ISA S UTHERN S UTHERN
Southern Chapter Report
by Skip Kincaid, Southern Chapter Executive Director
The last few months have blown in a lot of changes at Southern Chapter. No weather pun needed here. I know many of you are still dealing with some crazy weather, so stay safe and productive!
The changes here at the Chapter have been both positive, negative, and, well, just changes. Let’s start with the positive stuff! Chapter-sponsored workshops are front and center these days. We just completed a twoday Tree Biomechanics Workshop in Baton Rouge and heard some great material presented to a full house. Lively discussion and questions during the workshop meant our presenters were spot-on with their material. Many thanks to both of them, Frank Rinn with Rinn-Tech from Heidelberg, Germany, and Andrew Loyd with Bartlett from Houston, Texas. And many thanks to those who helped make it possible. Sponsors included Louisiana Community Forests, LSU, Bayou Tree, and Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC).
We have another great event planned for the Charlotte area coming up November 17-19. Dr. Ed Gilman and Nick Markley will provide a Prescription Pruning Qualification (PPQ) workshop that will give attendees a whole new perspective on how to prescribe pruning work for trees. Dr. Gilman literally wrote the book on tree pruning, and this new credential that was developed by the Florida Chapter has gained a ton of traction in recent months. It will affect tree pruning the way TRAQ did for tree risk assessment. Make plans to attend the full class as a prescriber (two class days and one half day of exams), or you can attend the one-day portion as a producer. Find more information on page 8 and register by October 31 HERE.
And speaking of educational events … there have been substantial changes to the way ISA requires us to approve courses for CEUs and how attendance at those events is monitored so you receive the CEUs you deserve. Chapters and those who host educational events will now have a new way to process CEUs. If you host educational opportunities and want pre-approved CEUs for that event, a description of the new process can be found on the Chapter's website HERE
Event hosts will be required to send us an attendance log as an Excel spreadsheet after the event. No more rushing to find the sign-in sheet at the back of the room after each session! When we get the digital attendance list from the event host, we will then upload the data to ISA and attendees should get instant credit to their CEU accounts. This should be a big improvement over our CEU processing in the recent past which was a bit cumbersome. Let’s put the additional workload and staffing costs for the Chapter in the negative column, but the faster CEU credits for our members in the win column!!
Lastly, in the “well, it’s just change” column, I want to announce that I will be retiring from my role as Executive Director of Southern Chapter. As Dolly Parton recently said, “I ain’t dead yet.” (Gawd, I love how direct she can be!) We’re planning for my last day as your Executive Director to be sometime next fall. I have absolutely loved my six years working for this organization and meeting hundreds of new friends and professional acquaintances. But I’m 68 and I’ve developed a real addiction to my woodshop and being on my beloved Courtois Creek in the Missouri Ozarks. My grandkids in NW Arkansas will have to get used to being spoiled a bit more as well.
Your Southern Chapter Board of Directors will begin a search very soon to find a new Executive Director. You will hear about that process and hopefully take an active role assisting the board. My six years of experience will be easier to replace than the decades of service by my predecessor, Dwayne Carter. He set up this organization for success, and I’m hopeful that my tenure was successful in helping you meet your goals as an arborist. Our mission is still “Advancing tree care knowledge and practices through research, education, and professional development,” and I hope my successor keeps it that way!
Message to the Membership
Chris Diffley, Southern Chapter President
I love Fall for the change it brings to our weather, where outside doesn’t feel like it’s trying to physically harm us, and for all the events that tend to happen as we wind down the year.
November is a busy time in the arboriculture world with lots of local conferences, TCIA, and other tree-related events.
The two I’m most stoked about here happen the same week, November 17-23, as we host another PPQ from the Florida Chapter at the beginning of the week, followed by the return of the Charlotte Tree Climbing Competition. Both events have taken a great deal of effort to bring together, and I’m really appreciative of the arborist community we have here to make it all happen.
Alternative compensation
A colleague recently gave my name to someone who needed help with permitting issues.
The client, Hilda, may be one of my new favorite people. She had a sweetgum that, unfortunately, was going to be in the way of a project she had going on in the back yard. Under our new tree ordinances in Charlotte, this tree would qualify as a heritage tree if it were over 30” DBH, thus needing a permit and mitigation fees paid if removed.
