ISA Southern News - Summer 2023

S UTHERN ISA S UTHERN ISA

Casualty losses of shade trees

SEE PAGE 6

P E O P L E

Message to the Membership

Matt Searels, Southern Chapter President

Hey, y’all! It is finally full-on summer here in east Tennessee, but this Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus) is keeping me shaded and an easterly wind is keeping me cool as I write to you.

Wow, I love the South! I was born here, studied here, and lived here all but about 10 years of my life. There is, however, still so much for me to experience and learn about this wonderful portion of the world. I look forward to continuing to learn and sharing that knowledge with my children and as many folks that are willing to explore with me.

As Chair of the Education Committee, this mindset is the driving force that initiates our motives. How can we, the ISA Southern Chapter, help spark new learning interest and reinforce known best practices? More specifically, our objectives are to promote educational opportunities that serve the needs of Southern Chapter members, tree care professionals, and members of the public across the territory.

As a team, we have been working hard to:

n bring ISA Certified Arborist study courses as frequently and as geographically minded as possible, with a goal of providing at least one in each state each year.

n reach more of the landscaping professionals who impact so many of our urban and suburban tree populations. We partnered with Auburn University which has recently applied for federal grant money to build Spanish- and English-specific educational materials on best management practices to support the Green Industry.

n bring the Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualification (WRRQ) more broadly to the Southern Chapter.

n increase the availability of the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) courses. With a BIG “Thank you!” to Jimmy Walters for making this possible. n broaden opportunities for workshops, like the very recent Biomechanics course held in Asheville, NC.

We hope these opportunities are reaching you and providing value for both you and communities across the South. If you have input, additional ideas, or want to be part of this nimble team trying hard to push these initiatives forward, please feel free to reach out to me directly at isasouthern@isasouthern.org. Additionally, as I mentioned in the Spring newsletter, we also have active Finance and Membership committees that could use support and feedback (I will give you all updates on these in future editions). Have a great summer and enjoy the shade from your local tree!

Southern Chapter Report

by Skip Kincaid, Southern Chapter Executive Director

No doubt you have been affected in some way by this summer’s weather, whether it’s simply a little bit of sweat as you mow the lawn or a lot of sweat and hard work as you clean up after some of the storms in our part of the world. Our industry is represented by company owners and tree workers cleaning up damage in residential, commercial, and utility sites. All of you deserve a well-deserved cold one and a relaxing afternoon at the nearest cool creek! If you haven’t had a chance to do that yet, make time to relax. It makes you happier and safer!

Our work here at the Southern Chapter continues as well, though I must admit to enjoying a cold one in a clear stream every now and then. We continue to organize educational events that expand your palette for ISA credentials and CEUs, and we partner with other groups to register their events for CEUs as well. And we are preparing to handle some upcoming changes to the ISA Tree Worker credential that we are confident will make this credential more accessible and popular. Stay tuned for more info coming later this summer.

We continue to offer TRAQ courses (including live and virtual renewal options). If you currently hold the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), check your expiration date and be sure to renew your credential using the convenient virtual option. Information about these courses, which will be offered four times a year, can be found on the Chapter website. And, as always, if you have a group of people in your area who are interested in a TRAQ course, we are happy to organize a class if you can help us with local arrangements.

The Chapter recently partnered with Auburn and University of Georgia to submit a grant request that will greatly expand our ability to provide arborist training for those who want to become ISA certified arborists. We’re hopeful this will provide outreach and training to regions and people whose locations make them more difficult to reach and serve.

Remember that you can always check out what’s happening in the Chapter and find workshops, webinars, and other learning opportunities on the Chapter website.

Honor someone who stands out in our industry

Check out the Southern Chapter’s online awards page for an impressive list of honorees, award criteria descriptions, and nomination form.

Award of Merit | Award of Achievement | Honorary Life Membership

Award for Excellence in Arboriculture Education

President’s Award | John G. Martin Award

Award of Arboricultural Research | Award for Excellence in Arboriculture

YEARS AND STRONGER THAN EVER

WE RECOGNIZE THAT ACHIEVING THIS MILESTONE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT OUR CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES.

WITH GRATITUDE, WE HONOR OUR PAST AND LOOK FORWARD TO OUR BRIGHT FUTURE TOGETHER.

Casualty losses of shade trees

by Stephen Dicke, Mississippi Director

Recovery efforts following storms, fires, and other casualties sometimes require owners to pay for tree repair, removal, or restoration. Tree damage may also reduce property value.

To help, the federal income tax code allows for recovery of expenses and losses that are not covered by insurance. The deduction of a shade tree casualty loss follows special tax rules which are best followed by a tax advisor. Tax advisors need arborists to document damage and estimate costs of cleanup, tree repairs, removals, and restoration.

Be forewarned if you are ever asked to appraise tree values for tax purposes. On personal use property trees, buildings, and land are bundled together as one unit. That means only a real estate appraisal is useful. The opposite is true on income producing property, like businesses and rentals. Trees are separated from land and buildings for tax purposes. Here, an arborist’s appraisal can be very useful.

