ISA Certified Arborist®  Exam Review Course

Location: Sandy Springs City Hall

December 3-5th, 2025

Wednesday/Thursday: 8 am- 5pm

Friday: 8-12

Registration Deadline: December 1, 2025

Premier Sponsor:

LUNCH SPONSOR: 

Cost:

$150 - GAA Members

$218 - Non-members (includes 1 year of Membership to GAA)

$350 - Lunch Sponsorship

(limit of 2 sponsors)

***Scholarship Opportunities Available - see Important Notes section for process and eligibility***

Presented by:  

Rob Swanson and Kay Evanovich

About our speakers: 

Over two full day sessions, experienced instructors and certified arborists Rob Swanson and Kay Evanovich will help attendees prepare for the exam with talks covering Tree Biology, Tree Identification, Soil Science, Water Management, Tree Nutrition and Fertilization, Tree Selection, Installation and Establishment, Pruning, Tree Support and Lightning Protection, Diagnosis and Plant Disorders, Plant Health Care, Tree Assessment and Risk Management, Trees and Construction, Urban Forestry, Tree Worker Safety, and Climbing & Working in Trees.  Attendees will also learn about eligibility for the exam and taking the exam.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Full Agenda coming soon.

Attendees should combine this class with the study of the ISA Certified Arborists' Study Guide (not included in course registration).  The GAA has a limited number of copies available in exchange for a donation to the GAA.  You can make your donation here.

Attendees are responsible for completing their own application for the exam through the ISA.  This is a 2 step process which begins with an application, and once approved by the ISA you can register for the exam date and location of your choice.  Exam fees are handled by ISA and are not included in registration for this course.  You can find a copy of the ISA Certified Arborist Application Guide HERE.  If you have any questions about the process, the GAA is happy to help!

Scholarships are available to tree board members and tree care workers employed by a city, county, school or university who are not already ISA Certified Arborists.  Scholarships are sponsored by the Georgia Forestry Commission.  Applicants must be employed within the State of Georgia.  Scholarship covers the $150 cost of the course, but does not include free membership.  You may apply for scholarship here.  If applying for scholarship please be sure to register to hold your spot - instead of paying just choose "invoice me". Scholarship application deadline is December 1, 2024.

10 CEUS AVAILABLE

***For those who want to register for the course as a refresher, and are already certified arborists you can receive 15 CEUS.  CEU sign in sheets are virtual and will be provided to the class in the chat window at the end of each session.  If you do not submit your sign in sheet, you will not receive CEUs.***

Questions? Contact GAA Administrator at 404-913-1422 or at info@georgiaarborist.org

ISA TRAQ FULL COURSE -

TREE RISK ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATION 3.0

Published on Monday, September 15, 2025

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) will implement important updates to the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) program effective 5 November 2025. Changes include updates to the educational materials and program as well as examinations as a response to the most recent Job Task Analysis and Standard Setting performed for the program.   

These updates and programmatic changes are also done based on international standards for this type of training and development program. It ensures the credential remains current, reliable, and aligned with industry standards. Read the full press release here. 

December 10-12th, 2025

COURSE LOCATION: 

Vermeer Southeast
1320 Gresham Rd NE
Marietta GA 30062

Instructor:

Jimmy Walters 

14.5 CEUs Available

Registration Deadline:

November 1st, 2025

(Slots fill up fast!  Register now!)

Registration Cost:

$625 - Georgia Arborist Association & ISA Member Rate

$625 - Georgia Arborist Association Member Only Rate (not a member of the ISA)

$700 - ISA Member Only Rate (not a member of the GAA)

$795 - Non-Member Rate (not a member of ISA or GAA)

If you are interested in becoming TRAQ qualified, please take some time to read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” available here -  . The guide will provide details about the application process and let you know what pre-requisites are required to apply for the credential.

The TRAQ course and credential provide an opportunity for professionals in the arboriculture industry to expand their knowledge through education and training in the fundamentals of tree risk assessment. This qualification promotes the safety of people and property by providing a standardized and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide tree owners and risk managers with the information to make informed decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Earning the qualification requires attendance at a 2-day educational course followed by a ½-day assessment that includes both a written and field exams. The first two days are typically 8am-5pm and the third day (exam day) is 8am-noon. It is required that you attend the entire course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive this qualification. Coffee and a light breakfast are typically included each day along with lunch the first two days. If overnight travel is needed you will need to make hotel reservations on your own.

