Addressing Tree Risk in Georgia’s Coastal Communities #treerisk

The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is addressing the critical urban forest resource management issues of tree failure and risk in coastal Georgia and equipping community leaders with essential tools to proactively manage the health and sustainability of their urban forests.

International consultant, Mark Duntemann of Natural Path Urban Forestry in Vermont will address misconceptions among community leaders about the price of prevention v. the risk of costly litigation. Mark will discuss proactive management and the benefits of retaining healthy trees that pose low risk, and why and how to prioritize trees of the highest risk, based on city size and budget. This information can save cities thousands of dollars in tree value and benefits.

An important one-day workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Midway, Georgia at the Coastal Electric Cooperative to help community leaders understand genuine tree risks, benefits, and current tree risk management strategies that are reasonable and defensible.

The objectives of the Coastal Georgia Tree Risk Management project are to help cities:

• Recognize that the benefits of trees outweigh the perceived risk.
• Reduce the potential for human, home and property damage.
• Be prepared to defend the tree program if a tree-related incident occurs.
• Understand the ramifications of managing tree risk in a reactive way.
• Demonstrate due diligence and a proactive approach through “As Low As Reasonably Practical” (ALARP) concepts.
• Learn what to do and who to call. Consult an ISA Certified Arborist.

Join us! This workshop is for city and county managers, arborists, tree board members, city council members and public works directors.

Register at www.georgiaarborist.org.

Trees: Reduce the risk. It’s feasible, it’s reasonable, it’s your duty! #treerisk

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Radial Trenching and Root Collar Examination Workshop

The 48-inch DBH willow oak at Blackburn Park is exhibiting early stages of decline, likely due to soil compaction by cars parking underneath it. Damage to the tree will be mitigated by radially trenching it with an air spade to get oxygen to the roots, replace soil, and alleviate compaction. The entire procedure will be demonstrated and explained at this workshop, taught by Tammy Kovar of Biological Tree Services.

COST: $45 members, $65 non-members
DATE: Wednesday, April 8, 2015
TIME: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. (lunch included)
LOCATION: Blackburn Park, 3530 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd., Brookhaven, GA 30319. The tree is across from the Tennis Center Building. Park in the upper lot at the entrance off Ashford-Dunwoody Rd.
ISA CEUs applied

More information and online registration: Georgia Arborist Association (GAA) Radial Trenching & Root Collar Examination Workshop

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March 5th at Gwinnett Tech – Emerald Ash Borer Regulations for Metro-Atlanta Tree Care Companies

Downey Trees Log Yard, Norcross, GA

Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) is hosting an informational meeting on Emerald Ash Borer regulations specifically for owners of tree care companies to provide a basic understanding of the regulations that are now in place for the movement and treatment of ash materials. Experts from GFC’s Forest Health Department and the Georgia Department of Agriculture will explain the history of Emerald Ash Borer, quarantine regulations, compliance agreements and answer any questions. March 5, 2015 – Gwinnett Technical College, 8:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Free. For more information about the EAB regulations and the most up-to-date quarantine map, please visit our website, GaTrees.org. Questions about EAB regulations can be sent to Lynne Womack at lwomack@gfc.state.ga.us.

Pesticide : 3 hrs (category 23, forestry), 1 hr private, ISA: 3.5 hours, CLE: 2.5 hours (Environment), CFE: 3 hours

EAB Agenda March 5

EAB Regulations Info Sheet

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Arborist Certification Review Course Feb. 10 & 11 in Macon

The Georgia Urban Forest Council will present a two-day Arborist Certification Review Course taught by Certified Arborist Gretchen Musser on February 10 and 11, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (both days), at the Georgia Forestry Commission auditorium in Macon. Gretchen will help attendees prepare for the exam with lectures and hands-on demonstrations covering Tree Biology, Tree Identification, Soil Science, Water Management, Tree Nutrition and Fertilization, Tree Selection, Installation and Establishment, Pruning, Tree Support and Lightning Protection, Diagnosis and Plant Disorders, Plant Health Care, Tree Assessment and Risk Management, Trees and Construction, Urban Forestry, Tree Worker Safety, and Climbing & Working in Trees.

LOCATION: Georgia Forestry Commission Auditorium, 5645 Riggins Mill Road, Dry Branch, Georgia 31020

REGISTRATION FEE: $100 GUFC members; $115 non-members (Lunch and refreshments provided on both days.)

STUDY GUIDE: Attendees should read through the ISA Arborist Certification Study Guide (not included) to prepare for the review and the exam. The Arborist Certification Study Guide is available at http://www.isa-arbor.org and http://www.amazon.com. An ISA Certified Arborist exam will be scheduled approximately three weeks after the review course for those wanting to take it. Attendees will be responsible for completing their own application for the exam.