For more information visit the National Timber Tax website or review the recent Mississippi State publication (right).

Black turpentine beetle

by Brian Watkins, Louisiana Director

While many have been amazed by the progress going on at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, a tree pest has made its way into BREC’s urban forest.

BREC is the agency that connects people to parks and nature in East Baton Rouge Parish with a system that has more than 170 parks including a unique mix of facilities that mirror the history and rich natural resources in south Louisiana. This includes a stateof-the-art observatory, swamp nature center located in the urban core, equestrian park, zoo, performing arts theatre, arboretum, botanical garden, a water park with the only surfing simulator in the state, golf courses throughout the parish, and an expansive 30,000-foot concrete extreme sports park. Throughout its history, BREC has taken seriously its responsibility to improve the health, safety, environment, and quality of life for all citizens.

In October 2022, frequent, park users noticed that pine trees were quickly turning color; pine trees that once stood tall and green were starting to turn brown. They snapped pictures and shared them on BREC’s social media page. A few days later, I went out to assess the pine trees and noticed that multiple trees in BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo and Greenwood Community Park were affected. I immediately thought southern pine beetle but then remembered that southern pine beetle like large stands of pine trees, not just four or five. After noticing small holes near the bottom of the trunk, I contacted the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and had our Parish Forester come and look. He took samples and found one of the insects in the tree.

The black turpentine beetle, Dendroctonus terebrans (Olivier), or BTB, is one of five common species of pine bark beetles in the southeastern U.S. BTBs bore into the inner bark of stressed or injured pines (Pinus spp.), where they breed and feed on phloem tissue. Adults are strongly attracted to volatile pine odors and readily breed in fresh stumps. Attacks on standing trees usually occur on the lower 1-2 m of the trunk or on large roots. Light attacks may kill only localized sections of phloem tissue, but numerous attacks per stem result in tree mortality. Attacks from BTBs may occur on all pines native to the South. It is most common in pines stressed by serious drought, flooding, storms, wildfires, cutting operations, and construction. Use of mechanized harvesting equipment, which damages residual trees, compacts the soil, and injures the roots, has increased damage by black turpentine beetles (entnemdept.ufl.edu).

Distribution

BTB is found throughout the eastern U.S. from coastal New Hampshire south through Florida and west to Texas and Missouri. It is an interesting distribution since the BTB occupies the part of the continent not occupied by the much more widespread red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens LeConte). The red turpentine beetle is very similar in appearance and behavior and occurs from Alaska to Mexico and eastward to New England, but does not occur in the southeastern U.S. The two species co-occur only in a narrow zone where their ranges overlap.

Identification

The adult beetle is ¼” to 3/8” long and dark brown or black. This beetle may be confused with Ips bark beetles, but is larger, more

heavily bodied, and does not have a scooped out and spined posterior. Creamy white larvae are very small with a reddish-brown head and are approximately 1/3” long. The yellowish-white pupae are about ¼” in length (tfsweb.tamu.edu).

Detection

Signs and symptoms of BTB attack include:

n large (2-5 cm wide) pinkish-white, reddish-brown, or purplish-gray pitch tubes on the lower bole of the tree, which may exhibit an entrance hole 3-5 mm wide

n reddish-brown boring dust

n accumulations of crystallized pitch pellets on the ground at the base of the tree

n large vertical or fan-shaped galleries in the inner bark

n the entire tree crown gradually fading from green to yellow to red to brown

Preventative strategies for urban and residential landscape pines:

n avoid compaction or physical damage to or pavement over the root zones of pines

n avoid trunk wounds

n provide adequate spacing (4-6 m) between trees

n minimize competing vegetation beneath pines

n maintain proper soil nutrient status through an acidic needle or pine bark mulch over the root zone, and by not routinely watering turf grasses beneath pines

n provide supplemental deep watering during extended drought periods

BREC’s forestry team has removed 20 pine trees, and continues to get emails about new ones weekly. BREC is working on treating all pine trees and removing the trees that are dead/dying. We will continue to put information out to residents and other governmental entities so everyone is keeping their eyes on this pest. This will also help everyone become proactive instead of reactive.

Landing your first government tree maintenance contract

by Anne Randle, Alabama Director

Going through the bid and contract process with a government entity, even on a small scale, can be an intimidating process.

When I began my role as a municipal arborist, one of my first tasks was to increase participation from local companies in the City’s bidding process for tree pruning and removal. I realized pretty quickly that it wasn’t that local companies didn’t meet the City’s requirements or that they weren’t able to complete the work. They just needed a little handholding to understand the process, get the right paperwork together, and plan for the lead time that comes with working with a public entity. In four years, we more than doubled the number of local companies submitting bids for tree services.

Our municipality is seeing more competitive bids, stretching tax dollars further, and we’re spreading work around to more local businesses. If you are considering opportunities to land your first government contract, here are a few tips from a person who handled all the paperwork behind the scenes.

