Pre-Conference

8 ISA, BCMA also available

This intermediate-level workshop focuses on essential skills for plant health care technicians, covering three key areas:

Honing Diagnostic and Management Skills

Mike Raupp, Ph.D and Paula Shrewsbury, Ph.D. lead a hands-on session on diagnosing and managing tree and shrub problems. Participants will learn to recognize damage categories, associate damage with insect and mite groups, practice diagnostic techniques, and identify management approaches. Attendees will work in teams with living and preserved samples to learn how to recognize five major categories of plant damage caused by key insects, mites, diseases, and abiotic factors.

Understanding Tree Nutrition and Soil Management

Zack Shier, BMCA, explores the relationship between urban trees and soil. Topics include diagnosing tree health issues, understanding nutrient products, and applying real-world solutions using the arborist’s toolbox. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the complete relationship between urban soils and tree nutrition.

Pruning According to ANSI A300

Thomas Pain, CTSP, conducts an interactive session on structural tree pruning. Participants will practice pruning techniques on container trees, learn about ANSI A300 standards, and review case studies. Attendees will have an opportunity for hands-on pruning with hand pruners, saws, and/or mechanical pruners.

Attendees will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience in plant health care, enhancing their ability to diagnose issues and implement effective solutions for trees and shrubs. This comprehensive training will equip participants with the skills needed to succeed in a plant health care career.

Includes continental breakfast and boxed lunch.

Max attendance: 50

Room: 324

2 CTSP & ISA CEUs

Sponsored by North American Rescue

Learn how to address life threatening bleeding, how to apply a tourniquet, as well as how to wrap and pack a wound from the American College of Surgeons Stop the Bleed standards. Participants get a printable Certificate of Completion. Every attendee receives a full stocked PABC Kit as part of registration.

Cost:
$50 – TCIA Members
$65 – Non-Members

Max attendance: 50

Room: 345

5 ISA CEUs

Sponsored by SingleOps

Learn from real business owners and arborists as they candidly share their own jouirneys integrating technologu unto their tree care businesses. Join our workshop to gain invabale insights into how technology can be used in your business, from sales to the back office. In the morning session, we will cover marketing trends and strategy, and in the afternoon session we will share actionable tips on how to use industry-specific software (using SingleOps as the example) to streamline sales and production as well as key back-office processes. Plus, we’ll share success stories and practical advice to take your use of technology to the next level.

Morning session 10:00am – 12:00pm

Lunch included 12:00pm –1:00pm

Optional afternoon workshop 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Cost:
$150 – TCIA Members
$190 – Non-Members

Max attendance: 50

Room: 337

Facilitated by Sam Hill, Sam Hill Tree Care, Steve Hilbert, Asplundh Tree Experts, Wayne Dubin, Bartlett Tree Experts, Patrick Anderson, TCIA Corporate Representative, Dr Tom Smiley, Bartlett Tree Research Labs, and Bob Rouse, TCIA, and many additional A300 committee members.

3.5 ISA CEUs

Learn about important updates on current and upcoming ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards committee activities, including some key developments tree care companies need to be aware of. Using ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards as a basis of your tree care operations can:

• Improve efficiency at your company
• Ensure your company provides proper tree care services
• Promote good communication between your salesperson, the tree crew and the client
• Protect your company from costly service callbacks, claims and lawsuits

It will also include a review of current issues and common work-proposal mistakes that can result in costly claims and lawsuits. The new ANSI A300 2023 standard offers some protection and work specification writing guidance that can mitigate these issues and help protect you and your company. Each registrant will receive a copy of the new A300 Tree Care Standard ($119.00 value).

• 12:30 PM – Registration opens
• 1:00 PM – Overview of ANSI A300 Standards, their purpose, development and use – Sam Hill, ASC A300 Committee Chair
• 1:45 PM – A300 Pruning – Steve Hilbert and Wayne Dubin, Asplundh and Bartlett Representatives
• 2:00 PM – A300 IPM Patrick Anderson, TCIA Corporate Member Representative
• 2:45 PM – Break with Attendees and Speakers
• 3:00 PM – A300 Tree Risk Assessment – Dr. Tom Smiley (Plant Physiologist and Soil Scientist, Bartlett Tree Research Lab)
• 3:45 PM – Practical applications, writing work specifications using A300 Standards – All committee members
• 4:30 PM – Wrap Up – Bob Rouse

Max attendance: 60

Room: 343

4 ISA CEUs

Sponsored by Husqvarna

This important summit will provide industry-driven strategies and realistic resources that tree care businesses can implement to positively impact their recruitment and retention initiatives, leading to a safe, productive and empowering workplace for all employees.

Participants will gain and share knowledge about:

• Recruitment trends in the industry
• Apprenticeship
• Credentialing programs
• Best practices for recruitment and retention
• Current TCIA workforce development initiatives supporting tree care companies.

Max attendance: 50

Room: 340

2 CTSP & ISA CEUs

Sponsored by ArboRisk Insurance

Your employees are out driving your vehicles every day, yet many tree care companies do not take the proper steps to minimize risk. Having an effective Drive and Fleet Management Program is essential for the success of your business. During this workshop, you will learn about the appropriate written policies and procedures needed to setup the expectations for all employees to follow and how to develop driver training and fleet management programs. Attendees will be sent a Driver & Fleet Workbook to complete prior to the workshop.

Max attendance: 50

Room: 345