Agenda
Download a copy of the agenda here.
7:45 am – Welcome
8:00 am – Leadership for Crew Leaders and Managers
Todd Kramer
Green Industry staff are often promoted to leadership roles based on their ability to complete a task but may lack the qualities and skills required to be an effective leader. Learn how to develop leadership skills that will positively contribute to developing safe, productive and quality-oriented crews.
9:00 am – Arborist Rigging Workshop
Todd Kramer
Rigging trees and tree parts is one of the most challenging tasks for an arborist whether you are working on the ground or aerially. This course will focus on rigging forces that are put into a tree and the equipment we use. We will take a look at rigging equipment and determine best practices for it. This course will also have an emphasis on work positioning whether climbing or using an aerial device. All A.N.S.I. standards that are applicable will also be examined
10:00 am – Break / Exhibitor time
10:30 am – New insights from old discoveries: What does the scientific literature say about pruning large, mature trees?
Daniel Burcham
Pruning is the most common arboricultural practice around the world. Despite its significance, we don’t know much about pruning amenity trees, and most of this work has only evaluated the immediate consequences of pruning for small trees. Still, some insights can be gleaned from studies in related fields.. The extent of current knowledge about tree pruning will be reviewed and summarized for practitioners and the remaining uncertainty about tree pruning will be evaluated alongside industry practices.
11:30 am – Lunch
12:30 pm – Advancements in Electric Chainsaws
Jeff Englar
1:00 pm – Crane Assisted Tree Removal
Todd Kramer
This course will train workers on proper use of a mobile crane while performing arborists tasks. It will include all applicable standards that apply, i.e.; ANSIZ133.1 and OSHA standards. We will review job site set up and proper crane set up. We will review reading crane charts and capabilities. Rigging gear and techniques will be explored focusing on “center of gravity rigging”. We will also look at different cutting techniques for best outcome. Work Positioning will also be a focus whether climbing or using an aerial platform. This course will give students the knowledge and confidence to safety work with a mobile crane.
2:00 pm – Break / Time with Exhibitors
2:30 pm – Think Twice, Cut Once: Pruning treatments do not equally alter the interaction between wind and trees
Daniel Burcham
If a tree presents unacceptable risk, pruning is commonly used to reduce the likelihood of failure by improving branch structure, reducing leaf area, or increasing crown porosity. Currently, tree pruning is mostly guided by industry standards, cultural traditions, and aesthetic norms; and existing research offers mixed evidence on the effectiveness of pruning in relation to risk mitigation. This presentation will review some recent findings about changes in the mechanical behavior and wind loads of large, mature trees after pruning, and the new information will be synthesized alongside existing knowledge to identify strategies for improving the mechanical integrity of trees with adversely affecting their biological condition.
3:30 pm – Q & A Panel
4:00 – 6:00 pm – Climber’s Corner & Social