First, take some time to understand how invitations to bid will be announced and awarded. At a smaller institution, you may be able to speak to someone directly about how it all works. But at a larger institution, it may be much faster to go straight to the website. A simple web search of the name of the entity and “bids,” “contracts,” or “procurement” should locate where bid openings are posted. It’s helpful to know what’s on the horizon, but the most valuable information will be in the awarded bids. Information on previously awarded bids is typically posted online, and by checking this you can find what kind of work the entity is contracting, how often they request bids, and the documentation required to submit a bid. You may also be able to find summaries of bids

received for previous work, which will give you an idea of the price range of other contractors in the area. Note that you may have to register or create an account to view this information. Go ahead and do that, because if you decide to submit a bid you’ll have to register anyway.

With that information in hand, start getting the appropriate paperwork together. Check what insurance, licenses, or other credentials are necessary to work for the entity. Be aware that each entity, even those operating under the same state laws, may have different requirements. At a minimum, you will typically have to operate under a local business license and meet certain insurance minimums. You may also be asked to provide documentation from E-Verify, arborist certification or license, or pesticide licenses. Read these requirements carefully and contact the bid administrator if you are unsure.

Of course, working for a public entity also means working within a different time frame. Depending on the organizational structure, bids may have to be approved by upper management or elected bodies before contracts can be signed. When things run smoothly, this may mean weeks of waiting, even after your bid has been selected. If scheduling is a big concern, ask the bid administrator beforehand what the typical turnaround time is. You may also ask about the process of requesting extensions since weather can play a big role in completing jobs.

The good news is this: if you’re already insured and meeting local regulations, landing a government contract is probably not out of reach. It can be a reliable revenue stream, and once you have the process figured out, it creates even more opportunities for your company. Start looking for opportunities in your region to grow your business and maintain the urban forest!

Dealing with unexpected limb failure

(AKA Sudden or Summer Branch Drop)

Sudden Branch Drop

by Wes Hopper, Tennessee Director

Definition: When trees suddenly lose their branches during the warmer months of the year. There have been many explanations for this occurence – the branch had an old stress fracture, carpenter ants made a home in an unseen cavity, the brach was too long, or the tree was improperly pruned for years. Some will even casually say the tree is self-pruning. No matter which definition is used to describe this phenomenon, nothing can prepare a homeowner for the unanticipated crash of a large limb landing in their landscape. Even worse, how would an arborist explain when their client calls to say that a large branch just fell out of a tree that was in the arborist’s care. While searching for additional information about Sudden Branch Drop, I found an article published in the ISA Journal of Arboriculture written in 1983 by Dr. Richard Harris on this very subject (ISA Journal of Arboriculture, 9(4) pp. 112-113). Here is the article in its entirety.

SUMMER BRANCH DROP

by Richard W. Harris

Abstract. Apparently sound limbs occasionally break out of mature trees during calm summer weather. Species of at least 19 genera are susceptible. This is particularly puzzling since normally limbs would be lighter in weight during times of high transpiration. High xylem pressure and/or weakening of the cell wall bonding in the xylem accompanied by increased limb weight may be responsible.

Seemingly healthy limbs up to a meter in diameter occasionally break out of mature trees during or following hot calm summer afternoons (Australia, South Africa, and the United States) (Harris 1972) or during calm weather following a heavy summer rain which terminates a period of increasing soil dryness (England) (Rushforth 1979). In California this type of limb failure occurs on both native and planted trees as well as in irrigated and unirrigated landscapes. People have been seriously injured and property damaged by falling branches. The failure of the top forty feet of a mature Eucalyptus globus in Los Angeles in 1977 seriously crippled a child and resulted in a recent out-of-court settlement of $1,625,000.

Trees Affected

Limb failure has been reported on species of 19 genera, Table 1. Kellogg (1882) first reported the phenomenon on Quercus lobata in the coastal mountain ranges of central California. Young and vigorous maturing trees of susceptible species seem to be less prone to branch failure while overmature and senescent trees may shed branches repeatedly (Rushforth 1979).

Most commonly, breakage occurs 1 to 4 m from the branch attachment on long limbs that extend to or beyond the tree canopy. Sometimes a branch may fail at its attachment. Less frequently, the main leader or the entire top may fail. No outward appearance has been associated with impending branch failure; the wood at many breaks appears sound while some or much of the wood at other breaks may be brash (breaks are short and at right angles to the axis of the branch) or decayed. Brash or decayed wood may predispose branches to the possibility of failure, but does not account for failure occurring under the conditions that it does.

This phenomenon was thought to be confined to times of high temperature in arid regions, such as Australia, South Africa, and southwestern United States, because, until this year, no one could

be found who was familiar with this problem in the midwestern or eastern United States. However, summer branch drop has been reported in England (Rushforth 1979) and is serious enough for the Royal Botanic Garden at Kew to post a large sign at each entrance warning visitors that “The older trees; particularly beech and elm, are liable to shed large branches without warning.” In arranging for this presentation, Cal Bundy recalled branches dropping out of two American elms in Peoria, Illinois in 1959 or 60. At the 1982 American Society of Consulting Arborists meeting, a reported tree failure of red oak in New York could have been related to summer branch drop.

