Conference Schedule​​

7:15 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.

Registration & Breakfast  

7:45 a.m.​

Welcome & Opening Remarks

8:00 a.m.​

Designed Soils for Trees and Pavement, A Review and Update – ​Jason Grabosky, Rutgers University; NJ Experimental Station​​

I’ll cover definition and description of designed soils and the current information as update and explanation. We will move to a discussion of what does the tree care professional need to know//the designer need to know/ the engineer need to know. Within that discussion we will touch on the latest on root modelling under pavement and root pressure research and tree root pavement integration strategies.

9:15 a.m.​

Root Health and Biology – Stephanie Adams, Texas A&M University

Fine roots play a crucial role in absorbing water and minerals from the soil, which is vital for the overall health of trees. Despite their importance, our understanding of their health and biology is limited. This presentation will explore how to identify healthy versus unhealthy roots in the field and outline the diagnostic and management steps necessary for maintaining optimal root health.

10:15 a.m.​

Networking & Exhibitor Break

10:45 a.m.​

Soil Amendments – How Can We Improve Current Conditions – Jen Morgan, The Davey Tree Expert Company​

Many soil amendments on the market are designed to alleviate compaction, provide supplemental nutrition, and help with water-holding capacity. Choosing the correct amendment combination for the situation is the key to solving the underlying condition impacting our trees.

11:45 a.m.​

MSA Awards Luncheon & Updates

12:45 p.m.​

Guidelines for Below Ground Tree Care – Kent Honl, Rainbow Companies

Half the living mass of a tree is underground. We know a lot about how to care for trees above ground, but what about taking care of the roots and soil? This presentation provides tested guidelines and best practices for dealing with compacted soils and stem girdling roots. A healthy root and soil ecosystem is the best way to get strong and healthy trees.

1:45 p.m.​

Root Collar Excavation* – Casey Snyder, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Forestry​; Louise Levy, Levy Tree Care

Join us in learning some of the core concepts of Root Collar Excavation and be part of an in person demonstration of an Air Spade Tool out in the field.

*A portion of this presentation will be outdoors, just outside the conference venue. Earplugs and safety glasses will be provided courtesy of Bartlett Tree Experts and The Davey Tree Expert Company. 

2:45 p.m.​

Networking & Exhibitor Break

3:00 p.m.​

(Root) Grafting It All Together  – Panel Discussion 

​This panel will reflect on the day to provide some key take-aways and the big picture. 

​Panelists: Jason Grabosky; Stephanie Adams; Jen Morgan
Moderator: Kent Honl

4:15 p.m.​

Closing Remarks

4:30 p.m.​ – 5:30 p.m.

MSA Social