How to Identify, Evaluate, and Manage

Featuring Dr. Bruce Fraedrich

Careful management of tree defects creates a safer environment, reduces liability, and provides a basis for prioritizing tree care. It can also extend an individual tree’s viability as a valuable component in an urban landscape. As our knowledge base increases and urban forestry becomes more sophisticated, a higher level of duty to protect people and property from defective trees is expected. Tree professionals at all levels, who are trained to recognize and prevent hazard trees, are the best defense against problems and costly damages resulting in future tree failure.

What You Will Learn

1. Recognize symptoms of defects in branches, stems, and roots through a visual tree analysis
2. Assess risk associated with defective trees
3. Determine impact of pruning and other cultural practices on tree defense systems
4. Rate your risk evaluation methods—the impact of your effectiveness
5. Wood and root decay analysis techniques—latest tools for assessing tree defects
6. Develop proactive programs and policies—mitigate risk associated with tree failures
7. Answers to your local and regional tree care issues and concerns

Workshop Agenda

1. Introduction/Overview
2. Visual Tree Analysis—Evaluation of Above– and Below-Ground Defects
3. Documentation, Risk Tree Rating Systems, and Legal Considerations in Managing Trees
4. Regional Issues
5. Outdoor Lab
   1. Visual Tree Analysis
   2. Site Analysis for Assessing Branch, Stem, Root, and Soil Failures
   3. Techniques to Evaluate Wood and Root Decay
   4. International Tree Failure Database
6. Wrap-up in Classroom
   1. Questions and Answers

Understanding Arboriculture and the Law

Featuring Victor Merullo

Municipalities, other government agencies, utilities, private contractors, and landowners often find themselves involved in litigation from incidents related to trees. Consequently, the rights, duties, and liabilities of these entities are an area of increasing interest and concern. This information-packed seminar is designed to provide a background for understanding the issues surrounding trees, people, and the law. State and local laws and court cases will be included to tailor the seminar to each locality.

What You Will Learn

1. How the law works
2. What damages are recoverable for injuries caused by trees
3. What damages are recoverable for injuries to trees
4. Information on negligence and nuisance concepts
5. How the law affects easements and utility companies
6. Information on current legal trends
7. What is required of an “expert witness”
8. Where to locate state statutes and municipal ordinances

Seminar Agenda

1. Introduction/Overview
2. Negligence & Nuisances
3. History of Trees and Tree Law
4. Ordinances
5. Regional Issues/Local Experts
6. Utility Issues
7. Current Legal Trends
8. Specific Case Law
9. State Cases & Statutes
10. Conclusion & Discussion

Who Should Attend?

Both events are designed to benefit individuals from a broad range of disciplines.

1. Commercial & Utility Arborists
2. Community Foresters
3. City Managers and other Municipal, County, or State Officials
4. Park & Golf Course Managers
5. Ground Maintenance Staff—All levels!
6. Campus and Institutional Arborists or Physical Plant
7. Managers/Crew Leaders
8. Tree Expert Company Personnel—Service, Sales, and Management
9. Campground and Recreation Area Owners or Managers
10. Educators who teach about trees
11. Planners
12. Landscape Architects
13. Attorneys
14. Anyone who works directly with trees or the administration, financing, and management of grounds, public-use areas, or urban forestry programs.