Possible Explanations

Limb failure on hot afternoons is an anomaly since tree trunks normally shrink in the afternoons (Kozlowski and Winget 1964). I have observed limbs rise as well as shrink indicating that transpiration has exceeded water uptake and that limbs are lighter in the afternoon. This is further borne out since most of the breaks are relatively dry; this would be due to moisture tension in the xylem drawing water into the wood on each side of the break.

Just the opposite is often the case. After a break, water has been observed “flowing” from both sides of a fracture. Many report that the limb “exploded” and dropped quickly with no warning. Kellogg (1882) stated “Often late in the season when the hot sun broils and steams the sap, as it were, internally, an ax struck into it (mature Quercus lobata) hisses like a legion of

little safety valves; and sometimes, most unaccountably, it is said to burst with a loud explosion, and strong limbs that had hitherto withstood centuries of storms, in the calm airs of late summer and early autumn crash unexpectedly down, the fracture disclosing not the least cause of weakness.” These observations indicated the xylem to be under pressure, at least in these instances.

Two possibilities could account for this pressure: 1) Wetwood bacteria have created gas pressures up to 60 psi (4.2 kg/cm2) in elm trunks (Carter 1969). Such infections are common in several species subject to limb breakage. 2) Under calm conditions, transpiration may be greatly reduced due to high humidity within tree canopies. Root pressure could then increase the moisture content of branches, thereby increasing their weight and internal sap pressure.

Another theory tied to calm weather would be due to reduced transpiration (high humidity in tree canopy), the reduced flow of water in the xylem would allow the branch temperature to increase and in turn could increase the production of ethylene and other substances. These could begin to weaken the cell wall cementation, an accelerated development of brashness, if you will. This increased weakening coupled with the increased weight of a limb due to increasing leaf surface and fruit and reduced transpiration could result in branch failure.

If wood actually weakens under hot, calm, conditions, the process must be reversible or new wood must form rapidly enough to strengthen branches in order for them to withstand the increased weight of rain on the foliage and the strain of wind storms that may follow.

Trees reported to be susceptible to summer branch drop.

Species most often reported in Britain (Rushforth 1979)

Quercus spp., Populus spp., Salix spp., Ulmus procera, Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior

Species also reported in California

Ailanthus altissima, Erythrina caffra, Ficus microcarpa, Olea europaea, Grevillea robusta, Aesculus hippocastanum

Genera most often reported in California Eucalyptus, Quercus, Ulmus, Pinus

Suggested precautions

1. Warn people of potential hazard or rope off areas near hazardous trees as done at Kew. This would be most important from late spring to early fall.

2. In areas to be frequented by people, do not plant species known to be susceptible to this problem.

3. On mature trees, shorten and lighten long horizontal branches and open up the tree so humidity is less likely to build up.

4. Keep trees vigorous and healthy; however, this may be self defeating since potentially susceptible branches would become longer and heavier, but hopefully stronger.

5. Inspect susceptible trees for externally visible defects, removing low-vigor limbs that have decay or cavities. An entire tree should be removed if decayed and of low vigor.

Request for Information

Please send information concerning any suspected cases of summer branch drop, giving: species, approximate DBH, approximate diameter of limb or trunk at break, the time and date, location of tree, maximum temperatures for the day of the accident and the five preceding days, wind conditions at time of break, estimate of damage caused, and other information that may be pertinent. Send to the author at the address below.

Literature Cited

1. Carter, J.C. 1969. The wetwood disease of elm. Illinois Natural History Survey Circ. 50.

2. Harris, R.W. 1972. High-temperature limb breakage. Proc. Int’l Shade Tree Conf. 48:133-34.

3. Kellogg, A. 1882. Forest trees in California. Sacramento, Calif.: State Printing Office.

4. Kozlowski, T.T. and C.H. Winget. 1964. Dinurnal and seasonal variation in radii of tree stems. Ecology 45:149-55.

5. Rushforth, K.D. 1979. Summer branch drop. Arboriculture Res. Note (British Dept. of the Environment), 12:1-2.

Professor of Landscape Horticulture Department of Environmental Horticulture University of California Davis, CA 95616

Table 1.

Wood decay fungi ID

by Mariel Rivera, Tree Doctors

On January 21, 2023, the ISA Southern Chapter hosted a 4-hour workshop on Identification of Wood Decay Fungi at El Bosque comunitario de Río Hondo in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Mushroom farmer and community scientist Kurt Miller shared his vast knowledge on the topic which sparked many questions and comments from fellow arborists.

The Fungi kingdom is an immense and diverse group of organisms, but mycologist Miller was able to classify and simplify the information for us to take home basic concepts that are relevant for tree risk assessment and tree climbing safety. The workshop included a walk through the community forest trails to identify the fruiting bodies at site.

