2021 Texas Tree Conference Instant Replay- Educational Session Recordings 

There are plenty of great recorded presentations from the 2021 Texas Tree Conference. If you attended the Conference just contact Gene at gene@isatexas.com for information on how to access the sessions. 

If you missed the conference, you can register below to watch all twenty-two sessions for less than half-price. When you register here, you will receive a code to use to access each session. (Note: you can only receive one CEU once for a session.)

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General Sessions

Trees and Wind: Hurricanes, Tree Survivability, and a More Resilient Urban Landscape (1 ISA CEU)
Dr. Ryan Klein, Assistant Professor of Arboriculture, University of Florida, Gainesville

The likelihood of a tree failure can be exacerbated by extreme weather events. This is especially relevant across coastal areas of the United States that commonly experience hurricanes and where wind-induced tree failures are of particular concern. The presentation explores the current body of work on the topic as well as a case study from Naples, FL following Hurricane Irma in September 2017 and the resulting damage to the city’s urban forest.

The ‘21 Texas Blizzard: Aftermath (1 ISA CEU)
Sheila McBride, AgriLife Program Extension Specialist, Texas A&M Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, College Station

The impact on the landscape after the February 2021 freeze event. With the help of arborists and landscapers in their regions across Texas, comparing the landscape before the awaking in spring, including trees and shrubs.

Commercial Track Sessions

Risk Perception: Its Impact on Tree Risk Assessment and the Influence of Industry Professionalism (1 ISA CEU)
Dr. Ryan Klein, Assistant Professor of Arboriculture, University of Florida, Gainesville

There is a high degree of uncertainty with regards to how a person’s intuition, previous training, and level of expertise affect the outcome of a tree risk assessment. Additionally, very little is known as to what extent risk perception and personal bias may influence recommendations, mitigation, and the overall management of our urban forests. This session delves into the accuracy of the current and most commonly used tree risk assessment methods and the subjective nature of assessments.

Evaluating Root Rots of Trees in Texas (1 ISA CEU)
Dr. David Appel, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station

The early detection of root rots in trees is essential for mitigating detrimental tree health issues or preventing tree failures that may lead to losses of property or even personal injuries. This presentation will discuss the latest information on notorious root rot pathogens such as Phymatotrichopsis omnivore (cotton root rot), Phytophthora spp. (root decline) and Ganoderma applanatum (butt rot) while explaining their differences and how those differences relate to their management.

How Trees Grow Old and Fall Over (1 ISA CEU)
Skip Kincaid, Executive Director of the Southern Chapter of ISA, St. Louis, Missouri

This can be a scary topic for some of us! Trees can live a very long time, but eventually even they fall apart. Learn the basics of how trees grow and how they begin to fall apart. Nothing lasts forever!

Communicating with a Diverse Workforce (1 ISA CEU)
Erick Palacios, Instructor, International Arborist Institute, Magalia, California

Our world is changing and employees are too. Learn how to bring out the best in everyone in your organization from a communications expert.

Applying TRAQ in the Real World (1 ISA CEU)
Geoffrey Kempter, Technical Services Manager, Asplundh Tree Experts, Grand Rapids, Michigan

ISA’s Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) Program provides a credential for arborists who meet the minimum qualifications, take a two-day course, and pass an exam. But what does that process look like in the “real world?” This presentation provides an overview of the TRAQ program, and provides real-world examples of how the TRAQ process is applied. Geoff Kempter has been a TRAQ instructor for the past 7 years and has helped hundreds of arborists achieve this credential.

Bark and Ambrosia Beetles: Ecology, Identification and Management (1 ISA CEU)
Demian Gomez, Regional Forest Health Coordinator, Texas A&M Forest Service, Austin

Bark and ambrosia beetles are considered one of the most injurious insects in native and planted conifer and broadleaf forests. The vast majority breed in dead or dying tissues and do not produce economic impact. However, some species attack living trees, seedlings or seeds of commercial importance causing severe damage. More than 190 species occur in Texas. An overview of bark and ambrosia beetles will be provided, with focus on identification, feeding ecology, host location, and management.

SOIL MOISTURE: Top Factor for Newly Planted Tree Survival (1 ISA CEU)
Wei Zhang, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Development, Zynnovation LLC

Soil moisture is critical to newly planted trees but how much and when. Dr. Zhang show you the latest research and how to apply it when you plant trees.

Utility Track Sessions

History of Utility Forestry (1 ISA CEU)
Geoff Kempter, Technical Services Manager, Asplundh, Grand Rapids, MI

Since the first telegraph wires were strung, there has been controversy over the methods used to maintain encroaching vegetation. This presentation provides historical examples of how these issues have been approached over the past 150 years, how science, economics, ignorance and politics have affected the debate, and a vision for the future that avoids past mistakes and allows ROWs to be managed for maximum benefit.

