determining tree value by: 1) clearly identifying all of the appraisal problem elements, 2) teaching the appropriate principles and procedures for gathering data and performing critical analysis of the relevant appraisal subject characteristics and 3) teaching the development and reporting of credible and reliable opinions of amenity tree value. Marty Shaw is the author of the recently published Professional Amenity Plant Appraisal Handbook.

Each student attending the class will receive a copy of the Handbook. If you have a copy of the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers Guide for Plant Appraisal, Edition GPA9 or GPA10, please bring it with you to class.

This course carries 6 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=1, P=2, M=3).

Thursday, September 27
9 a.m.–4 p.m.   (Fee includes lunch)

Jeff Picher
Arborist, Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive planthopper native to South East Asia. Discovered in Berks County, it continues to expand into new territory in Pennsylvania and is now known to exist in Virginia. Spotted lanternflies eat sap from plants. They have a very wide range of host plants. They prefer Ailanthus trees (tree of heaven), walnuts, and grape vines as a first choice, most any other hardwood tree as a second choice, and with less frequency, pine trees. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has enacted a quarantine order to try to reduce the spread of this insect. In this session we will provide an update on this invasive pest, describe its biology, and discuss the potential financial impact to our landscapes, forests, and agriculture. We will highlight different management strategies and their effectiveness, and conclude with a demonstration of proper insecticide and herbicide treatments. Jeff Picher has over 30 years of green industry experience including 22 years as an Arborist/Sales Representative for F.A Bartlett Tree Experts.

This course carries 3 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=1, P=2, M=0) and pesticide update credits from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Tuesday, October 2
8:30 a.m.–12 noon

Ken LeRoy
Certified Arborist Representative, John B. Ward Tree Experts

Join us for a two-day class on the identification of woody landscape plants for urban and suburban landscapes. The class will cover both deciduous trees and conifers. Arborist and horticulturist Ken LeRoy will show us how to use a dichotomous key to identify plants and will explain the terminology used in keys to describe plant characteristics. He will also discuss the physical characteristics used to group plants into families. We will go on a tour of the Morris Arboretum to see specimens of the plants we discuss. You may want to purchase the Sibley Guide to Trees, a good reference for tree identification that is available in the Arboretum’s Shop.

This course carries 12 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=6, P=6, M=0) and CEUs for Pennsylvania landscape architects.  Please dress for the weather.

Thursday and Friday, October 4 & 5
9 a.m.–4 p.m.   (Fee includes lunch)

Dr. Michael J. Raupp
Professor and Extension Specialist, Ornamental Horticulture and IPM, University of Maryland

Dr. Paula Shrewsbury
Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, University of Maryland

This course is widely recognized as the premier IPM training program for professional staff that monitor pest damage in landscape plants. It is designed for organizations and businesses that want to minimize dependence on synthetic pesticides and conserve and enhance biological diversity by emphasizing natural enemy communities. The course will cover plant stress, fertilization, a variety of insects, mites, borers and scale, as well as biological controls. Drs. Raupp and Shrewsbury will focus on “key plant – key pest” techniques for identifying pests and beneficial insects.

This course carries 12 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=6, P=6, M=0) and update credits from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Thursday and Friday, October 11 & 12
9 a.m.–4 p.m.   (Fee includes lunch)

Dr. Chris Luley
Owner, Urban Forest Diagnostics, LLC

Frank Rinn
Owner, RinnTech-Technology for Wood Analysis

It is critical for arborists to be able to assess tree decay in the trees they manage. This two-day workshop is unique in that it melds the practical and technical assessments of the biology and biomechanics of tree decay both in the classroom and in the field. The first day introduces key concepts and methods for assessing trees for decay, while the second day expands on these concepts and provides details on advanced assessment and management techniques. Learn how much decay is too much, and the impact of different decay fungi on decay progression and tree stability. Outside sessions demonstrate how to assess trees for decay using the latest technology and equipment like impulse tomography invented by Frank Rinn of RinnTech.com. Chris Luley has been providing urban forestry consulting service throughout his 35+ year career in urban forestry and arboriculture. He has a Ph.D. in plant pathology and has written extensively on the topic. Frank Rinn is from Heidelberg Germany and is inventor of the Resistograph and ArborTOm Tomograph, along with a number of other high-tech tools and software for tree decay assessment. He is a physicist by training and a world expert in tree biology and biomechanics.

