2021 Texas Tree Conference

Welcome to homepage for the Texas Tree Conference

Thanks to all who attended! See you at this year’s Conference in Waco – September 27-29, 2022

Click here for the recordings of the 2021 conference sessions!

The Texas Tree Conference is back live in 2021! Last year we enjoyed connecting virtually with you, but this year we can’t wait to see your smiling face in person. Visit with old friends and make new ones, hear from great speakers, earn CEUs and more. There will be tracks for Commercial, Municipal and Utility Arborists with plenty of time to socialize and visit the exhibitors at the expanded Trade Show.

You can attend several events this year including:

  • The Thursday and Friday Tree Conference and Trade Show that includes educational tracks for Commercial, Municipal and Utility Arborists, an awards luncheon, networking socials, receptions and more.
  • The Wednesday pre-conference Tree Academy. On Wednesday, there will be two different Tree Academy sessions and a TRAQ renewal course.
  • And the Friday Tree Schools for English and Spanish-speaking tree workers and supervisors.

Texas Tree Conference Links

Register here for the Texas Tree Conference, Academy and Tree SchoolsTexas Tree Conference, Academy and Tree School Registration
Texas Tree Conference, Tree Academy, Trade Show and Tree School Program BrochureDownload the Texas Tree Conference, Tree Academy and Tree School Program Brochure
Download the Texas Tree Conference App for iPhone or AndroidOr search for '2021 ISAT' in your app store
Exhibitors and Sponsors Click HereFor more information on exhibiting or sponsorship, contact Kirsten Schneider, Trade Show Chair, 512-974-9543. Scroll down this page to see our Sponsors and Exhibitors. Move in will be Wednesday, Sept. 29th from noon to 5:00pm. Breakdown will be Friday, Oct. 1 at 10:30am. For additional show services, contact Superior Expo Services here and for information on electricity, please see https://wacocc.com/exhibitors.
Download the Texas Tree Conference Attendee Health FormYour safety and your fellow arborists safety are our top concerns. This form must be filled in and turned in when you get your name badge.
Sign up to volunteer hereFor more information on how to volunteer at the conference click the volunteer signup link.
Click here for Silent Auction informationTo donate to the Silent Auction, contact Ginny Sills at 214-278-4066 or email at ginny.sills@gmail.com
Poster Display Information and SignupContact Daniel Vetter at daniel.vetter@co.kendall.tx.us
Contact the Conference Chair hereFor more information contact Mark Bird, 2021 Texas Tree Conference Chair at (210) 748.1966
TRAQ Renewal Course with Skip Kincaid - Register HereOffered as a separate event from the Texas Tree Conference
Click here for more information on the ISA Certified Arborist Exam offered on Oct. 1 at the Conference.Register for the certification exam happening October 1 at the Waco Convention Center
Register for a room at the Hilton hereSOLD OUT A block of Hilton Waco rooms has been reserved for September 28 to October 2. The special room rate will be available until September 7th or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. (Please make sure that you select the dates that you will check in (arrive) and check out (depart) in your reservation.
Register for a room at the Courtyard Marriott hereSOLD OUT A block of Courtyard Marriott Waco rooms has been reserved for September 28 to October 2. The special room rate will be available until September 7th or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. (Please make sure that you select the dates that you will check in (arrive) and check out (depart) in your reservation.

For more information contact Mark Bird, 2021 Texas Tree Conference Chair at (210) 748.1966 or mark.bird@sanantonio.gov

2021 Texas Tree Conference and Trade Show
Thursday, Sept. 30 & Friday, Oct. 1

At this years Texas Tree Conference and Trade Show, we will continue our history of providing outstanding education programs featuring nationally known speakers, the latest in tree research and arboriculture, an expanded trade show, an awards luncheon, and numerous networking opportunities.

Learn from national leaders in research, commercial, utility and municipal arboriculture, urban forestry, urban planning and landscape architecture.