After talking to her for a bit about the big plans for the backyard, I went to measure the tree. The result? 29” DBH.
I had her take a photo of my tape showing the measurement.
me: That’s now your permit.
her: Well, what do I owe you?
me: I don’t have a price point for measuring a single tree.
her: Do you like cookies?
me: Always.
We walked in to grab the goods, and she proceeded to show me her artwork. After turning 50, she decided to start painting, and has been doing so ’til now at 76.
As I get older and feel the decline I sometimes witness in trees happening to my own body and mind, it’s refreshing to hear someone completely reinvent themselves at what some might think of as the latter part of life.
I walked out with a print of one of her paintings, a delicious chocolate chip and pecan cookie, and a far better story than I would’ve received charging her some meager amount for my time to measure the tree.
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.
From the consultant's corner
I hope to bring you some interesting cases and projects I have worked on to provide a glimpse into the wonderful world of figuring out what is going on with trees in situations where accidents occur.
First off, I take issue with the term “accidents,” as most of what I look at seems to me to be an “accident waiting to happen.”
As most of you know, this is usually the case, and someone whose head is not the highest on the totem pole has done or has failed to do something well within their ability to prevent the “incidents” from occurring. Incident is my new favorite word for these things.
Now, some things simply fall outside of doing or not doing the right thing and are simply the anomalies of our business working with trees. Hopefully, these stories will be fun and helpful as they do reveal some interesting aspects and nuances of tree work that you might not consider ... or at least I might not consider!
Here is an example of one I worked on this year that is pretty cool. Your assignment is to explain, at least to yourself, how this happened and how it could have been prevented, if possible.
By Fred Fellner, Louisiana Director
property to the other.
So, the driver does not drop his wheels off the slab soon enough, and the top of his truck rubs or scrapes along the underside of the limb and lifts the limb as it is sliding across the top of the van-type vehicle. You know the type, gray color.
I received a phone call from an insurance company representing an online sales company that (hint) happens to be the largest one around. The driver dutifully drove up this guy’s concrete driveway and was promptly told to drop two wheels off the slab so the vehicle would miss a long, low, draping limb of a 100+ year old southern live oak tree which dominated this guy’s entire front yard, stretching from one side of the
The limb is highlighted and is more than thirty feet long. The driveway is on the left side.
Anyway, the package is delivered, and the delivery service truck drives off into the gathering gloom of the evening. All is well. Then, at almost midnight, four hours after the truck left, this huge tree simply falls apart. And of course, as you would expect, there was an expensive vehicle parked under it.
So ……. what do I say about it? Did the delivery truck destroy this tree and subsequently damage the car?
I must take off my arboricultural hat for a second now and put on the consultant hat. I’m picturing myself sitting in court, under oath, and arguing that a van rubbing a limb that was 30 feet from the base of this huge, massive tree, set up some sort of vibration that reverberated within the soul of the bole and hit a perfect pitch four hours later, and BAM!
The tree separates into three equal parts. Now, this is not out of the question. As we say, anything is possible. But how do I argue this without looking like a moron? Which, by the way, is easy enough for me under normal circumstances. Anyway, I figured the tree was about to explode for any reason and more than likely, the brush from the truck did not hex the tree.
But you never know. What do you think? Whether you agree with me or not, is there anything that could have predicted this failure and any work an arborist could have done to mitigate the possibility of failure?
Canopy connections
by Brown Payne, Nashville Tree Foundation
Do you feel drawn to connect with other tree enthusiasts? Two non-profits, Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC) and Nashville Tree Foundation (NTF), have collaborated to create a space for tree enthusiasts in Nashville! Kelly Tipler, Executive Director of NTF, and Kevin Bolger, Program and Operations Coordinator of TUFC, felt that people in the tree world lacked a relaxed space to connect and network with professionals and tree lovers. The missions of NTF and TUFC overlap in that they both seek to educate the community about healthy urban forests, and one way to do that is by bringing middle Tennessee tree professionals and tree lovers all together.