This course carries 12 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=4, P=4, M=4).

Tuesday and Wednesday, October 16 & 17
9 a.m.–4 p.m.   (Fee includes lunch)

Vince Marrocco
Chief Horticulturist, Morris Arboretum

Pruning young trees for healthy structural development is cost-effective care. This class will explain how recent research on pruning has changed both practice and understanding. Pruning strategies for trees of different ages will be stressed to maximize tree longevity and structural health. In addition, techniques will be discussed to help tree managers evaluate the arboricultural work of others under their supervision. The morning will consist of a lecture and demonstration. The afternoon will feature supervised, hands-on pruning. Please bring a hand pruner and a small pruning saw. This course carries 4.5 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=2, P=2.5, M=0).

Tuesday, October 23  (Rain date: October 26)
9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.       (Fee includes lunch)

Robb Grace
ISA Certified Arborist, Founder, Grace Tree Company, LLC

This day-long class will cover TCIA’s training guidelines for both the Tree Care Apprentice and the Ground Operations Specialist courses. Students will learn about common hazards that can occur in tree care, how to work safely and effectively as a member of a tree care crew, and what they can do to assist climbers in their work. Students will also learn basic information about chain saws and chipper safety. This course helps managers document and verify, according to OSHA guidelines, that employees have had the proper safety training for their job descriptions. Each participant will receive a helmet decal, certificate and laminated wallet card upon completion of the tests. This course carries 6 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=0, P=3, M=3).

Los arboleros nuevos y especialistas del suelo

Este es curso nuevo enseñado en español para que los empleados se conozcan a los quehaceres y responsabilidades del puesto. Mantenga a sus trabajadores de suelo motivados dándoles credenciales de la industria. Esto le ayudará a verificar, de acuerdo a las guías de la OSHA, que ha dado entrenamiento de seguridad de acuerdo a sus descripciones de trabajo. Tambíen ayuda a verificar que sus empleados comprendan los conceptos básicos de seguridad requeridos para trabajar en el suelo de las operaciones de cuidar a los árboles, incluyendo la operación segura de las motosierras y de los chippers. Los estudiantes aprenderán de los peligros comunes que se encuentra dentro del trabajo de árboles. También se trata de como trabajar seguramente como parte de un equipo y como ayudar a los trepadores como trabajador del suelo. El programa le ayuda a documentar al entrenamiento. El curso es parte de la TCIA Tree Care Academy y está de acuerdo con el estándar de la TCIA. Cada participante recibirá adhesivo de casco, patch, certificado, y tarjeta plastificado al completar el curso.

Friday, November 2
9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.   (Fee includes lunch)

John W. Munro
Professional Applied Ecologist

This two-day workshop will provide a firm foundation for professionals who want to expand their expertise to include an ecological restoration (ER) content or focus. The workshop includes technical guidance, project examples, materials source information, sample project histories, and considerable information suitable to designers/managers of ER projects. A variety of source materials, documents, and project plans will be available. A 3-D modeling exercise of one or more project scenarios will be done in class.  Questions from participants are encouraged. ER problem solving is integral to this workshop.  Plenty of graphic information will be presented.  Participants are encouraged to bring real or theoretical project questions to the workshop.

Topics considered include:
• Learning how ER differs from other land management professions and genres.
• Understanding regional historic ecosystems.
• Reviewing guidelines for constructing, managing ER projects, and assembling an ER plan.
• Developing the ecological restoration mindset.
• Understanding the wide range of degradation factors and causes.
• Deciding what can be restored, what cannot, and what can be changed via equivalence.
• Reviewing the concept of “modifiers” to deal with extinct species, unachievable goals, and continuing degradation factors.
• Learning about permits, approvals, and oversight.
• Discussing failure scenarios both partial and total.
• Having the opportunity to create a draft plan for ER of a site of participants’ choosing.

This course carries 12 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=4, P=4, M=4) and LACES credits for
landscape architects.

Tuesday and Wednesday, November 6 and 7
9 a.m.–4 p.m.   (Fee includes lunch)

Alex Roberts
Arborist, John B. Ward and Sons, Inc.

An important feature in the preservation of mature shade trees in the built environment involves the installation of various support cables, rods, and guying systems, as well as lightning protection. This one-day course will explore all aspects of these techniques as well as the best practices and standards of the industry. There will be field demonstrations of each technique and an opportunity to get hands-on practice. Alex is an ISA certified arborist with many years of experience in practical arboriculture and an acknowledged expert in cable splicing and installation. This course carries 6 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=3, P=3, M=0). Meet at the Horticulture Center. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Take the second right turn into the parking lot. Follow the paved path to the Horticulture Center.