Featured speakers include: Dr. John Ball, Professor, Extension Forestry Specialist, South Dakota State University, Brookings, Dr. Ryan Klein, Assistant Professor of Arboriculture, University of Florida, Gainesville, Dr. David Appel, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Geoff Kempter, Technical Services Manager, Asplundh, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Randall Miller, Director of Research and Development, CNUC, Des Moines, Iowa, Devin Ginther, President, Texas Urban Sawmill, LLC, Dripping Springs, Skip Kincaid, Executive Director of the Southern Chapter of ISA, St. Louis, Missouri, Erick Palacios, Instructor, International Arborist Institute, Magalia, California, Dr. Emily Landon, Professor, St. Mary’s School of Law, San Antonio and Attorney, Office of the Texas Attorney General, Austin, Dana Coelho, Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager, Colorado State Forest Service, Bloomfield, Colorado, Meredith Tilley, Assistant Parks and Recreation Manager, City of San Antonio, Michael Nentwich, City Forester, City of San Antonio, Ben Thorp, Utility Forester, AEP, Laredo, Lannie McClelen, Southwestern Medical District Project Coordinator, Rachel McGregor, Staff Forester, Texas Tree Foundation, Dallas, Demian Gomez, Regional Forest Health Coordinator, Texas A&M Forest Service, Austin, Sheila McBride, AgriLife Extension Program Extension Specialist, Texas A&M Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, College Station, Bill Green, Texas A&M Forest Service, Kingsville, Eduardo Medina, Davey Tree Expert Company, Chicago, IL, Mark Duff, Consulting Arborist, San Antonio, Guy LeBlanc, Owner, Arbor Vitae Tree Care, Austin, Paul Johnson, Director of Urban and Community Forestry, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Austin and more!

The 2021 conference theme is “Little Tree – Big Shade” and topics will include: 

  • Trees and Wind: Hurricanes, Tree Survivability, and a More Resilient Urban Landscape
  • Is it an Urban Forest or More a Collection of Trees?
  • Inspiring the Next Generation of Arborists
  • Benefits of Urban Wood Utilization & Adaptive Tree ReUse
  • Climate Change and Its Impact on Urban Trees
  • How Trees Grow Old and Fall Over
  • Evaluating Root Rots of Trees in Texas
  • Communicating with a Diverse Workforce
  • History of Utility Forestry
  • The Unqualified and Incidental Line Clearance Arborist: How do we keep them safe?
  • How to Grow Your Conflict Resolution Skills
  • Your Ash is on the Line! (EAB)
  • Grafting Volunteers Into a Blossoming Program
  • Dallas’ Green Prescription
  • Applying TRAQ in the Real World
  • Bark and Ambrosia Beetles: Ecology, Identification and Management
  • The ‘21 Texas Blizzard: Aftermath
  • Are You a Boss Or a Leader?
  • Integrated Vegetation Management Best Management Practices
  • Soil Moisture: Top Factor for Newly Planted Tree Survival

and more!

(The Wednesday Tree Academy and the Friday Tree Schools are separate events from the Tree Conference and Trade Show)

Click here to register online for all events
_______________________________________________________

2021 Texas Tree Academies

Waco Convention Center
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
(the day before and a separate event from the Texas Tree Conference)

This year there will be two Tree Academies
Please pick one when you register

Academy One: Arboriculture is a Team Sport: Safety depends on everyone!

10:00 to 5:00
(Registration opens 9:00 am)
(5.5 CEU’s)

Presented by your expert team:
Dr. John Ball, Professor, Extension Forestry Specialist, South Dakota State University, Brookings and
Travis Vickerson, Chippers, Inc., New London, New Hampshire

While we have seen some amazing technology for accessing tree canopies, from spider lifts to grapple saws, there are still many trees that require a climber. There have also been tremendous changes in climbing techniques and equipment, all designed to improve safety and efficiency.  This academy will cover the how climbers can improve performance as well as safety through discussion and demonstration.

Academy Two: An Overview of the ISA Utility Specialist Certification Study Guide – presented by one of its authors

10:00 to 3:00
(Registration opens 9:00 am)
(5.5 CEU’s)

Prep for your Utility Specialist test or just expand your knowledge with a top instructor
Geoffrey Kempter, Technical Services Manager, Asplundh Tree Experts, Grand Rapids, Michigan

This workshop provides an overview of Utility Arboriculture, the Utility Specialist Certification Study Guide (written by Kempter and Miller). Questions and discussion will be encouraged. You can purchase the Study Guide here (not included in the price of the Academy)

Topics include:

  • Safety
  • Program Management
  • Pruning
  • Integrated Vegetation Management
  • Electrical Knowledge
  • Storm Preparation and Response
  • Communications

Additional requirements apply for certification.  More information available at https://www.isa-arbor.com/Credentials/Types-of-Credentials/ISA-Certified-Arborist-Utility-Specialist

(The Tree Academy requires a separate registration from the Conference and includes lunch)

Click here to register online for all events

_________________________________________

Texas Tree Schools

Friday, October 1, 2021
English and Spanish Tree Schools
(this is a separate event from the Tree Conference)
Waco Convention Center
9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Track 1 – An Introduction to Arboriculture  – 5.0 CEUs

This course is intended for field workers and their supervisors, and will teach how to perform top quality tree care in an efficient yet safe manner.