Love that follows loss

by Eric Campbell, Saluting Branches, Enrollment Committee Chair

Something truly special was set into motion on September 23, 2015. That was the day roughly 1,000 volunteers at 27 cemeteries came out in support of Saluting Branches’ first “Day of Service.” The event was an overwhelming success and it was clear it contained the potential to have national impact. The initiative was formally established as a 501(c)(3) and declared its mission: Saluting Branches was to be an organization through which “We honor American service men and women by organizing volunteer tree and landscape care for the property dedicated to our veterans.”

Last year, roughly 3,000 volunteers served 83 sites across 46 States, with one international event in Mexico at the Mexico City National Cemetery. Now, in its ninth year and with preparations for the 8th Annual Day of Service fully underway, Saluting Branches is poised to serve more than 100 locations across all 50 states, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The number of participating volunteers is on pace to exceed 2022. This growth is testament to the unfailing dedication, effort, and support of the arboricultural community, and the consistent generosity of industry and private donors who continue to provide deeply appreciated contributions.

These numbers are important. As representations of everything that has been given through this organization over the years, they offer simplified metrics by which the significance of Saluting Branches’ impact can be communicated. They help trace the path that was taken from where we began, to where we are now, and help us determine where it is we want to go.

But numbers don’t tell the whole story. This event, the Day of Service, is not about how many sites are involved, how many trees are touched, or the valuation of the services donated each year. Saluting Branches’ story is about people and the relationships between them. It’s about the places we’re from, the men and women who chose to go, those who returned, and those who did not. It’s about life, service, and sacrifice. It’s a story about love and loss, and the love that follows loss.

For everyone who has taken part in a Saluting Branches Day of Service, the day stands apart. It’s an opportunity to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces by tending to those places where our veterans rest, as only an arborist can. It’s a chance to give of ourselves so that the military community may gather safely in places of beauty for quiet moments on hallowed ground.

Saluting Branches, at its core, is a community event. It’s a day that people in towns and cities across the country set aside every year so they might join together in caring for one another. Saluting Branches is what it is because those who have found their way to it have taken it up as their own and carried it forward. To all of you who have been with us in the past, you have our gratitude and our sincere thanks. We hope we’ll see you again this year. For those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to be a part of a Day of Service, we are very much looking forward to welcoming you in September and hope that you’ll join us.

To get involved with Saluting Branches today, please visit our website

Better Together

by Chris Diffley, Southern Chapter Vice President

One of my favorite aspects of our industry is the willingness to share knowledge to advance the industry as a whole which allows all of us to become better arborists. You see this most at conferences or events where we are gathered, from sharing different techniques or approaches to a climbing comp event or while grabbing coffee between sessions as your brain struggles to absorb the information just presented (maybe that’s just me). Regardless, I have seen and experienced it on an individual level throughout my career but had the opportunity to participate in it on a company level just recently.

Truetimber Arborists is a well-established company in the Richmond, VA, area with an incredible ethos for educating the public on the importance of proper arboriculture in their area through community engagement, as well as an incredible pathway for advancement for their employees through their training program.

Arborscapes where I work is also a fixture in our area, and as we grow, we’ve recognized the benefit of learning from others. Back in May, one of our owners, Nathan Morrison, visited the fine folks at Truetimber to see their operation and learn how a company with similar values works in a different market. They had such a great time that a couple weeks later Truetimber’s leadership team visited us for a few days.

Jeff Inman is the Risk Manager with Truetimber (and kind of a big deal in the climbing world even if he pretends otherwise), and provided some insights he had from the visit:

“My biggest takeaway anytime we do these kinds of things is that it’s so awesome to be an industry that is cool with that experience share. We’re two different markets with different approaches and different folks, but the collaboration and positive thievery that happened was great. Seeing y’all’s boldness was inspiring, but there’s also a level of inspiration and gratitude that comes when I assess who we are and where we’ve come from.

Ultimately, we’re all out trying to accomplish similar goals, but it was awesome to learn about how you all roll and try to apply some version of that to how we operate.

Chatting with John Maurice [Tree Care Operations manager] was awesome and his process was great to hear about. Cormac Nagan [Training and Development] is new to the role so it was cool to share how my position operates at TT to try to give him some pointers with implementing a training program.

This kind of thing should happen more with companies. Get out and invest in knowledge and that experience. Make new mistakes by learning from one another.”

I also spoke with Nathan for some of his takeaways:

“Learning how other companies train and create career paths for employees to provide a reason to stay with a company. Seeing how other companies are organized with different management, structures, and meeting rhythms. Watching how others utilize equipment to get work done efficiently and safely. Different marketing strategies to keep the phones ringing.

In fact, I learned a lot more than just these bullet points. I also learned that the relationship we built is long lasting, and we can call on each other at any time for advice. We are not competitors. We are all part of the same type of professional tree team that strives for excellence!”

As one does, we wrapped up the visit with some incredible Korean barbeque with our new friends we made along the way.