At the bottom of this email you will find recommended accommodations as well as more information about the location

The course includes Tree Biology and Mechanics, Tree Inspection and Assessment, Data Analysis and Risk Categorization, and Risk Reporting. The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) Course prepares the participant to take the TRAQ assessment to become ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. Once registered, you will receive a Course Workbook that you can read and study to prepare for the course. The course manual is no longer included in the materials shipped to you. It can be purchased ahead of the course at a discount on the ISA webstore if you have already registered for the course (available after October 20th). It is strongly suggested that you read the materials prior to the course. Not all of the materials on the exams will be covered in detail in the classroom. The Manual and Workbook are essential parts of the learning process for this course.

Meet the Instructors:

Jimmy Walters: Certified Arborist since 1996. SC Registered Forester. 1971 graduate of Clemson University, BS Forestry. Retired with over 40 years service with SC Forestry Commission. Retired as Program Coordinator for Urban and Community Forestry in SC. Charter member of SC Urban and Community Forestry Council (now Trees SC).  Board of Directors, SC Vegetation Management Association, active in the SC Green Industry Association. Past President, Southern Chapter ISA and member of Florida Chapter as well. Now operating an arboricultural consulting firm, Urban Forest Advisors, LLC. Skilled teacher and public speaker. Many classes and lectures on Hazard Tree Management (old terminology) and Tree Risk Assessment prior to TRAQ. 

HOTEL BLOCK INFORMATION:

Coming soon. 

Disclaimers, Important Information, & Refund Policy:

• Applicants for TRAQ courses must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. These classes often fill up quickly since class size is limited. Register as early as possible to avoid missing the location you want!

• The FULL course is required for those qualified applicants that wish to earn the TRAQ credential.

• This class provides the needed exams that must be passed to earn the TRAQ credential.

• Please bring your own hard hat and vest to the event.

• Please bring your government ID.

• Be sure to bring your course materials. (This will be mailed to you by the ISA in advance.)

***Cancellation & Refund Policy -
All cancellations made after the registration deadline of the event, no-shows, or those found to not have the required pre-requisites will not be eligible for refund. Cancellations made prior to the registration deadline/shipment of course materials are eligible for full refund. Cancellations made within 1 week of the registration deadline will be eligible for full or partial refund if GAA is able to fill their spot with a waitlisted registrant. All refunds are subject to a 3.5% credit card processing fee.

Basic Chainsaw Use: BC-1

The goal of this course is to properly educate students on chainsaws and their use in the field. By the end of the course, students should be able to perform basic chainsaw operations (bucking, limbing, basic felling), troubleshoot basic mechanical chainsaw issues, and provide proper care and upkeep for equipment. We will cover general chainsaw operation hazards and procedures, as well as those that are specific to the work performed by students in the field (storm work, hazard trees, etc.)

December 12-13, 2025
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Athens, GA

Agenda

Day 1: 

Classroom 

PPE Review,

• Chainsaw review
• Tool Use and Maintenance,
• Cut Theory
•  Felling Theory
•  Hazard Trees and Situations. 

In the field

• Maintenance
• Sharpening
• Saw Operation/ Safety. 

Day 2: 
In the field - in Groups

• Review of Day 1
• Bucking,
• Limbing
• Tree Felling and processing.

 *Breaks and lunch breaks are included each day.

Requirements:

Students are responsible for bringing their own equipment and PPE for the course.

• Students must be able to demonstrate basic skills: Proper PPE use, Proper and safe tool use; basic felling, bucking and limbing for full completion of this course and to receive a Certificate of Training and Patch.
• Physical ability to hold and work with an appropriately sized chainsaw. Able to perform a full day of work in the field. 

Gear List:

PPE

• Helmet
• Eye protection ( Z87 rated) 
• Hearing protection 
• Chaps 

  (The GAA has a limited number of protective legwear for use. If you do not have chaps or protective legwear, please reach out to discuss options.).