Classroom topics include:

  • Job site safety
  • Tree industry fatality causes and statistics
  • Tree hazard assessment
  • Decay fungi ID
  • Tree biology and its relevance to pruning and CODIT
  • Proper pruning techniques

Field demonstrations will include:

  • Moving rope system (MRS) and stationary rope system (SRS) climbing techniques

Lead instructor is Certified Arborist Guy LeBlanc of Arbor Vitae Tree Care of Austin, assisted by Paul Johnson of Sustainable Forestry Initiative.  With over 60 years of tree care industry experience between them, Guy and Paul have each been teaching tree care to arborists and the general public for over 20 years.

Track 2/Pista 2 – Jornadas para Trabajadores de Arboles – 5.0 CEUs

A Spanish language workshop covering topics including:

  • Tree Work Safety, Equipment, Techniques – Eduardo Medina-Davey Tree Expert Company, Chicago, IL
  • Knuckle Boom Cranes in Industrial Forestry – Erick Palacios-International Arborist Institute, Magalia, CA
  • Oak Wilt Control Practices & Tree Pruning – Mark Duff‐Consultant, San Antonio
  • Importance of Urban Tree Care & Management – Bill Green, Texas A&M Forest Service, Kingsville
  • Tree Climbing Practical Outdoor Session – Eduardo Medina & Erick Palacio

Un taller presentado en español incluyendo: *La Seguridad, Equipo y Técnicas en El Trabajo con Árboles. *El Control del Marchitamiento de Encino y La Poda. *Grúas de Brazo Articulado en la Industria Forestal. *El Cuidado y Manejo de Arboles Urbanos. *Sesión práctica (al aire libre) de La Escalada de Árboles.

(The Tree School requires a separate registration from the Conference – includes lunch)

Click here to register online for all events

_________________________________________

Our Sponsors & Exhibitors To Date

Please visit them and thank them for their support

Platinum Sponsors:
CenterPoint Energy
Sennebogen
Texas A&M Forest Service

Gold Sponsors:
All About Equipment/Stanley Parts and Equipment
Arborjet
ArborNote Software
Asplundh Tree Expert LLC
Brabandt Equipment
The Davey Tree Expert Company

Silver Sponsors:
CSI – ACECAP-MEDICAP
Everde Growers
STIHL – Blue Mountain Equipment
TelaTree
TreeDiaper
Trees, LLC

Exhibitors:

ABC Home and Commercial Services
Aletheia Digital
All About Equipment/Stanley Parts and Equipment
Arborjet
ArboRisk Insurance
ArborMetrics Solutions
Arbor Note
ArborSystems
Asplundh Tree Experts
Athens Tree Farm
Bobcat of North Texas
Brabandt Equipment/Bandit
Chemical Containers, Inc
CSI Acecap/Medicap
Environmental Design
Greenworks Commercial
Growth Solutions
Helena Agri Enterprises
Iron Boot
Lone Star Trees
Minick Materials of Texas
Rainbow Tree Care Scientific Advancement
Spimerica
STIHL – Blue Mountain Equipment
TelaTree
Texas A&M Forest Service
Texas A&M Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
Texas Chapter International Society of Arboriculture
Texas Department of Agriculture
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Top Gun Equipment
Top Notch Tree Farm
Tracked Lifts
Tree Care Industry Association
Tree Clinic Pharmacy
TreeDiaper
TreeNewal
TREE Fund
Trees, LLC
Vermeer Texas-Louisiana

Want to be a sponsor or exhibit?
Click Here

ISA Continuing Education Credits

Enhanced Health and Safety Measures
An Important Message From The Texas Chapter ISA President

To those considering registering for Texas Tree Conference and Trade Show, I want to provide you with some important information that I hope will alleviate any concerns about attending or registering. As a result of the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ISAT will continue monitoring federal and state health and safety guidelines. We are committed to creating a valuable and engaging educational and networking experience, while also keeping the safety of our membership and speakers at the center of our event planning. 

The conference committee has been meeting regularly preparing for this year’s in-person event! We want to share some of the enhanced health and safety measures we and the Convention Center are taking to help keep everyone safe.

SAFETY MEASURES
We will be adhering to all current CDC guidelines. We will have hand sanitizing stations and KN95 masks available. We are also going to have the event spaces professionally disinfected each day. In addition, the Waco Convention Center has an advanced Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) that brings fresh outside air into the meeting spaces. We will also be setting up extra chairs in the meeting rooms so that you can socially distance. In addition, food will be served in accordance to CDC guidelines, e.g. individually packaged or served by professional food staff.

The Texas Chapter ISA maintains its responsibility to protect the health and wellbeing of its members, conference attendees and the general population while still serving its mission to provide education, outreach, research and service dedicated to the beneficial management of trees in Texas.

Click here to see pictures from the Texas Tree Conference
(Photo credits Blake Hampton)

2020 Virtual Texas Tree Conference and Academy Link

2019 Texas Tree Conference Link

2022 September 27-29
2023 September 20-22