This launched a collaboration between the NTF and TUFC, which produced the Canopy Connections event series. Attendees included tree healthcare professionals, arborists, environmental non-profit employees, tree lovers, Nashville Metro Water employees, and more. These people were invited to come together and network with like-minded individuals to ultimately create a stronger community to support and grow Nashville’s urban canopy.
Designed to foster connection between different professionals in the tree world, Canopy Connections was held at a brewery in Germantown in Nashville. For the first Canopy Connections, NTF and TUFC held a silent auction to support this and future events. Discussing the programming of their nonprofits, speakers introduced TUFC’s Tree Stewards educational program, as well as NTF’s Big Old Tree Contest recognizing Nashville’s largest and most significant trees. At the second Canopy Connections, TUFC and NTF held lightning talks with local tree professionals. Imagine Shaw, an arboriculturist for Rainbow Ecoscience, board member of TUFC, and Southern Chapter TN Director, gave a short talk about the resilience of trees, previewing the theme for TUFC’s annual conference taking place in Chattanooga this year (see inset box on right). Jason Sprouls, the Urban Forestry Program Manager at Cumberland River Compact, spoke about their depave project, converting unused impervious pavement into green spaces that reduce flooding, provide wildlife habitat, and improve the quality of water.
Attended by enthusiasts and professionals across all walks of tree life, these events connect those individuals who may never cross paths, as well as tighten bonds and relationships between businesses, non-profits, government organizations, and more. Connecting and supporting each other in various efforts will result in a stronger urban canopy in Nashville for the future.
If you are in the Middle Tennessee area, look out for social media posts from TUFC and NTF for dates of future Canopy Connections!
Join TUFC in Chattanooga on November 12-14 for its 2025 Tennessee Urban Forestry Conference and Pre-Conference Workshop. This annual gathering brings together arborists, urban foresters, landscape professionals, non-profit leaders, and community tree advocates from across the region.
This year’s theme, Rooted in Resilience, explores a variety of topics, including tree biology and species selection to storm recovery, green infrastructure field tours, and plant health care in a changing climate.
A special pre-conference workshop will offer handson, field-based instruction on advanced pruning practices for mature trees, led by local BCMAs. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with peers, and help strengthen the future of Tennessee’s urban forests. More info.
Plan to join the ISA Southern Chapter at this PPQ workshop in Charlotte, NC. PPQ is a rising star in the arboriculture world. The event is cosponsored by the Charlotte Arborists Association and the City of Charlotte Urban Forestry Services. Course presenters, Dr. Ed Gilman and Nick Markley, are well-known leaders in the world of arboriculture. REGISTRATION ENDS OCTOBER 31
PPQ
Prescription Pruning Qualification
November 17-19, 2025 – Charlotte, NC
This is a 3-day course which includes two days of training and demonstrations culminating in an exam. The successful candidate will receive the Prescription Pruning Qualification being recognized nationwide. You must be an ISA Certified Arborist to attend the qualification course. However, it is not required to attend DAY ONE ONLY.
This new pruning paradigm shifts the decision of which branches to prune from the production arborist to an informed prescriber. It establishes a protocol resulting in consistency between the arborist preparing the prescription and the production arborist. This credential teaches you how to prescribe and perform pruning in accordance with industry standards and ISA’s BMP, which is supported by the latest research and experience.
PRESENTERS
Dr. Ed Gilman and Nick Markley
The workshop will run from approximately 8am - 4pm each day. Light breakfast & lunch on Days One and Two. Light breakfast on Day Three. 14 ISA CEUs are pending. Find more details here.
SPONSORS
REGISTRATION
TWO TRACKS
PRESCRIBERS
Day One, Two, and Three: Nov 17-19
Must be an ISA Certified Arborist. Prescribers attend Day One and then return for Day Two and the review and exams on Day Three.
The Day Two and Day Three of training focus on preparing pruning prescriptions using many examples which include outdoor exercises. This is an interactive program with many activities.
There is a review and a multiple choice exam on the third day. Those passing the exam become PPQ Qualified.
PRODUCERS
Day One only: Nov 17
ISA Certification not a prerequisite. This is a one-day session with extreme value for those who work in trees.
Dr. Gilman provides attendees with an understanding and appreciation of proper pruning based on clear goals and communication.
