When
Wednesday October 19, 2016 at 7:45 AM EDT-to-
Friday October 21, 2016 at 4:30 PM EDT
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ISA Certified Arborist Preparatory Course
This three-day course instructs on the sixteen components of the ISA Arborists’ Certification Study Guide. The goal of the course is to prepare participants to take the ISA Certified Arborist exam. Earn 21.75 ISA CEU's!
Depending on the topic matter, each component is taught over a 1 ˝ to 2 hour period. Each component includes instruction on the body of the subjects covered in each chapter of the Study Guide. Additionally, the chapter objectives and key words from the front of the chapter, and the workbook and sample exams questions from the back of the chapter are reviewed. Case studies, or exercises, are included in each chapter instruction to provide context for participants. Also, some subjects in the Study Guide have outdated information. A point is made to inform participants of current thinking on those specific topics, while keeping them focused on the information required of the exam.
Day 1
8:00 Chapter 1 – Tree Biology
The opening session details the structure and interrelated physiologic functions of the different components of a tree.
10:00 Break
10:15 Chapter 2 – Tree Identification
This session will begin with a discussion on nomenclature and continue with the taxonomic features that differentiate genus and species.
11:30 Chapter 3 – Soil Relations
The physical, chemical, and biologic components of soil will detailed and their role in tree development and health.
12:00 Lunch
12:45 Chapter 3 – Soil Relations (cont’d)
1:30 Chapter 4 – Water Management
Closely linked with the soil relations chapter, water management discussion will focus on the interrelationship between soil characteristics and water and how this interaction affects trees. Discussion on irrigation and water conservation techniques will conclude this session.
2:45 Break
3:00 Chapter 5 – Tree Nutrition and Fertilization
Trees require minerals to be present and available to meet the physiological needs of the tree. This chapter details this process and ways to augment areas of nutrient deficiency with fertilization.
4:30 End of Day
Day 2
8:00 Chapter 6 – Tree Selection
To perpetuate good tree vigor over a tree's life, appropriate site and tree selection must be considered. This section discusses site considerations, tree considerations, and procedures for selecting trees at the nursery.
9:15 Break
9:30 Chapter 7 – Installation and Establishment
Chapter 7 discusses the process of a careful installation and after-planting care required to allow a tree to become established and then proceed into maturity.
11:00 Chapter 8 – Pruning
The first half of the session focuses on the ANSI A300 Part 1 Standards and the different objectives of pruning.
12:00 Lunch
12:45 Chapter 8 – Pruning (cont’d)
The session concludes with discussions on appropriate techniques and timing of pruning.
1:15 Chapter 9 – Tree Support and Lightning Protection
This segment discusses lightning protection and the various methods of tree support available that assist in prolonging tree health and longevity.
2:30 Break
2:45 Chapter 10 – Diagnosis and Plant Disorders
A wide range of biotic and abiotic issues can affect tree health. This session provides insight on what to look for in differentiating these issues and the ramifications of each.
4:30 End of Day
Day 3
8:00 Chapter 11 – Plant Health Care
This discussion will outline the key elements of Plant Health Care and its emphasis on addressing tree-related issues by an enhanced understanding of plant systems.
9:15 Break
9:30 Chapter 12 – Tree Assessment and Risk Management
Discussion in this section explains the differences between and elements of tree-specific risk assessments and system-wide tree risk management.
11:00 Chapter 13 – Trees and Construction
Trees are biological features that adapt to changes over time. Construction disrupts this process by dramatically altering site conditions. Protection measures are detailed for the three phases of development: pre-construction, during, and post-construction.
12:00 Lunch
12:45 Chapter 14 – Urban Forestry
Urban forestry concerns the management of trees at the system level and incorporates a wide range of expertise. The specializations required within this practice are discussed.
1:45 Chapter 15 – Tree Worker Safety
Arboriculture is one of the highest-risk professions today. This session details elements of a safer practice. Topics include: Z133, PPE, communications, electrical hazards, chain saw safety, felling safety, and first aid.
3:15 Chapter 16 – Climbing and Working in Trees
Climbing practices and simple rigging arrangements are detailed in the final session of the course. Emphasis is on inspection of gear, knots, climbing techniques, work positioning, and rigging.
4:30 End of Course