SCHOLARSHIPS:The Georgia Forestry Commission is offering scholarships to cover the cost of registration for tree board members and tree care workers employed by a city, county, school or university who are not ISA Certified Arborists. Scholarship applications must be approved by the Georgia Forestry Commission before registering for the class.

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS: ISA CEU hours will be available for certified arborists taking the class as a refresher course.

Questions? Contact Mary Lynne Beckley at 404-377-0404 or marylynne@gufc.org

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News From the Society of Municipal Arborists

SMA’s 2014 conference in Charlotte, November 3rd & 4th, promises to be the best ever. Once again, we are joining up with the Partners In Community Forestry conference to share venues and activities. We’ll have a great lineup of speakers and, of course, some great pre-conference workshops.

You’ll surely want to be a part of the 50th anniversary celebration, so mark your calendar now and stay tuned for further details.

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS NOW OPEN
Pre-conference workshops will be held on Monday, November 4, 2014 from noon till 4 pm. The main conference will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2014. This year’s theme is “Milestones in Urban Forestry – 50 Years of Growth”, and will focus on the evolving role of the municipal arborist/urban forester. Visit this page for full proposal requirements on the SMA website.

LIVECAST OF PITTSBURGH CONFERENCE AND Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) WORKSHOP AVAILABLE ONLINE
Want More of Your Staff to Share in the 2013 Conference Experience? Relive the highlights from the 49th Annual SMA Conference and Trade Show by purchasing a virtual livecast. This is a great tool to use as a platform for sharing best practices in urban forest partnership, planning and management, in addition to offering models of sustainability and innovation across all groups who serve community trees.

• Cost: $199
• Access the entire presentation online through October, 2014
• Includes the Emerald Ash Borer Workshop and
Day 1 of the Partners in Community Forestry Conference
• Earn 12 CEUs
• Watch any time for up to one year

WELCOME THE NEWEST SMA ACCREDITED URBAN FORESTRY PROGRAM
THE VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS
SMA has developed a peer-reviewed program that formally recognizes urban and community forestry programs for implementing excellent and comprehensive management practices. Accreditation is structured to build on the Arbor Day Foundation’s successful Tree City USA designation by incorporating additional professional standards deemed important by SMA for managing municipal trees. It also applies to programs internationally, not just in the United States. SMA Accreditation sets a high bar, and offers the highest recognition for notable accomplishments.

What are the benefits of becoming accredited?
• Use of the SMA Accreditation logo and promotional items, which demonstrates the quality of your program and recognition by your professional peers.
• Develops pride among citizens in your community for the forestry program, and demonstrates how tax dollars are yielding measurable results.
• Offers elected officials a public relations opportunity, and something to regularly boast about.
• Recognizes the work of your staff, and creates a source of pride.
• Gives your program a target for improving operations and upholding professionalism.

Get all the details on SMA accreditation and apply.

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Need an Arborist or Urban Forestry Consultant?

Professional assistance regarding your trees should be provided by an arborist who specializes in the care of individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care.

Certified arborists are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care. Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and display an official logo as identification. At this time, the State of Georgia does not license or certify arborists.

To search our database of certified arborists, select the services and service area where the tree or community is located. You can also search by name for a particular arborist, urban forestry consultant or tree care company.

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Arborist Certification Review Class, Richmond Hill, GA, Jan. 14-15

Spaces are still available in the January 14-15 Arborist Certification Review Class for those planning to take the ISA Certified Arborist Exam. This class will be held at the Wetlands Educational Center in Richmond Hill, Georgia. Instructor and certified arborist Jerry Holcomb will help attendees prepare for the exam with lectures and demonstrations.

Scholarships are available for tree boards and tree care workers employed by a city, county, school or university who are not ISA Certified Arborists.

Certified arborists who would like to take the class as a refresher course can receive 12.75 ISA CEUs.

Registration Fee: $100 GUFC members; $115 non-members

Lunch and refreshments provided on both days.

Attendees should read through the ISA Arborist Certification Study Guide to prepare for the review and the exam. An ISA Certified Arborist exam will be scheduled approximately one month after the review course. Attendees will be responsible for completing their own application for the exam.

The Arborist Certification Study Guide is available at http://www.isa-arbor.org and http://www.amazon.com.

For more details, visit http://www.gufc.org.

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Macon Tree Commission Offers Certified Arborist Training Scholarships for Tree Care Companies

This is a great idea started by the Macon Tree Commission!

Dear Tree Care Professional,

Greetings from the Macon Tree Commission! One of the duties of the Macon Tree Commission is to disseminate news and information regarding the protection, maintenance, removal and planting of trees. Although our jurisdiction only covers city owned property, we want to encourage better care of all trees in Macon and Bibb County. One way to ensure better tree care is to have more individuals with proper education and certification. Unfortunately, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists are rare in the Macon area.