Producer attendees receive a certificate of attendance. There is no exam.
Public input request: Ten-Year Action Plan
The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council is pleased to announce that the National Urban and Community Forestry Ten-Year Action Plan’s public input website is open and available for public comments/suggestions related to urban and community forestry.
This Action Plan for (2027-2037) serves as a guidance document for the Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.
State Urban and Community Forestry Programs also use the Action Plan as a guidance document for their Urban and Community Forestry Programs and State Forest Action Plans. Annual Action Plan accomplishments and recommendations are reported to the Secretary of Agriculture and applicable Congressional committees.
Voluntary comments will be accepted through June 30, 2026. If a commentor would like to provide a comment/suggestion, or for more information, please visit https://actionplan.urbanandcommunityforests.org/.
The website is starting with the current action plan goals, where we have identified more opportunities within these topics. We also have a research topic and an “Other” topic to capture new areas and emerging issues. In the “Other” Category we ask the commentor to provide a one-word header that describes the topic, such as: Pests/ Fire/Technology etc. This will help sort these comments.
Master’s Degree Student Scholarship
www.isasouthern.org/scholarship
A travel scholarship up to $2,000 to attend the Southern Chapter ISA or ISA Conference
DECEMBER 10 APPLICATION DEADLINE
Emerald Ash Borer in the South
by Peter Vue, Rainbow Ecoscience
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a tiny metallic green beetle, has been making its way across the country since it was first spotted in Michigan in 2002. As of fall 2025, EAB has been confirmed in many southern states, including TX, LA, AR, TN, MS, AL, GA, NC, SC, and VA (according to the latest USDA infested counties map). If it’s not in your county yet, it’s likely on its way.
Emerald Ash Borer Lifecycle. EAB might be small (just about the size of a grain of rice), but it packs a punch. It targets ash trees, and it doesn’t discriminate—healthy or stressed, young or old, all ash trees are vulnerable. As a rule, if it’s within 25 miles, it’s time to start protecting your ash trees.
SPRING: Adults emerge.
SUMMER: Eggs are laid on ash bark, and larvae burrow into the tree’s vascular tissue.
FALL/WINTER: Larvae overwinter inside the tree, pupate, and the cycle begins again.
One female can lay up to 80 eggs, and in just five years, that can snowball into over 200 million beetles. That’s why early detection and action are so important.
Hands-on learning at the Dixon Center
by Jonah Sanders, 2025 recipient of ISA Southern Chapter's Student Scholarship
“A place people could come and learn by putting their hands in the dirt” ... this was Solon and Martha Dixon’s vision. When the Dixon family gave Auburn University 5,350 acres, the Dixon family home, and funds to construct facilities on the property in 1978, this vision became a reality.
The Dixon Center is truly a special place; it not only provides a learning environment for Auburn Forestry students but also provides hands-on learning experience for Auburn Wildlife and Environment students and other user groups, including the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Longleaf Alliance, among others.
I found nine weeks of hands-on instruction during the Summer Practicum at the Dixon Center to be highly beneficial to my learning style. Since I and many of the other students grew up in a family that did not work in the forestry industry, the program was a crucial part of our development towards becoming foresters. Summer practicum allowed us to spend every day outside, utilizing many different parts of the property, cruising and taking plots, as well as studying the various management prescriptions and objectives.
Mr. Dixon could not have done anything better with this property. It has become a one-of-a-kind learning center, thanks to the fantastic staff who manage it year-round. I also want to wholeheartedly thank the ISA Southern Chapter for supporting students like me pursuing a degree related to arboriculture.
How to Spot EAB. It’s always best to be proactive with treatments. By the time symptoms appear, it may be too late to treat. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs: D-shaped exit holes in the bark; S-shaped larval galleries under the bark; vertical bark splits; woodpecker activity (they love EAB larvae!); and thinning canopy and sprouting at the base (epicormic shoots).
What Can You Do?
Whether you’re a municipal arborist, a tree care professional, or a homeowner, there are steps you can take to protect your customers’ trees and your community.