Texas Trees, Plants, Their Pollinators and the Communities Who Support Them (1 ISA CEU)
Barbara Willy, Director of Monarch Gateway, Sugar Land, Texas

Having identified the short list of plants and trees most frequently used by native pollinators across Texas, by region, this presentation looks at groups of pollinators, their host and nectar plants, and shows examples of habitat created.

How To Grow Your Conflict Resolution Skills (1 ISA CEU)
Dr. Emily Landon, Professor, Berkeley Law School, University of California

This presentation focuses on delivering specialized conflict revolution skills to set up a constructive conflict resolution process at work and in other realms- transforming conflict into positive change- from conflict resolution to conflict reVolution. “How to Grow Your Conflict Resolution Skills” provides direct and engaging instruction on how to resolve disputes with a collaborative approach.

Are You a Boss Or a Leader? (1 ISA CEU)
Randall Miller, Director of Research and Development, CNUC, Des Moines, Iowa

Randall Miller shows you how you can grow from being a boss to a leader in you life. Using the latest research into human behavior and personal examples, he presents how to be a more effective person and to enjoy life more.

Integrated Vegetation Management Best Management Practices (1 ISA CEU)
Randall Miller, Director of Research and Development, CNUC, Des Moines, Iowa

Understand the reason for ISA BMPs and the particulars of the Integrated Vegetation BMP.

Using Drones in the Right of Way (1 ISA CEU)
Ben Thorp, Utility Forester, AEP, Laredo

Possibilities, and considerations to take when integrating unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) into your r.o.w. vegetation management program.

Municipal Track Sessions

Inspiring the Next Generation of Arborists (1 ISA CEU)
Dr. Hans Williams, Dean Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, Stephen F. Austin University

Dr. Williams presents on today’s future employees and leaders (students).

Climate Change and Its Impact on Urban Trees (1 ISA CEU)
Dr. Ryan Klein, Assistant Professor of Arboriculture, University of Florida, Gainesville

Climate change models predict an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters (i.e., drought, hurricanes, and pest outbreaks) across the globe. Average annual extreme minimum temperature will continue to increase and as a result, hardiness zones will shift further to the North and West. This talk explores the potential challenges that we face if climate change predictions hold true and some of the opportunities that we have to design more sustainable and resilient urban forests.

Sustainable Urban Forestry (1 ISA CEU)
Paul Johnson, Director of Urban and Community Forestry, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Austin

Setting the stage for the evolution of urban and community forestry and the synergy of bringing SFI into the urban and community forestry sector. Our trees, air, water, and associate macro and microflora and fauna don’t recognize political boundaries. Forest certification has helped us increase sustainability and marketability of our forests and associated products. We’re bringing similar tools to urban and community forests. Join us as we explore the first draft of this new standard.

Benefits of Urban Wood Utilization & Adaptive Tree ReUse (1 ISA CEU)
Devin Ginther, President, Texas Urban Sawmill, LLC, Dripping Springs

This presentation is focused on the benefits of utilizing urban trees for the production of urban wood lumber and urban wood products across Texas. Our fallen urban and rural trees are often viewed as waste products when in reality a percentage of these trees can be repurposed as valuable, environmentally sustainable timber products. It is estimated that urban lumber has the potential to replace 30% of traditional lumber production while having far greater environmental benefits.

Your Ash is on the Line! (Emerald Ash Borer) (1 ISA CEU)
Dana Coelho, Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager, Colorado State Forest Service, Bloomfield, Colorado

Funded by a 2018 USFS grant, the Your Ash is on the Line project was designed to provide communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to respond to the EAB infestation effectively and expand collaboration among communities. Community inventories, wood utilization workshops, and planning resources are an important part of the agency’s collaborative work with the Colorado Tree Coalition and other partners to preserve, renew, and enhance community forests in Colorado.

Grafting Volunteers Into a Blossoming Program (1 ISA CEU)
Mark Bird, City Arborist, San Antonio

Learn how to engage community volunteers to make your tree program grow. Attendees will learn how to identify tasks, recruit volunteers, and create safe, fun, and productive events. An overview of the San Antonio Parks and Recreation tree adoption and tree planting programs will be included.

Dallas’ Green Prescription (1 ISA CEU)
Lannie McClelen, Southwestern Medical District Project Coordinator, Rachel McGregor, Staff Forester, Texas Tree Foundation, Dallas

In the wake of the pandemic, spending time outside is more critical than ever in sustaining people’s mental and physical health. Texas Trees Foundation believes the key to better health lies within the green infrastructure framework of each city. A closer look will be taken at the Dallas Urban Forest Master Plan and other programs and projects implemented by the Foundation that reconfigure the public realm to leverage the restorative benefits of the environment to improve human wellness.

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