ISA S UTHERN S UTHERN
I’m feeling as though this report is a “fireside chat.” There’s a one-degree wind chill outside, but the wood stove is doing its best to keep up (actually, the stove does just fine, it’s Michelle and me who have to keep up with feeding it). I hope all of you are warm and that you made it through the recent storms safely. For many, these storms are a chance to hunker down with a good book. But for those of us in the arboriculture world, it typically means preparing for some of the hardest work of the season. Stay safe and know that your work is appreciated!
Southern Chapter Report
by Skip Kincaid, Southern Chapter Executive Director
Here at Southern Chapter, we appreciate all our members and credential holders who are working to make the arborist world a better one. I have never regretted the decision to become an arborist, as I know my work makes the world a better place as well.
There is much to keep up with this time of year. Plans for our annual conference are in full swing. The agenda has been finalized (sorta!), and we’re getting all the pieces in place so that you can enjoy a few days on the beach and learn about trees. This year’s conference is very soon! If you haven’t registered yet, now might be a really good time to do so. The conference is in Myrtle Beach, February 24-26. Conference information, including speakers, hotel info, and registration, can be found on the Chapter website.
I hope you’ll tolerate just a few moments of reflection as I announce that this will be the first Southern Chapter conference in a very, very long time without our beloved Dr. Kim Coder on the program. Dr. Coder’s daughter, Linden, informed me recently that he suffered a stroke and is mending at this time. She says it will be a long road, but we all know Dr. Coder’s stalwart demeanor. I would ask that you all keep him and his family in your thoughts as he recovers. We will have a card at the registration desk for conference attendees to sign. Still putting some thought into this, but we’d like to make it a small booklet with thoughts and best wishes from everyone at the conference. Make a point to sign it when you check in at the conference.
Another big event taking place in the Southern Chapter region is this year’s Tour des Trees. This is the largest fundraising event for
the TREE Fund and supports arboriculture research. The ride will take place September 12-18, starting in Greenville, SC, and ending in Asheville, NC. Truly a Smoky Mountain experience. Registration for the Tour des Trees, is now open and accepting riders. Southern Chapter is an annual supporter of the TREE Fund and increased its annual support to $10,000 this year as an incentive to bike riders in the Chapter who may want to take part. The funds provide financial assistance to riders as they also solicit their own sponsors to support the ride and research efforts. Wanna ride? Register today and start training!
As a reminder, I’d like to be sure that you are aware of changes to the way ISA processes CEUs for educational events. Each chapter in the ISA system assists ISA with processing events and approving them for CEU credits. If you host educational opportunities and want pre-approved CEUs for that event, a description of the new process can be found on our website
The new process involves more work by Chapter staff and perhaps a bit more work on your part as an event host. But the new process means that CEU credits get posted immediately after we receive the attendance records and they get uploaded to ISA. The new system has been in place for a few months now and, while there are a few glitches and new things to learn, it seems to be coming along just fine. We have hired a new staff person to handle CEUs here at the Chapter, so processing on this end should be faster as well.
And one last reminder for those of you who are TRAQ qualified and will need to requalify this year: ISA no longer offers the one-day renewal option. Renewal is now available by attending a full three-day course and taking the exams. The renewal period is seven years, an extension of two years over the old process. We have one TRAQ course set for 2026 so far, and it’s nearly full. Other class dates will be announced soon to accommodate the demand. We have a list of those who will need to renew in 2026 and will try to arrange classes in areas with the highest demand. If you are interested in a class in your region, feel free to email the Chapter. We can’t guarantee a class in your town, but we arrange classes to try and serve as many as we can.
S UTHERN ISA S UTHERN ISA
84TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW
FEBRUARY 24-26, 2026 | MYRTLE BEACH, SC
REGISTRATION: WWW.ISASOUTHERN.ORG/CONFERENCE
Winter Storm Fern
Chris Diffley, Southern Chapter President
Watching the frantic energy of regular people preparing here in Charlotte, only to watch many express frustration that we didn’t have the apocalyptic levels of ice predicted, once more put into perspective the complicated relationship between the tree industry and storms.
While I don’t think anyone would express gratitude for storm work, for some people it will have a tremendous impact, especially in times that can be very lean. When I was younger, I can remember being proud to help people in need, terrified at the added danger, and excited at the overtime. Now, that feels immature if being gracious, cringe if you want to put it in my daughter’s slang.