• Glovess
• Boots 

Tools: 

• Chainsaw & bar (16” minimum) (The GAA will have a limited number of saws available to use. If you do not have your own saw, please reach out to discuss options). 
• Gas and Oil for personal use 
• Ax and felling wedges (2-4) 

• Scrench or clutch cover wrench 
•  Round sharpening file that matches your specific chain
•  Flat File 
• Extra Chain loop 
• Plumb Bob (optional) 
• Lumber Crayon (optional) 
•  Inclement Weather Gear (we will cut in the rain, without lightening) 
•  Lunch and snacks for the day(s) 
• Pen and paper for any notes you’d like to take in the classroom portion. 

About the Instructor

Nat Walker – Sawyer, Educator, and Consultant

With 17 years of experience running saws, Nat Walker is a seasoned Contract Faller,

Climber, and Consultant, as well as a Contract Educator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. A former Wildland Firefighter Sawyer, Nat has spent much of his professional career in the field, honing his craft and working with chainsaws across various challenging environments.

Recognizing a significant gap in accessible, high-quality training for sawyers, Nat is committed to changing the landscape of chainsaw safety and education. Drawing from years of hands-on experience and participation in field-specific training courses, Nat is dedicated to creating a comprehensive education system that empowers individuals to enhance their skills and prioritize safety.

Through his work, Nat strives to make expert chainsaw training accessible to anyone eager to improve their craft, helping to build a safer and more skilled community of sawyers.

Motosierras: tecnicas y seguridad en espanol

sabado 13 de diciembre, 2025

8am-3pm

3241 Jonesboro Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30354

CEUs disponible

GRATIS para miembros de la GAA

$35 para miembros del publico 

En esta capacitacion vas aprender sobre el uso correcto, mantenimiento, seguridad, y techniquas practicas para el uso de motosierras en la arboricultura y el campo.  

Los objetivos del curso de capacitación son:

- Capacitar al personal de cuidado de árboles sobre los peligros asociados con el uso de motosierras.

- Operaciones básicas de motosierras (tronzado, desrame, tala básica).

- Peligros y procedimientos para trabajos en tormentas y árboles peligrosos.

- Capacitar en técnicas adecuadas y buenas prácticas aceptadas.

- Cuidado y mantenimiento básico de la motosierra

- Incrementar la participación en el cumplimiento general de las normas de seguridad de OSHA y la autovigilancia.

EPI OBLIGATORIO

TRAIGA SU PROPIA MOTOSIERRA

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Course is in SPANISH

Chainsaws: Techniques and Safety in Spanish

Saturday December 13, 2025

8am-3pm

3241 Jonesboro Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30354

CEUs available

FREE for GAA members

$35 for members of the public

In this training, you will learn about the proper use, maintenance, safety, and practical techniques for using chainsaws in arboriculture and the field.

The objectives of the training course are:

- To train tree care personnel on the hazards associated with chainsaw use.

- Basic chainsaw operations (bucking, limbing, basic felling).

- Hazards and procedures for working in storms and hazardous trees.

- To train in proper techniques and accepted best practices.

- Basic chainsaw care and maintenance

- Increase participation in general OSHA safety compliance and self-monitoring.

December Lunch and Learn: Understanding Local Tree Ordinances in Georgia

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring four esteemed municipal arborists from various regions across Georgia. This webinar is designed to shed light on the intricacies of local tree ordinances, their development, and effective strategies for navigating them.

What You Will Learn:

• Diverse Ordinance Approaches: Explore how different municipalities approach tree regulations and the unique considerations that shape these policies.

• Navigation Tips: Learn best practices for understanding and complying with the specific tree ordinances in your area, whether for property management, development, or conservation purposes.

• Ordinance Development: Learn about the process in which the ordinances are created or changed and why they are important to the legacy of the communities impacted.

Meet the Panelists: Our panel will feature experienced municipal arborists who bring diverse perspectives from urban, suburban, and rural settings within Georgia. Each will share their insights, experiences, and practical advice.