Thursday, November 8
9 a.m.–4 p.m.   (Fee includes lunch)

Robb Grace
ISA Certified Arborist, Founder, Grace Tree Company, LLC

This course is designed for entry level arborists. The main goal of this one-day course is to acquaint students with chippers and chainsaws and their safe operation so that they will be fully competent to operate the machinery safely, and without direct supervision. This program is designed to give an additional credential to the crew member by introducing them to the fundamentals of machine operation. The course helps employers document training as well as identify and retain motivated employees. It will verify, according to OSHA guidelines, that the employer has provided the proper safety training necessary to operate this machinery. The Chipper and Chainsaw course is a component of the TCIA Tree Care Academy Program and meets their accreditation standard. Each student will receive a helmet decal, patch, certificate, and a laminated wallet card upon successful completion of the test. This course carries 6 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=0, P=6, M=0). Meet at the Horticulture Center. Look for the paved road across Northwestern Avenue from the public garden entrance. Take the second right turn into the parking lot. Follow the paved path to the Horticulture Center.

Las operaciones de las motosierras y los chippers

Este curso es para los arboleros nuevos y es enseñado en español por el arbolero certificado Robb Grace. La meta principal de este curso de un día es enseñar a los estudiantes al mantenimiento y uso de los chippers y las motosierras y su operación segura para operarlas seguramente sin la supervisión directa. Este curso es para darles una credencial extra al empleado por enseñarle a los fundamentales de la operación de las maquinas. Este curso le ayudará al empleador a documentar el entrenamiento de los empleados encima de identificar y mantener a los empleados motivados. Verificará, según las guías de OSHA, que el empleador se ha dado el entrenamiento de acuerdo a la maquinaria de los chippers y las motosierras. El curso es componente del programa de la TCIA Tree Care Academy y se cumple con los estándares del mismo. Cada estudiante recibe adhesivo de casco, patch, y tarjeta plastificada al terminar el curso.

Wednesday, November 14
9a.m. - 4p.m.

Claudia West
Principal, Phyto Studio, LLC

Join us as we translate the ecological principles of wild plant communities into planting design tools that will help you create better planting. Functional and ecological plantings, such as rain gardens and meadows, are increasing in popularity but simultaneously face severe challenges. They often fail to wow the public, offer a low level of ecological function, and simply don’t survive on low-budget maintenance. Examples of failed projects are plentiful and hurt the image of the native plant movement. We won’t solve these issues if we continue to compare planting design to painting on canvas and perceive plants as individual objects in space. It is time for a new approach—a plant-community-based method that has evolved in the world of ecological science. This interactive workshop will introduce you to the science behind stable and lasting plant combinations. You will learn the skill of creating plant communities in four hands-on design exercises and practice this technique in a hypothetical planting project at the end of the workshop.

Learning objectives:

• Understand scientific foundation of stable plant communities and learn how species fill ecological and spatial niches in successful planting.

• Learn how to translate the principles of wild plant communities into designed plantings.

• Learn to visualize complex planting schemes and prepare installation guides.

This course carries 5 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=2, P=2, M=1) and LACES credits for landscape architects.

Wednesday, November 28
10a.m. - 4p.m.

Sharee Solow
Lecturer, Designer, Horticulturist

Designing is only part of the challenge in commercial landscaping because design success is reflected in the level of maintenance. Perennials and shrubs are in greater demand than ever in commercial installations. Natives, cultivars, grasses, dwarfs, self-pollinators, re-bloomers and other terms have led to a list of complications for landscape crews to manage. Cost is precariously balanced with value and if you don't keep it all in check that hard-won contract may be lost. We will focus on the neglected ground plane, rather than trees, because this is where some fresh knowledge can go on long way to save you money. With years of experience designing for numerous contractors, Sharee Solow will cover the impacts of plant selection on cost and maintenance. We all have "war stories." The lecture will lead to interactive discussions of real-world issues at various jobs so attendees can share obstacles and solutions to meeting, or not meeting special client demands. Profitability is tied to keeping long-term clients happy.

This course carries 2 CEUs for ISA certified arborists (S=0, P=2, M=0).

Tuesday, December 4
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.