While the opportunity to help people in desperate circumstances has not gone away, the risk exposure, scheduling interruptions, and general chaos far outweigh the adrenaline surge that was once there. Seeing millions without power with teen and single-digit temps looming and the destruction wrought throughout the U.S. brings much different emotions.
... Gratitude for our industry as a whole as I watched all the utility crews headed down I-85 to stage.
... Same for the number of friends I know working all the way up until the storm hit to help mitigate potential damage around here and all those who will work long hours in the aftermath.
Sadness for the people whose lives have been turned upside down, similar to Helene in 2024.
A bit of interest in how the trees react to forces not anticipated.
Though the emotions are different for me from 20 years ago, they still remain tangled and a bit disjointed. I’ll likely again find them cringe (or whatever the kids call it) in another 20 years.
Deducting ice storm damage to trees
The Federal Tax Code allows businesses and other properties held for profit to deduct tree losses associated with ice storms and other casualties. The National Timber Tax website is also a great resource when deducting shade tree losses.
To read more about shade tree losses and the federal tax code, see Stephen Dicke's article in the Summer 2025 issue of Southern Chapter News.
European vacation, tree-person style
Photos by Paul Mitchell, South Carolina Director
Paris is recruiting arborists for its trees
TREE Fund Spring 2026 application cycle
Two research grants, two education grants, and six student scholarships are ready and waiting for applications this spring. The spring cycle runs from January 15 to March 15.
This application cycle includes the Utility Arborists Research Fund Grant (UARF) and the Barborinas Family Fund Grant (Barborinas Fund). UARF is a research grant that focuses on research that is beneficial to utility tree care professionals and provides a grant of up to $50,000. The Barborinas Fund supports work with study of the processes of the nursery industry with the focus on root system and above ground structures and provides a grant of up to $10,000.
Two education grants are available for programs that educate the public about trees and the importance of tree care: the Davey
Tree Expert Company Community Arboriculture Education Grant (two grants of up to $5,000 annually) and the Ohio Chapter ISA Education Grant ($5,000).
TREE Fund has six scholarships available this cycle for undergraduate students or high school seniors who are interested in pursuing studies and careers in arboriculture and related disciplines. The six scholarships, Bonnie Appleton Memorial Scholarship, Robert Felix Memorial Scholarship, Larry R. Hall Memorial Scholarship, Will Nutter Memorial Scholarship, Fran Ward Women in Arboriculture Scholarship, and John Wright Memorial Scholarship, all offer $5,000 scholarships to students. Application details and important deadlines can all be found on TREE Fund’s website.
Four-ingredient remedy to help trees resist disease
Notes by Stephen Dicke, Mississippi Director
At our ISA Southern Chapter meeting in Little Rock, we were treated to a presentation by Dr. Glynn Percival, Senior Arboricultural Research Manager for Bartlett Tree Expert Co. Below are my notes from his presentation, so any errors or omissions are solely my responsibility.
For the past 20 years, Dr. Percival has been studying tree internal mechanisms that resist fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. Why do environmental stressors lead to so many disease problems? Internally, as trees experience stress, they tend to allocate less energy to their resistance mechanisms. That makes stressed trees more susceptible to diseases. Dr. Percival’s research has been focused on remedies that return tree disease resistance mechanisms back to normal. These remedies do not affect tree diseases directly; they help trees put up a superior fight. There is a trade-off with this treatment. Expect a 10% reduction in tree growth and fruit production. Trees will be allocating more of their energy towards disease resistance.
Salicylic Acid, Chitosan, Phosphite, and Biochar
These are the four ingredients that Dr. Percival found to be particularly effective against diseases. Combining these four together is superior to any individual treatment. He stressed that it does not take much to be effective. A little bit of each is much better than more.
All four are to be applied to the soil surface prior to mulching. The first three, Salicylic Acid, Chitosan, and Phosphite, can be tank mixed in water and applied together. Lightly apply the solution to the soil around each tree and out to the dripline. Annual applications of the liquid ingredients are recommended. Pull back mulch, apply solution to soil, and then return and freshen mulch. The last ingredient, Biochar, is a solid and is usually only applied once.
Salicylic Acid is a plant hormone found in willow that is the active ingredient in aspirin. Salicylic acid, when applied around a tree, also triggers an internal resistance response. Place a 1- to 2-inch layer of fresh willow mulch, primarily from the younger branches, around a tree to deliver a sufficient dose. Freshen mulch annually. If willow mulch is not available, then apply a light 1% solution of salicylic acid.