Panelists include: 

Mateo Fennell is the Community Forester for Athens Clarke County, where he nurtures both trees and relationships with equal care. He holds a Bachelor's of Science degree from the Eugene Odum school of Ecology at the University of Georgia.

As an ISA Certified Arborist with TRAQ and WRRQ qualifications, Mateo doesn't just know trees he speaks their language ... and often translates so the homeowner can hear. For more than 20 years, Mateo has worn many hats (and helmets), including those of climber, sales arborist, and plant health care technician.

But perhaps his most unique title was as a technical representative for a Fortune 500 company, where his specialty was "verbal firefighting" -extinguishing misunderstandings with wit, patience, and charm. Trained in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and even the art of snake and human charming, Mateo brings a unique blend of expertise, humor, and empathy everywhere he goes.

William Park is  the Urban Forester at the City of Sandy Springs, I am passionate about integrating forestry and conservation strategies into city planning. With a background in environmental science and as a certified arborist, I specialize in land-use policy, environmental impact assessments, and habitat restoration. I lead cross-departmental collaborations to weave green infrastructure into urban landscapes, fostering resilience and long-term environmental benefits. I also engage communities through public outreach and education, encouraging civic participation in urban forestry initiatives. Additionally, I represent municipal interests in professional organizations, building strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable urban development.

Rich Deckman is a 1985 graduate of the SUNY School of Environmental Science and Forestry with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. He is an ISA certified and TRAQ qualified arborist.

He received his arborist certification in 2007

Prior to joining the City in 2010, Mr. Deckman spent almost 3 decades as a landscape architect in a multidisciplinary design environment working in residential, private development, and municipal markets. He was the consulting arborist for the City of Marietta from 2008 until he was hired as the Landscape Architect / Arborist for the City of Marietta

Initially when coming aboard with the city, he was charged with master planning and implementing a $26 million parks bond which included the development of new parks as well as updates and renovations to existing facilities. Currently as the Deputy Director, Mr. Deckman oversees the management of the city’s parks and buildings. As well he participates in the design and implementation of all things landscape, from parks and streetscape improvements to City trails. As the City’s arborist he assists the Planning and Zoning department with development plan review and he oversees the management of Marietta’s urban forest.

He is on the Board of the Marietta Tree Keepers taking an active role in all of the Tree Keeper plantings and events

Moderated by the Georgia Forestry Commission Urban and Community Forestry Team

Who Should Attend: This webinar is perfect for arborists trying to navigate a tricky ordinance, developers, environmental advocates, city planners, and anyone interested in understanding tree-related regulations in Georgia.

1 ISA CEU applied for. 

Register Today to gain valuable knowledge and enhance your ability to navigate local tree ordinances effectively.

    

Curso de preparacion para el examen de arborista certificado por la ISA®

ISA Certified Arborist®  Exam Review Course

Ubicación: 

Alpharetta City Hall Community Room

2 Park Plaza
Alpharetta, GA 30009

15 y 16 de enero, 2026

8am-5pm

Fecha límite de inscripción: 10 de enero, 2026

Costo:

$100 - Miembros de la GAA

$175 - No miembros (incluye 1 año de membresía a GAA)

$175 - Patrocinio de una reservacion 

***Oportunidades de becas disponibles: consulte la sección Notas importantes para conocer el proceso y la elegibilidad***

Presentado por:  

Miguel Sarabia, CA

About our speakers: 

Durante dos sesiones de día completo, el instructor y arborista certificado Miguel Sarabia ayudará a los asistentes a prepararse para el examen con charlas que cubrirán la biología de los árboles, la identificación de los árboles, la ciencia del suelo, el manejo del agua, la nutrición y fertilización de los árboles, la selección, instalación y establecimiento de árboles, la poda, el soporte de los árboles y la protección contra rayos, el diagnóstico y los trastornos de las plantas, el cuidado de la salud de las plantas, la evaluación de los árboles y la gestión de riesgos, los árboles y la construcción, la silvicultura urbana, la seguridad de los trabajadores de los árboles y la escalada y el trabajo en los árboles. Los asistentes también aprenderán sobre la elegibilidad para el examen y sobre cómo rendirlo.