Planting seeds of opportunity

My education in the care of trees began when I was 21 years old. A friend asked me to help him and his father remove a tree in his side yard. I quickly climbed it and started to remove the tree. I thought I was doing an awesome job. In reality, I was all over the place. Two friends, who were independent contract tree climbers and had been working in the neighborhood, stopped by. They wasted no time in telling me to come down before I injured myself ... and I wasted no time taking their advice. They were kind enough to finish taking the tree down for me at no charge. I’m here to tell this story thanks to my good friends. These two men inspired me to learn more about the care of trees.

My career in arboriculture has ranged from being an industrial climber to serving as an expert witness in a courtroom. Education is the key to success in any field, and in the tree care industry, education can save lives and save trees. For the professional arborist, opportunities for continued education are endless. My career wouldn’t be where it is today if I hadn’t taken advantage of the educational programs that ISA offers.

Reaching out to a whole community to specifically offer a career in arboriculture and urban forestry is rare. Here in Memphis, an organization called The Works, Inc. has accepted the challenge and did just that. They applied for an Urban Community Forestry grant to be applied to a Workforce Development program. This Workforce Development program will be identical to a college semester with classes ranging from First Aid and CPR

by Wes Hopper, Tennessee Director

training to Pre-Employment Readiness with tree care and urban forestry mixed right in. This program will be held in the fall and is intended to help students learn a new career path to better serve their communities in the field of arboriculture and urban forestry.

Another upcoming program is the Memphis Urban & Community Wood Academy which will have a strong emphasis on the end-use of the tree/wood that is removed in the urban forest to keep this renewable resource out of landfills. The target community for this program will be the tree service industry.

The longest-lasting program is the Urban Forestry Advisor Class sponsored by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council West TN Chapter and the Memphis Botanic Garden. This program got up and running almost 20 years ago and is intended to educate the public how to understand their trees and to understand how to hire an arborist. This program offers two scholarships, usually given to students or someone dedicated to a non-profit organization associated with urban forestry.

As a representative of the Southern Chapter, I am very proud to be involved with all of these programs, not only as an instructor but to be a part of providing this service to my city. The opportunities I have received from the ISA’s continuing education programs have been an intricate part of my career.

It’s a good season to plant seeds of opportunity for the next generation. A quote from Matshona Dhliwayo,“It only takes one seed to plant a forest.”

Reasons to support ISA Certification

Companies and managers have numerous benefits when they support their team pursuing professional credentials in the field.

Increased confidence and knowledge

In the process of preparing to earn a professional credential, professionals gain insight and knowledge for tasks they already perform and more confidence when discussing work with clients and peers.

Better hiring and retention

Crew members value companies who are willing to invest in them and their professional development. Professional credentials can serve as an independent and standardized assessment of the knowledge and skills required for a job. Adding credentials and support for earning or maintaining a credential helps companies hire and retain competent professionals.

Greater productivity and safety

Professional certifications can help increase productivity as it allows team members to learn and implement industry-accepted best practices and standards and do their work safely and more efficiently while helping reduce insurance costs and accident rates.

Enhanced trust and public opinion

Owners and crew leaders are better able to meet industry standards of service and the work of their crews tends to be trusted in quality and consistency with less interventions. Studies have shown a higher preference by the general public for certified professionals.

What are employers saying…

“The ISA Certified Arborist credential is recognized as the standard for professionals in the tree care industry.  Our clients gain confidence in our services when they know our employees are qualified and well-trained, and our employees recognize this as a rewarding step along their career path.  By encouraging our employees to pursue ISA certification it helps us retain those employees that have invested in advancing their skills, and it also serves to attract new employees who seek rewarding careers.”

- R.J. Laverne, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® (NE-0282B) Manager of Education and Training, The Davey Tree Expert Company

“Credentials and credentialing programs such as ISA’s help our teammates to continue developing in their careers, as well as demonstrate to our clients and industry their mastery and qualification to perform the many services required in arboriculture.”

- Scott Prophett, ISA Certified Arborist and Tree Worker Climber Specialist (MA-0103AT) Director of Safety, Bartlett Tree Experts

Upcoming Events & CEU Opportunities

in the Southern Chapter Region

Check out all the new CEU opportunities listed in the next few pages of this publication. This list is kept current on the Southern Chapter website as well. Save the site to your “favorites” as an easy access portal for events and registration information. If you know of opportunities we haven’t listed, please share! Email skincaid@isasouthern.org and we’ll get it posted. While many of the face-to-face workshops and conferences have been canceled, we have worked hard to partner with organizations to be sure you get a wide range of opportunities to stay sharp. This list contains upcoming events that we are aware of. All the courses and conferences listed provide opportunities to earn ISA CEUs that help you maintain your ISA certifications. ISA is also offering no cost quizzes for articles to give you more opportunities to earn CEUs.