Chitosan, pronounced with a K, is made by treating the chitin shells of shrimp and other crustaceans with an alkaline substance, such as sodium hydroxide. Organic gardeners use it as a biopesticide that boosts plant defenses against fungal infections. Research shows it also works for trees. A light 1% solution will be adequate.
Phosphites (containing HPO2 -3) are currently applied to crops to combat fungus-like pathogens called water molds. Phosphite is closely related to phosphate but acts differently due to its formulation. It does not stimulate growth. Phosphite triggers disease resistance in many plants, including trees. Apply a 1.5% solution.
Biochar is a black, high-carbon, fine-grained solid that is produced via pyrolysis, or the direct thermal decomposition of biomass in the absence of oxygen. The result is a very stable carbon compound. Biochar applied to soils around trees can encourage them to fight foliar fungal diseases. It also primes the enzyme-based defenses in the root system. Sprinkle a liter of biochar in a fine layer on the surface of the soil around the base of each tree before mulching. If biochar can be applied prior to planting trees, then tilling it into the soil will provide a better response. Around established trees, let earthworms move biochar into the soil.
Armillaria fungi on hickory
Wood decay on hickory
Oak Bracket fungi on willow oak
Oak Bracket damage to willow oak
Tree diseases can be difficult to control. Too often, the only help we can provide for our clients is to hold their hand and cry with them. But thanks to recent research, we now have a four-ingredient remedy that gives trees a fighting chance against diseases. May we all think like Dr. Percival, “That tree is not going to die on my watch!” For further information on this subject, you are welcome to Dr. Percival’s recent research in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry publications: Evaluation of Inducing Agents and Synthetic Fungicide Combinations G. Percival and S Graham. 2021. A&UF 47(2):85–95. The Influence of Biochar Soil Amendment on Tree Growth and Soil Quality E. Schaffert, M Lukac, G Percival, and G Rose. 2022. A&UF 48(3):176–202. The Influence of Chitin- and Chitosan-Based Soil Amendments on Pathogen Severity G. Percival, S Graham, C Percival, and J Banks. 2023. A&UF 49(2):64–74.
Root decay in water oak
Stem wood decay in water oak
Verticillium wilt in maple
Sycamore Anthracnose
S UTHERN ISA S UTHERN ISA
84TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW
FEBRUARY 24-26, 2026 | MYRTLE BEACH, SC
REGISTRATION: WWW.ISASOUTHERN.ORG/CONFERENCE
Alabama Update
by Anne Randle, Alabama Director
This year marks my fourth and final year serving on the ISA Southern Chapter board, and I want to take this opportunity to note the impact this organization within the state of Alabama during that time.
In addition to supporting annual ISA Arborist Exam prep courses and TRAQ trainings available each year (led primarily by the great Jimmy Walters), the Chapter has helped fund research for our industry and customers, including the AL Cooperative Extension.
Looking ahead to the growth and development of the next generation of arborists, each year the Chapter offers scholarships and free membership to full-time university students in studies related to arboriculture.
The Chapter has also provided support for ISA CEUs offered at classes throughout the state and promotion of events from statewide organizations like the Alabama Urban Forestry Council. The newsletter regularly highlights news from our state, like the Trees4AL planting grant from the Alabama Forestry Commission and the effort to revive the Birmingham area’s urban canopy through the work of Cool Green Trees.
Finally, the Chapter has recognized leaders from our state whose impact reaches beyond our borders, like Dr. Beau Brodbeck (Dr. Kim D. Coder Award for Excellence in Arboriculture Education in 2020) and Mr. Gary Ickes (Education Award, 2024).
I think any Alabamian would say that the greatest impact the Chapter has is in the relationships it builds across our region. Since I joined the Chapter in 2019, I have had the opportunity to
meet experts who blazed a trail for professional arboriculture throughout the Southeast, like Dr. Kim Coder and Dr. Ed Gilman. It’s not every day you meet the people who wrote the actual books on arboriculture.
I have also met the folks whose names you may not recognize: municipal arborists just getting started, Extension agents with decades of experience behind the scenes, and business owners and their crews who show up at conferences year after year. It truly is the conversations over breakfast and the email addresses exchanged that make our Chapter great and make us all better arborists for being part of it.