1: Know what you’ve got
Start by identifying and tagging ash trees. Use mapping tools or tree inventory software to track their location, size, and condition. This helps you prioritize which trees to treat, remove, or replace.
2: Treat strategically
There are several treatment options: Soil-applied insecticides (like Xytect or Transtect) are good for low-pressure areas and should be applied in early spring before pest activity begins, allowing time for uptake and distribution throughout the tree.
Trunk injections (especially Mectinite) are highly effective in high-pressure zones and offer up to two years of protection. These are best applied in late spring to early summer, when trees are actively transpiring for optimal uptake.
3: Remove and replant wisely
If a tree is too far gone, removal may be the best option. But don’t clear-cut! Instead, stage removals with treatment options and replant with a mix of species to build a more resilient urban forest.
4: Talk to your customers and community
Education is key. Use social media, newsletters, signage, invoices, and even utility bill inserts to inform people about what’s happening and what their options are. Some cities work with businesses to offer subsidized treatments for private trees, along with public tree protection plans.
In Conclusion. The most important thing is to be proactive and provide your customers with information and solutions to protect their ash trees early on. Once a tree is showing signs of infestation, it may be too late. Treat trees within at least 25 miles of any known infestation. Treatments have been proven to work and are more cost-effective for homeowners and communities than removals, without losing the value that their ash trees provide. Lastly, stay vigilant. Many ash trees will die, but by taking EAB on early, you can still make a difference.
Webinar from Rainbow Ecoscience reviews the biology, lifecycle, signs, and symptoms of EAB and treatment options and when to treat. Discussion also includes practical concerns to consider and tree preservation.
EAB symptoms
D-shaped exit hole with woodpecker damage
EAB-riddled ash tree
Invitation to TreesSC Annual Conference and Bus Tour
We are delighted to invite you to the TreesSC Annual Conference, taking place in beautiful downtown Spartanburg on November 6-7, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with professionals, enthusiasts, and advocates in the field of arboriculture, hear from expert speakers, and participate in meaningful discussions about the future of our urban forests. Join us as we explore innovative ways to promote tree health and growth in our communities.
In addition to the main conference, we hope you will join us on November 5 for a special bus tour visiting three of Spartanburg’s arboriculture gems. This event offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the city’s most remarkable trees and green spaces, guided by local experts. Don’t miss this chance to network in a relaxed setting and deepen your appreciation for the natural beauty that makes Spartanburg truly unique. Reserve your spot today and be part of an unforgettable celebration of trees! More information HERE
TREE Fund continues UARF grants in perpetuity
During the 2025 Trees and Utilities Conference held in Knoxville, TN, representatives from Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) and the Utility Arborist Association (UAA) signed an agreement to continue the Utility Arborist Research Fund Grant Program (UARF) in perpetuity.
This signing comes on the heels of the 15-year celebration of the grant program, which has granted out more than $712,500 to researchers since its inception in 2010.
Managed by TREE Fund and co-sponsored by UAA, the UARF Grant Program is a research grant that focuses on research that is beneficial to utility tree care professionals and provides grants of up to $50,000 annually.
Upcoming changes to ISA TRAQ credential
ISA, under the guidance of its Credentialing Council and with the support of subject matter experts, announced significant updates to the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) program in February 2025 through the Arborist News publication. These programmatic changes will become effective November 5, 2025, and include updates to the credential’s terms of validity, training materials, and written and performance-based examinations.
This decision follows the most recent Job Task Analysis (JTA) for the program and the ISA Credentialing Council’s guidance based on international standards (ASTM 2659-24). ISA routinely conducts JTAs for all credentials to ensure they remain current and relevant to the industry, employers, and the general public. For ISA TRAQ, the JTA process involved a comprehensive review of the program’s scope and learning objectives, leading to changes in the training content, materials, and examinations.
Key changes to the ISA TRAQ credential: Terms of Validity, Elimination of ISA TRAQ Renewal Program, Examination Updates, and ISA TRAQ Candidate Materials.