Luckily, tree care professionals will have the opportunity to take a two day training course for ISA Certification at the Macon Georgia Forestry Commission Headquarters. The training will take place October 8-9, 2013. The cost of the training is $100 for Georgia Urban Forest Council members, $115 for non-members. However, the Macon Tree Commission would like to offer professionals that reside in Macon or work for tree care companies located in Macon a $50 scholarship to defray the cost of this important training. If you or one of your employees is interested in applying for this scholarship, please contact me at the phone number or email below. Due to limited funds, there are only a small number of scholarships available.

This training course will help attendees prepare for the ISA Certified Arborist Certification exam by providing lectures and hands-on demonstrations covering Tree Biology, Tree Identification, Soil Science, Water Management, Tree Nutrition and Fertilization, Tree Selection, Installation and Establishment, Pruning, Tree Support and Lightning Protection, Diagnosis and Plant Disorders, Plant Health Care, Tree Assessment and Risk Management, Trees and Construction, Urban Forestry, and Tree Worker Safety.

The Macon Tree Commission feels that the entire community will benefit from more trained professionals in the area. We are also aware that several businesses and institutions will only hire Certified Arborists and even the Macon Telegraph suggests homeowners seek out professionals with certification (‘Living Smart: Tree Care’ published August 22, 2013). Since it is difficult to find professions with certification, many hire firms from Atlanta and other areas outside of Macon. We want to keep those tree care jobs and dollars in Macon!

If you have any questions about the scholarship, please contact me. If you have questions concerning the details of the training course, please visit http://www.gufc.org/ or call 404-377-0404.

Sincerely,

Heather Bowman Cutway, Chair
478-972-2480, Cutway_hb@mercer.edu

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Hiring a Certified Arborist

This text is brought to you from Tree City USA Bulletin #6.

An arborist is a specialist who can safeguard your trees and save you from the long-term consequences of their neglect or the wrong decision. The work of a competent arborist is very important. Specifically arborists are men and women who make a career of caring for the urban forest. They possess the skills in areas that include: planting, transplanting, pruning, fertilizing, pest management, and other tree care practices. You can also consult an arborist for advice and services including tree appraisals, diagnosing problems, recommending treatments, and suggesting where to obtain competent services.

Situations in which you should consult or hire an arborist include:

• Leaves are withering, under-sized, yellowing, and/or have dark splotches.
• Limbs are dying at the ends.
• There are more than the usual amount insects, or signs of their presence.
• There are cracks in the trunk, or cankers growing on the bark.
• Apparent soil compaction and aeration is needed.
• Conserving trees in a lot you plan to build on.
• Pruning is needed for any reason and you lack the knowledge, health, and/or tools to do it yourself.
• A storm-damaged tree.
• Limbs in conflict with wires, gutters, chimneys, and/or windows.
• Any other services like lightning protection systems, fertilizing, annual tree care check-ups, etc.

Some tips in selecting the right arborist are:

• Check the phone directory under Trees, Tree Service, or Tree Care Service.
• Beware of door knockers. They aren’t usually reputable companies and come out especially after storms.
• Don’t be rushed by bargains.
• Ask for certificates of insurance, including proof of liability for personal and property damage, and workman’s compensation.
• Ask for local references.
• Determine if the arborist is a member of any professional organizations such as the Georgia Arborist Association or International Society of Arboriculture. It usually means they are more professional and better quality.
• Determine if the arborist complies with the requirements of a arborist certification.
• Have more than one arborist look at your job and get more than one estimate.
• A good arborist will offer a multitude of services.
• Avoid arborists who routinely top trees.
• A conscientious arborist will not use climbing spikes if the tree is staying in the landscape.
• Beware of the arborist who is eager to remove a living tree. Removal is the last resort.

Also make sure your agreement is correct and all in order. Have a consulting arborist or your attorney look at it to add clarification and insights. Make sure you know the total dollar amount you will be charged. Also specify the dates the work starts and ends, exactly what work will be done, the cleanup work, and the removal of the tree. Remember a well-pruned tree should be like a good haircut, only removing carefully selected branches.

From Tree City USA Bulletin No. 6

For more information and to search for Certified Arborists in Georgia, visit GaTrees.org or download A Homeowner’s Role in Maintaining the Urban Forest.

 

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Trees and Municipal Infrastructure – Free Webinar

Join Davey Resource Group and the American Public Works Association online for Trees & Municipal Infrastructure – Creating a Sustainable Alliance Sept. 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Eastern)

This Click, Listen, and Learn webinar, featuring DRG experts Jenny Gulick and Skip Kincaid, and Gene Hyde, City Forester for Chattanooga, Tenn., will provide valuable and practical insight for protecting trees during your next public construction project. You’ll discover tried-and-true and new methods to protect trees during road, utility and building improvement projects, as well as corrective measures to minimize tree decline and loss after construction. Additionally, APWA will debut their newest pocket guide on this subject. For APWA members, this webinar is FREE. Click here for details or to reserve your spot. Or contact us at skip.kincaid@davey.com or jenny.gulick@davey.com.

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