Educational Events

July 18, 2023

3:00pm-4:00pm Eastern

Most

Webinar Developers and Hosts

TREE Fund

Urban Forestry Today

Forestry Webinars

Urban Forest Connections USDA Forest Service

Utility Arborist Association

North Carolina Urban Forest Council

Arborjet Webinars

Professional Arborists Association of MS (PAAM)

Alabama Extension

Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements Webinars

Webinar: Recommended NC Tree Species and Availability

Instructor: George Paige

The NC Urban Forestry Council offers another excellent webinar. George Paige is the Director of Horticulture at NCSU’s Raulston Arboretum. Great background for this topic! Information HERE.

July 19-20, 2023

8:00am-5:00pm Eastern

Summer 2023 Certified Arborist Prep Course & Review

Harnett County Commons Building, Lillington, NC

This 2-day prep and review course is offered by the NC Urban Forest Council. If you plan to take the exam offered on July 21, you must register separately. (Exam info below) Information HERE

July 21, 2023 Registration is closed

9:00am-12:30pm Eastern

ISA Cert Arborist, Utility Specialist, & Municipal Specialist Exam

Harnett County Commons Building, Lillington, NC

July 22, 2023

9:00am-3:00pm Eastern

Canopy Class: Speed-Lining & Trolley + Advanced Rigging

Morganton, NC

Instructors: Megan Bujnowski, Almon Cox and Anthony Williams Burke Outdoor is presenting four Canopy Class sessions (see additional dates listed) with a great line up of instructors. This class will focus on speed-lining and trolley and advanced rigging. Proudly sponsored in part by Southern Chapter. Information HERE

July 26-28, 2023 Registration is closed

TRAQ - Full Course

Connie Maxwell Center, Greenwood, SC

July 27, 2023

8:15am-3:00pm Central

Certified Arborist Prep Course

Arkansas Extension Office, Little Rock, AR

Instructors: Smith, Bowden, Massey, Bryant, Fisher, Quinn

The Arkansas Urban Forestry Council will host a 1-day prep course to prepare for the certified arborist exam or for a thorough review. Note that an exam is scheduled for the same day at this location. Registering for the prep course does not include registration for the exam. Information and registration for the prep course is available HERE

July 27, 2023 Registration is closed

3:30pm-7:00pm Central

ISA Cert Arborist, Utility Specialist, & Municipal Specialist Exam

Arkansas Extension Office, Little Rock, AR

August 2 - September 13

Wednesdays at 1pm Eastern

i-Tree Open Academy - Summer 2023

Free, virtual learning series. The i-Tree Open Academy will provide a broad introduction to the i-Tree suite of tools. Information HERE. Apply HERE.

events are approved for ISA CEUs. Check each registration site for details.

August 2, 2023 Registration is closed

8:00am - 3:00pm Eastern

TRAQ Renewal Virtual Course (on-line)

Co-hosted event: ISA Southern, TX, GA, and Midwestern Chapters

August 17-18, 2023

Green Giants Saving Planet Earth

Events in Yanceyville, Winston-Salem, and Raleigh, NC

Free panel discussions, lecture, and botanic garden tour featuring Professor Francesco Ferrini, University of Florence, Italy. Sponsored by Wild Ones Central NC. Brochure HERE Registration, details, and schedule HERE

August 21, 2023

8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern

TRAQ Renewal Course (Live)

City of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

This is a live, one-day renewal course and is only available for those that already have the TRAQ credential. Read ISA TRAQ Application Guide to be very clear about the course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Additional information about deadlines/refunds/cancellations can be found on the Chapter website If class has filled, email isasouthern@isasouthern.org and ask to be placed on a waiting list. REGISTER FOR THE ONEDAY LIVE RENEWAL COURSE HERE

August 22-23, 2023 Registration is closed

TRAQ - Full Course

City of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

September 6-7, 2023

8:30am-4:00pm Eastern

Certified Arborist Prep Course

Harbison State Forest Environmental Ed Center, Columbia, SC

Instructors: Jimmy Walters, Drew Jeffers, David Jenkins

Southern Chapter and the SC Forestry Commission will host a 2-day prep course for arborists wanting to prepare for the certified arborist exam or just want a thorough review. Lunch is provided each day. Note that an exam is scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, at this location. Registering for the prep course does not include registration for the exam. See the info for the exam listed on Sept 13. Information and registration for the prep course is available HERE

September 7-8, 2023

14th Annual Great NC Tree Conference

Cary Embassy Suites, Cary, NC

This year’s NC Urban Forest Council conference will explore how arborists, urban foresters, and landscape architects and planners create and manage green spaces for trees in a changing climate. Town of Cary staff will host the outdoor tour on Sept 8th and will share their favorite locations, showcasing how they protect Cary’s tree canopy along city streets, within neighborhoods, and among utility buildings. Information and registration is available HERE

September 13, 2023

9:00am-12:30pm Eastern

ISA Cert Arborist, Utility Specialist, & Municipal Specialist Exam Harbison State Forest Environmental Ed Center, Columbia, SC

ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Arborist, and Municipal Specialist

Exams are scheduled for September 13, 2023. Applicants for the exam must register by August 25, 2023, at the ISA website. Registering for an exam includes creating or logging in to your ISA account at https://www.isa-arbor.com/ and then clicking to find the test date and location.