Find detailed information HERE
A look at recent TREE Fund funded studies
Optimizing Tree Responses to Root Pruning in Mature Trees
Justin Morgenroth, PhD, The University of Canterbury
Co-Pl Andrew R. Benson, PhD
2021 Jack Kimmel International Grant Program, in partnership with Canadian TREE Fund
Assessing the Mechanical, Physiological, and Carbon Accounting Effects of Different Pruning Regiments
Stella Dee, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Co-Pl Dr. Brian Kane
2022 Asplundh – Hyland R. Johns Endowed Research Grant Program
Light-side of the Termites: Distance Effect of Termite Nests on Tree Growth and Pathogen
Resilience of Tree Species in Taman Botani at UMT
Dr. Petr Hedenec, Institute for Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, University Malaysia Terengganu (Malaysia)
2023 Jack Kimmel International Grant Program, in partnership with Canadian TREE Fund
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.
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.
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
Educational Events Most events are approved for ISA CEUs. Check each registration site for details.
November 5-6, 2025
2025 COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE EXPO
Memphis, TN
Commercial Horticulture Expo is a 2-day training event to provide classroom education to horticulture, landscape, urban forestry, and turfgrass professional. Registration HERE
November 5, 2025
2025 TREES SC PRE-CONFERENCE TOUR & WORKSHOP
Spartanburg, SC
Join Trees SC for an immersive pre-conference tour that brings Strategic Connections to life ... literally! Explore premier arboretums, cutting-edge magnolia trials, and hands-on demonstrations of tree decay testing technology. This full-day experience blends science, scenery, and CEU opportunities as we visit the Spartanburg Community College Arboretum, Milliken Research Facility, and Wofford College. From walking tours under the canopy to hands-on demonstrations and expert-led discussions, this is your chance to connect with nature, knowledge, and fellow professionals before the main event kicks off. Space is limited. Registration HERE.
November 6-7, 2025
2025 TREES SC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
- STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS
Spartanburg, SC
Make plans to join Trees SC in downtown Spartanburg, SC, for the 2025 TreesSC Annual Conference, where Strategic Connections come to life for professionals shaping the future of our urban forests. This year’s program is designed for urban tree care professionals
and enthusiasts who are driving innovation and stewardship in their communities. Dive into timely topics like biochar applications, tree resilience, vegetation management technology, and collaborative planning strategies. With expert-led sessions, dynamic breakout discussions, networking opportunities, and valuable CEUs, this conference will equip you with the insights and relationships to elevate your work. Registration HERE
November 13-14, 2025
TUFC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Chattanooga, TN
Join TUFC in Chattanooga for the 2025 Tennessee Urban Forestry Conference! Events include pre-conference workshop, welcome party, awards luncheon, tours, and, of course, many educational sessions. Registration HERE
November 14, 2025
HOPE FOR THE HEMLOCKS
Greenville, SC
Join Clemson Extension to hear about hemlock pests, treatments, and tactics. Email dawson4@clemson.edu for more information.
November 17-19, 2025
PRESCRIPTION PRUNING QUALIFICATION WORKSHOP
REGISTRATION CLOSES OCT 31
Charlotte NC
Presenters: Dr. Ed Gilman and Nick Markley. Developed by the Florida Chapter of ISA, PPQ offers one-day and three-day options. The one day option for Producers (tree workers) offers clarity for
Educational Events (continued)
tree workers that appreciate clear goals for each pruning task. The three-day course includes two days of training and demonstrations culminating in an exam. The successful candidate will receive the Prescription Pruning Qualification being recognized nationwide. You must be an ISA Certified Arborist to attend the qualification course. However, it is not required to attend DAY ONE ONLY.
Information and Registration HERE Registration closes October 31. This new pruning paradigm shifts the decision of which branches to prune from the production arborist that may be operating without a clear goal about the pruning job, to an informed prescriber. It establishes a protocol resulting in consistency between the arborist preparing the prescription and the production arborist. The PPQ credential, offered to three day class attendees, teaches you how to prescribe and perform pruning in accordance with industry standards and ISA’s BMP, which is supported by the latest research and experience.
ISA Southern Chapter proudly acknowledges our sponsors: City of Charlotte, Rainbow Ecoscience, Charlotte Arborist Association, and the North Carolina Urban Forestry Council, and the North Carolina Forest Service.