I joined the Southern Chapter board as the Alabama Director in 2022 while working with the City of Auburn as the Urban Forestry Specialist. My role has changed since then, and, although I don’t find myself up in a tree canopy nearly as often, I still value my place in the Southern Chapter. While my own work demands pull me away from the board for now, I plan to remain active in the Chapter because I have repeatedly seen the value it provides for our industry, my state, and myself. I wish the board and the next Alabama Director well and look forward to our work ahead!
Fast & Easy Tree Control
So you're thinking about riding the Tour des Trees
Here’s what it’s really like (from someone who’s been there)
This year, with the Tour des Trees rolling from Greenville, SC, up to Asheville, NC, Southern Chapter riders suddenly have the perfect chance to jump in without a ton of travel planning. And, honestly, there’s no better stretch of the country for a ride — gorgeous climbs, rolling hills, and plenty of trees to keep things interesting!
It’s also a special year because it marks Paul Wood’s final ride as the event director. If you’ve ridden before, you know how much heart, humor, and behind-the-scenes magic he brings to the Tour. If this is your first year, well … you’re jumping in at the end of an era, and it’s a great year to be part of it!
Let’s talk about the real stuff: the things first-timers always wonder about, but don’t want to ask.
Signing up (it’s easier than you think)
Once you click this registration link, you’re basically done. Choose how long you’d like to ride:
n The full Greenville —> Asheville experience.
n A couple of days.
n Just a single “try it out” day.
n Virtual ride. Get those miles in on a stationary bike or in your community.
You’ll get your own fundraising page, which you can personalize and track your progress. Sync your Strava account to the fundraising page to track your training progress too!
What to do about your bike
n Drive it to Greenville. Easy, simple, done.
n Ship it. BikeFlights or a shop can pack it and s end it to the starting hotel or a partner shop.
n Flying. Some airlines allow you to check sports equipment for free (you’ll need a bike box).
What it costs (and what you actually get)
The Tour has two costs: registration + fundraising. $100 registration fee (single hotel room is extra). This fee does not count towards your fundraising minimum. Registration + sponsors cover a LOT
n Hotels each night
n Breakfast, lunch, snacks
n SAG support (aka on-road assistance)
n Mechanics
n Massage therapists (maybe the best part!)
n Luggage transport
n Official jerseys, plus you get a credit with options to purchase more/accessories
n Route support and safety
n And a smooth, well-run experience thanks to Paul Wood and his amazing team!
You’ll likely handle a few dinners and your travel to Greenville, but otherwise, you’re taken care of.
Fundraising minimum
Everyone worries about this part. But honestly? Between coworkers, clients, friends, family, and the general “trees are good” crowd, people are usually happy to pitch in. Let them know that they are putting their dollars toward supporting the Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund and all the amazing work they do.
What does the TREE Fund do? TREE Fund makes grants to researchers making scientific discoveries related to trees, urban forestry, and arboriculture. Dollars you raise support young scholars going into the green industry, and they support K-12 educational programs that help grow knowledge and awareness of the importance of trees at the community level. Basically, if it has to do with the trees where we live, TREE Fund likely has a part to play.
§ $3,700 fundraising minimum for full Tour (five-day) riders
§ $3,100 for four-day riders
§ $2,500 for three-day riders
§ $1,900 for two-day riders
§ $1,300 for one-day riders
§ Virtual Tour des Trees at home participants: No fundraising minimum.
Don’t want to commit to the full Tour?
This is a perfect year to ride for a day or two because the proximity makes logistics super easy. And partial riders are fully welcomed into the group.
Getting
sponsors & donors (wayyyy simpler than people think)
Just tell your people, “I’m riding the Tour des Trees from Greenville to Asheville this year. Would you help me support tree research with a small donation?” Boom! You’re rolling.
Clients are often supportive of this. Utility folks? Same. Tree people? Definitely. Some of your local business owners may be willing to donate. Don’t be shy about asking.
What a day on the Tour really looks like
This part surprises most first-timers because it feels way more relaxed than they expect.
Morning in Greenville (and beyond) Eat breakfast. Roll out with friends.
