AJ News

Today there is an increased awareness by homeowners and municipalities for the need of trained and knowledgeable tree care workers. The green industry has responded to this demand for trained professionals by creating certification programs. Presently there are over 19,000 arborists that are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. These numbers continue to grow each year.

This arborist short course is designed to increase working tree care knowledge, professional arborist skills and prepare you for the ISA Certified Arborist exam, which should improve your marketability to clients. The course is run on four Fridays in January (2, 9, 16, and 23) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Luzerne County Westside Annex in Forty Fort.

The Arborist Short Course is designed to address these relevant topics: diagnosis of plant diseases and insect pests; nutrition and fertilization; selection, installation and establishment of trees and shrubs; soil and water interaction and management; plant identification; assessment and risk management; pruning; construction impacts and management; safety and climbing. Attending this short course will increase your working knowledge of tree care and improve your competitive edge.

Along with the topics discussed, all participants will receive a copy of the ISA Arborists’ Certification Study Guide (a $95 value), Penn State publications, and other printed materials. You must pre-register for the Arborist Short Course before December 19, 2008. A registration fee of $135 (includes the ISA Study Guide) or $85 (for those who already have the study guide) covers the four full days of class and materials.

For more information about this conference, contact Penn State Cooperative Extension at 825-1701 or 602-0600 or via email – vjc1@psu.edu