TWO TRACKS ARE OFFERED:
PRODUCERS (Day One only: Nov 17)
ISA Certification not a prerequisite. This is a one-day session with extreme value for those who work in trees. Dr. Gilman provides attendees with an understading and appreciation of proper pruning based on clear goals and communication. Producer attendees receive a certificate of attendance. There is no exam.
PRESCIBERS (Day One, Two, and Three: Nov 17-19)
Must be an ISA Certified Arborist. Prescribers attend Day One and then return for Day Two and the review and exams on Day Three. The second and third day of training focus on preparing pruning prescriptions using many examples which include outdoor exercises. This is an interactive program with many activities. There is a review and a multiple choice exam on the third day. Those passing the exam become PPQ Qualified through the Florida Chapter of ISA.
This course is a rising star in the arboriculture world. Plan to attend and register soon. We will reach capacity and sell out this course. Info and Registration HERE Registration closes October 31
November 19-20, 2025
PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY FORESTRY CONFERENCE
Hendersonville, Nevada
Our friends at the The Arbor Day Foundation are thrilled to announce that the 2025 Partners in Community Forestry Conference and partnering events will be held in Henderson, Nevada from November 19-20. Additional information HERE
December 3-5, 2025
TRAQ 3-DAY COURSE FOR NEW APPLICANTS
San Juan, Puerto Rico
ISA has launched TRAQ 3.0! This new version of TRAQ will require that you verify your eligibility before you register for a TRAQ course. Please read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” to be very clear about the full course prerequisites and details about the credential and the courses.
IMPORTANT STEPS 1) If you hold a current ISA credential (Certified Arborist, etc) you can register directly for this class by using the registration link below. 2) If you are not certain about your eligibility to take a TRAQ courses, you need to compete an
application with ISA to be sure you are eligible for the course. Use this guide to get approval to register for this class if you are not an ISA credential holder. Again, if you do not hold an ISA credential, you need to apply with ISA first, then come back to Southern Chapter to register for the class. Be sure that you submit your application to ISA well in advance of the class. 3) Once your application from ISA is approved, you can then register for the class with the link below. Be sure you are prepared to register at least 30 days prior to the class. Registration will close when class capacity is reached. Register early!! Additional information can be found on the ISA Southern Chapter website at https://www.isasouthern.org/traq-events
Register HERE for December 3-5 TRAQ Course (Closes November 3 or when capacity of 20 is reached)
December 10-11, 2025
CERTIFIED ARBORIST PREP COURSE
Greensboro, NC
Instructors Dr. Keith O’Herrin, Dr. Barbara Fair, Mark Livingston, and Dr. Kelly Oten will be reviewing the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide over these two days. Participants are required to have the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide during the workshop. The study guide can be purchased through the ISA website (Copies WILL NOT be available onsite).
Registration for the two-day prep course can be found HERE.
The optional ISA Certified Arborist exam will be on December 12th in the same location as the workshop. Registration for the exam is SEPARATE from the workshop registration. See below.
December 12, 2025
ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST, UTILITY SPECIALIST, MUNICIPAL SPECIALIST EXAM
Greensboro, NC
ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Arborist, and Municipal Specialist written exams are scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2025. Applicants for each exam must register by November 24, 2025 at the ISA website. If you’re new to ISA, you’ll need to create an ISA profile at creating or logging in to your ISA account. Registering for an exam includes 2 steps. First, you must complete an application for your selected credential. On your ISA profile, find the link “Apply for an ISA Certification” Complete the application for your selected credential. Second, once the application is submitted and approved by ISA, you can register for an exam. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of registering for an exam as it can take several weeks to get a submitted application approved.
January 12-13, 2026
CERTIFIED ARBORIST PREP COURSE
Greenwood, SC
Instructor, Jimmy Walters, will be reviewing the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide over these two days. Participants are required to have the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide during the workshop. The study guide can be purchased through the ISA web site (Copies WILL NOT be available onsite).
Registration for the two-day prep course can be found HERE
The optional ISA Certified Arborist exam will be on January 13th in the same location as the workshop. Registration for the exam is SEPARATE from the workshop registration. See below.