October 12-13, 2023

Nature-Based Solutions for Healthy Communities

The Lodge at Fall Creek Falls, Spencer, TN

The Tennessee Urban Forestry Conference has a full lineup of 20+ speakers plus plenty of time to network and celebrate annual awards winners. Information HERE

October 13, 2023

8:00am-3:00pm Eastern

Foundational Skills

Watauga County Extension Service, Boone, NC

Instructors: Martineau, Kish, Fair

This all-day workshop is presented by the NC Urban Forest Council and will cover many of the basic skills needed by arborists working with trees. Information and registration available HERE

October 14, 2023

9:00am-3:00pm Eastern

Canopy Class: Stop the Bleed, Technical Felling, Chipper Safety Morganton, NC

Instructors: Megan Bujnowski, Almon Cox and Tyler Upton

The good folks at Burke Outdoor are presenting four Canopy

Class sessions this year (see additional dates listed) with a great line up of instructors. This class will focus on stop the bleed, technical felling, and chipper safety. Proudly sponsored in part by the Southern Chapter. Information and registration available HERE

November 1, 2023

8:00am - 3:00pm Eastern

TRAQ Renewal Virtual Course (on-line)

Co-hosted event with ISA Southern, Texas, Georgia and Midwestern Chapters

This is a virtual renewal option and is only available for those that already have the TRAQ credential. The course fee includes all fees for the course and exams. After you attend the course, ISA will send you information about completing the exam process. Read ISA TRAQ Application Guide to be very clear about the course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Additional information can be found on the Chapter website If class has filled, email isasouthern@isasouthern.org and ask to be placed on a waiting list. Click HERE to Register for November 1 Renewal Course (Closes October 1).

OUR STORY IS SAFETY

More than 50 years ago, we published This We Believe, a safety declaration that focused on the well-being of our people, families, and communities. It established safety as a value in our culture, not a mere priority or slogan, and defined safety as a moral obligation that is everyone’s responsibility.

This we still believe.

Learn about Davey’s commitment to safety by scanning the code.

“Safety is a VALUE. If someone classifies it as a priority, I believe they may be in the wrong line of work.”

Joshua Pressley, Account Manager

2023-2024 Southern Chapter Officers

President: Matt Searels, CNUC

President Elect / Treasurer: Hallie Dozier, LSU AgCenter

Vice President: Chris Diffley, Arborscapes

Chapter CoR Rep: David Vandergriff, Griff Arbor|Hort

Tree Climbing Championship: Scott Winningham

TREE Fund Liaison: (open)

Past President: Jeffrey Morgan, GA Transmission Corporation

Media Director and Editor: Sarah Mitchell

Conference Planner: Connie Hilson

Executive Director: Skip Kincaid

Have you been waiting for an invitation?

Here it is:

Please join the Southern Chapter online.

Facebook Enjoy daily posts of things to make you think and things to make you laugh.

Threads The Great Unknown. Let’s see what happens here.

LinkedIn Find news, articles, and educational information. This is where green-industry professionals gather.

Instagram Just the jokes, please.

Community

Please share, like, and subscribe to our many social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and now Threads.

Encouragement

Share the word about our scholarship program (application here). Here’s a chance to assist the next generation of green-industry professionals.

Sharing

2023-2024 State Directors

Alabama: Anne Randle Green Business Certification, Inc.

Arkansas: Brian Pope

ACRT

Louisiana: Brian Watkins BREC

Mississippi: Steve Dicke Shady Arbor PLLC

North Carolina: Leslie Moorman

NC Urban Forest Council

Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands: Christian W. Torres Santana

Coccoloba AgroEnvironnemental Consulting and Coccoloba Nursery

South Carolina: Dena Whitesides

South Carolina Forestry Commission

Tennessee: Wes Hopper Urban Forestry Consulting

At-Large: Chris Diffley

Connection

Submit a Member Spotlight form about yourself or interview a colleague for a chance to be highlighted in our quarterly newsletter. Please reach out to newsletter@isasouthern.org for the form request and submittal.

Learning

Look for educational opportunities on the Southern Chapter website

If you know of opportunities not listed, email us and we’ll post it.

What’s happening in your part of the Southern Chapter? Send in an article for our quarterly newsletter.

Arborscapes Tree and Landscape

Southern Chapter ISA

Website: www.isasouthern.org

Phone: (888) 339-8733

Email: isasouthern@isasouthern.org

Skip Kincaid, Exec. Director 1609 Missouri Avenue St Louis, MO 63104

To contact your State Director, a member of the Executive Board, or Skip Kincaid at the Southern Chapter office, please email isasouthern@isasouthern.org.

Website: www.isasouthern.org

Phone: (888) 339-8733

Email: isasouthern@isasouthern.org