Gear you actually need (keep it simple)
n Helmet (KASK donates new helmets each year too)
n Padded shorts
On the road toward Asheville Rest stops every 20-ish miles. Snacks. Water. A little education. A lot of encouragement! On several days during the Tour, riders can participate in community education events under the loving direction of Professor Elwood Pricklethorn that are scheduled at various locations along the route. These Pricklethorn events are a blast and effective at bringing the love and energy of the tour to local hosts. We even plant a few trees along the way.
Afternoon
Roll into the hotel. Bags are already there. Shower, nap, snack, get a massage, whatever you want.
Evening
Sometimes a group dinner, sometimes local restaurants. A little programming, a little laughing, a lot of storytelling. Then sleep, reset, repeat.
Even the climbs toward Asheville don’t feel so bad when you’re with a good group of old and new friends!
Tips
from people who’ve been there
n Ride your pace. There’s always a group your speed.
n Eat and drink early and often.
n Bring a rain jacket. Greenville —> Asheville weather can change fast.
n Talk to people. You’ll meet lifelong friends.
n Take pictures.
Reach out with any specific questions and one of the experienced riders (below) can share their experiences with you in more detail.
A big thank you to Matt Searels, who assembled this information with help from Hallie Dozier and Jonathan Cain.
n Gloves
n Sunglasses
n Water bottles (2 included with full registration)
n A couple of tubes and maybe some CO2
n Rain jacket
n Sunscreen
And for comfort:
n Chamois cream
n Portable charger and cords
n A tiny bit of laundry soap
Seriously, that’s enough.
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.
February 6, 2026, in Cleveland, AL Registration HERE
February 9, 2026, in Escamia County, AL Registration HERE
February 20, 2026, in Conecuh County, AL Registration HERE
Maintenance and Management of Landscape Trees
Join Green Up Alabama for a one-day workshop (three locations). Topics include proper tree pruning, urban tree health, tree selection, risk assessment, trees & construction, tree planting & establishment, and outdoor demonstrations.
February 13, 2026
Intro to TRAQ
Oak Ridge, TN
This is a FREE workshop hosted by the University of Tennessee that will provide you the opportunity to practice performing tree risk assessments. Registration HERE.
February 19, 2026
Carolina Canopy - Tree Ordinances
Greensboro, NC
Join the NC Urban Forest Council for its one-day tree ordinance workshop. Registration HERE.
February 20, 2026
Bartlett Tree Experts Nashville Annual Workshop
Nashville, TN
Join Bartlett Tree Experts Nashville for its one-day workshop. Topics include insects & disease, soil, heat & drought stress, and plant defense systems. More information HERE.
February 24-25, 2026
Alabama Vegetation Mgmt Society Annual Conference Tuscaloosa, AL
Join the Alabama Vegetation Management Society for this two-day event. More information HERE.
February 24, 2026 2:30pm-5:30pm Eastern
ISA Cert Arborist, Utility Specialist, Municipal Specialist Exam Myrtle Beach Convention center - Room 203, 2101 N Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Arborist, and Municipal Specialist written exams are scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Applicants for each exam must register by January 30, 2026 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 two 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.
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!!
February 26, 2026
2026 Durham County Landscape Workshop
Durham, NC
Join the Durham County Cooperative Extension Service for a oneday landscape workshop. Email ashley_troth@ncsu.edu for more information.
March 19-20, 2026
ASCA TPAQ® Training Workshop and Certificate Exam
Raleigh, NC
The North Carolina Urban Forest Council is hosting the two-day ASCA Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification (TPAQ®) workshop and certificate exam. Become trained through an introductory course in the theory and application of current tree and plant appraisal approaches, methods, and techniques. More information HERE
April 13-15, 2026
TRAQ 3-Day Course for New Applicants
Greenville, SC
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. Follow these steps ...
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. Download 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 www.isasouthern.org/traq-events
Register HERE for April 13-15 TRAQ Course (Closes March 13 or when capacity of 20 is reached)
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.
See how our training and advancements work together for you.
The silent invasion
by Allayah Jewell
For years, its strong branches have shaded streets and forests, anchoring the rhythm of our landscapes. But now, the light has shifted, dimmed by the quiet arrival of a small, metallic-green beetle: the emerald ash borer (EAB).
Introduced from Asia around 2002, EAB has spread rapidly across North America, feeding on ash trees from beneath their bark. Its larvae carve tunnels that block the tree’s lifelines (the flow of water and nutrients), leaving behind winding scars that mark the beginning of decline.