January 14, 2026
CERTIFIED ARBORIST, UTILITY SPECIALIST, MUNICIPAL SPECIALIST EXAM
Greenwood, SC
ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Arborist, and Municipal Specialist written exams are scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Applicants for each exam must register by December 31, 2025 at the ISA website. If you’re new to ISA, you’ll need to create an ISA profile at creating or logging in to your ISA account Registering for an exam includes 2 steps. First, you must complete an application for your selected credential. On your ISA profile, find the link “Apply for an ISA Certification” Complete the application for your selected credential. Second, once the application is submitted and approved by ISA, then you can register for an exam. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of registering for an exam as it can take several weeks to get a submitted application approved.
January 29-30, 2026
SC GREEN INDUSTRY ASSOC CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW
Columbia, SC
SC Green’s annual conference and trade show featuring landscaping classes, vendors, and networking with other industry professionals. Registration HERE
S UTHERN ISA
February 24-26, 2026
SOUTHERN CHAPTER 84th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Myrtle Beach Convention Center 2101 North Oak Street
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Detailed planning is underway! Be sure to check out details on the conference web page. See you in Myrtle Beach!!
• Annual Conference overview
• Schedule
• Trade Show
• Student Poster Application
• General/Concurrent Presentation Application
• Lightning Round Presentation Application
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Who to Contact
Your work demands experts. We deliver them.
We’re invested in our people, the ones who help power the future and drive progress forward.
As experts in their field with a passion for nature, they’re never complacent in helping to deliver solutions on behalf of our clients and the communities they serve.
At Davey, our workforce is continuously developing and refining their skills through ongoing training, helping drive shared success for all. From evolving technology to developing safer work practices, we prepare for what’s coming—so you’re always at the forefront. What keeps coming are compliance updates and technology evolution. And what’s vital is having a partner whose dedicated, highly trained people understand the complexity of the industry now and in the future.
That’s real power.
84th Annual Conference & Trade Show
FEBRUARY 24-26, 2026 ~ MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.
• Booth & Sponsorship Sales are now open.
• Call for Volunteer Presentations opens in October.
• Registration & Hotel Reservations open in November. ISASOUTHERN.ORG/CONFERENCE
Submit an abstract for consideration
Look online for information about presenting at our General/Concurrent sessions.
Submission Deadline: November 17, 2025
Have a Success Story to Tell in 7.5 Minutes?
Our Lightning Round Presentation might be perfect for you! More information HERE.
Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025
Take part in the Student Poster Session
Find details and online application HERE.
Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025
2025-2026
Southern Chapter Officers
President: Chris Diffley, Arbor Ki Tree Solutions
President Elect / Treasurer: Brian Watkins, Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge
Vice President: Dena Whitesides
Component Council Rep: David Vandergriff, Griff Arbor|Hort Tree Climbing Championship: Scott Winningham
TREE Fund Liaison: Matt Searels, Eocene Environmental Group
Past President: Hallie Dozier, LSU AgCenter
Media Director and Editor: Sarah Mitchell
Conference Planner: Connie Hilson
Executive Director: Skip Kincaid
Facebook Enjoy daily posts of things to make you think and things to make you laugh.
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, and LinkedIn.
Encouragement
Share the word about our scholarship program (application here). Here’s a chance to assist the next generation of green-industry professionals.
Sharing
2025-2025 State Directors
Alabama: Anne Randle Green Business Certification, Inc.
Arkansas: Brian Pope ACRT
Louisiana: Fred Fellner
Mississippi: Steve Dicke Shady Arbor PLLC
North Carolina: Leslie Moorman Town of Cary
Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands: Christian W. Torres Santana Coccoloba AgroEnvironnemental Consulting and Coccoloba Nursery
South Carolina: Paul Mitchell Wright Tree Service
Tennessee: Hannah Imagine Shaw Rainbow Ecoscience
At-Large: (open)
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.
Southern Chapter ISA Website: www.isasouthern.org Phone: (314) 215-8010
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.
S UTHERN ISA
PUERTO
RICO
Photos by Wright Tree Service.
MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Veterans Home in Oxford (top) and Biloxi National Cemetery next to Keesler Air Force Base (bottom). Photos by Mississippi Forestry Commission.
NORTH CAROLINA: Photos by Arbor Ki