Once infected, even a healthy ash can die within three to four years if left untreated (U.S. Department of Agriculture, APHIS).
The effect is drastic. Entire stands of ash have faded from green to gray; their silhouettes lingering like ghosts in both city streets and forests. These losses ripple outward, affecting wildlife that relies on ash for food and shelter, altering soil health, and straining local budgets for tree removal and replacement (Invasive Species Info, USDA).
The goal in sharing this isn’t only to warn but to awaken. When people recognize the signs (D-shaped exit holes, thinning crowns, bark splitting), they can act: reporting infestations, supporting replanting efforts, and choosing to protect what’s left. Because when we understand the story of the ash tree, we don’t just see loss, we see the chance to preserve a living legacy.
Allayah Jewell is a recipient of a scholarship from the ISA Southern Chapter.
A new vision for the Component Council
by David Vandergriff, Component Council Representative
The Component Council met at the ISA Annual Meeting in New Zealand with members of the Board of Directors and ISA staff. We reviewed and discussed the Strategic Vision 2040 document that was finalized by the ISA BOD following a strategic visioning process exploring future trends in the world, technology, professional associations membership, and credential holders. They envision “ISA as a more diverse, dynamic, and inclusive global organization of professionals connecting trees, the environment, and society, providing solutions by expanding and sharing the knowledge of trees.”
Four outcomes from implementation of this vision will be used by ISA and the profession to move forward. Each Component member will play a vital role in the success and benefits resulting from working together to implement this plan for the future.
1. Further develop and enhance experiences across the globe by promoting the exchange of ideas, listening to voices, and allowing perspectives so all are valued.
2. Expand pathways for entry, advancement, and inclusion in the profession.
3. Grow relationships, partnerships, and strategic alliances to advance arboriculture and urban forestry.
4. Position ISA to be nimble, strategic, adaptable, and opportunistic in the face of change.
This reflects the change that took place that transitioned our group from the Council of Representatives to the Component Council. We now meet directly with representatives from the BOD and ISA staff instead of having an Executive Committee that represented us to the BOD.
The BOD is very focused on getting feedback and ideas from the components, so please contact me to let me know your thoughts, opinions, and ideas so they can be passed on to the BOD. I look forward to hearing from you.
Cert Arborist Exam Review
by Dena Whitesides, Vice President
Southern Chapter recently held a two-day ISA Certified Arborist Exam Review Workshop at The Arts Center of Greenwood, SC (ninth year running!). This workshop is designed to support public and private sector tree care professionals preparing for the arborist certification. Additionally, it is a great opportunity for already certified folks to engage in it as a refresher course, which also banks more than 10 CEUs.
Jimmy Walters conducted most of the workshop, providing an in-depth review of each chapter of the study guide while entertaining questions along the way. Jimmy also facilitates the ISA TRAQ course (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) and travels throughout ISA Southern’s footprint to teach and administer the exam for this credential.
Stephanie Turner, Clemson Extension Horticulture Agent for Greenwood County and Master Gardeners Program Coordinator, provided two amazing presentations on soils and water management. Dena Whitesides, ISA Southern Vice President, coordinated the event and provided on-site logistics and moderation.
Training the next generation
by Brian Watkins, President Elect/Treasurer
I have the responsibility of teaching arboriculture to undergraduate urban forestry students at Southern University and A&M College this year. This class will help them understand tree biology, pest management, soil science, and risk assessments. Students will be able to use the knowledge that they learn and apply it in the field.
Working with the students will enable me to teach judgment that can’t be found in a manual, such as how to read a tree’s structure, anticipate how wood will react under tension, and adapt to changing conditions in real time. We'll also discuss climate change, urban expansion, and new diseases that create challenges for arborists.
Teaching future arborists to think critically, stay curious, and continue learning is just as important as any technical skill. Certifications, ongoing education, and exposure to new tools and research help ensure they’re prepared for a fast-changing landscape.
More than teaching someone how to climb trees or how to run a saw, this course is about passing on deep respect for living systems and the responsibility that comes with caring for them. Arborists work at the intersection of ecology, safety, and community, and good training reflects all three. From the start, new arborists must learn that every cut has consequences, not just for the tree, but for the soil, wildlife, and people who live around it.
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
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2025-2026 State Directors
Alabama: Anne Randle Green Business Certification, Inc.
Arkansas: Brian Pope Expert Tree Academy
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)
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.