 NOTAS IMPORTANTES::

Los asistentes deben combinar esta clase con el estudio de la Guía de estudio para arboristas certificados por la ISA (no incluida en la inscripción al curso). Los primeros 5 registrantes recibiran una copia de la guia gratis. 

Los asistentes son responsables de completar su propia solicitud para el examen a través de la ISA. Este es un proceso de 2 pasos que comienza con una solicitud y, una vez aprobada por la ISA, puede registrarse para la fecha y el lugar del examen que elija. Las tarifas del examen las maneja la ISA y no están incluidas en la inscripción para este curso. Puede encontrar una copia de la Guía de solicitud para arboristas certificados de la ISA AQUI. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre el proceso, ¡la GAA puede ayudarte!

Solicitantes

Hay becas disponibles para trabajadores de cuidado de árboles con un mínimo de 3 años de experiencia en la industria y que vivan o trabajen dentro del área del mapa CJEST 

Los solicitantes deben estar empleados dentro del estado de Georgia. La beca cubre el costo del curso y el libro de estudio, pero no incluye la membresía gratuita. Puede solicitar una beca aquí. Si solicita una beca, asegúrese de registrarse para mantener su lugar; en lugar de pagar, simplemente elija "facturarme". La fecha límite para solicitar la beca es el 15 de Mayo de 2025.

10 CEUS DISPONIBLES

***Para aquellos que quieran inscribirse en el curso como actualización y ya sean arboristas certificados, pueden recibir 10 CEU.******

 INFORMACIÓN DEL HOTEL 

 

¿Tiene preguntas? Comuníquese con un administrador de GAA al 470-768-8530 o al correo electrónico maria@georgiaarborist.org

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ISA Certified Arborist®  Exam Review Course

Location:

Alpharetta City Hall Community Room

2 Park Plaza
Alpharetta, GA 30009

January 15 & 16, 2026

8am-5pm

Register by: January 10, 2026

Cost:

$100 - GAA Members

$175 - Non-Members (includes 1 year of GAA membership)

$175 - Ticket Sponsorship

***Scholarship Opportunities Available - See Important Notes section for process and eligibility***

Presented by:

Miguel Sarabia, CA

About our speakers:

During two full-day sessions, instructor and certified arborist Miguel Sarabia will help attendees prepare for the exam with talks covering tree biology, tree identification, soil science, water management, tree nutrition and fertilization, tree selection, installation and establishment, pruning, tree support and lightning protection, plant diagnosis and disorders, plant health care, tree assessment and risk management, trees and construction, urban forestry, tree worker safety, and climbing and working in trees. Attendees will also learn about exam eligibility and how to take the exam.

IMPORTANT NOTES::

Attendees must combine this class with studying the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide (not included in course registration). The first 5 registrants will receive a free copy of the guide.

Attendees are responsible for completing their own exam application through ISA. This is a 2-step process that begins with an application and once approved by ISA, you can register for the exam date and location of your choice. Exam fees are handled by ISA and are not included in registration for this course. A copy of the ISA Certified Arborist Application Guide can be found HERE. If you have any questions about the process, GAA can help!

Applicants

Scholarships are available for tree care workers with a minimum of 3 years of industry experience and who live or work within the CJEST map area.

Applicants must be employed within the state of Georgia. The scholarship covers the cost of the course and the study book, but does not include the free membership. You can apply for a scholarship here. If you apply for a scholarship, be sure to register to hold your spot - instead of paying, simply choose "bill me." The deadline to apply for the scholarship is May 16, 2025.

10 CEUS AVAILABLE

***For those who want to enroll in the course as a refresher and are already certified arborists, they can receive 10 CEUs.******

HOTEL INFORMATION

WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION QUALIFICATION

January 21-22, 2026

9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Alpharetta City Hall

2 Park Plaza
Alpharetta GA, 30009

11.5 CEUs applied for

The threat wildfire poses to residents increases everyday as more communities are built in natural areas. Recent fire seasons have seen increasing property loss and death associated with wildfire. We know that it is not a question of if a fire will start, but when.

The Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualification (WRRQ), developed by Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Chapter ISA, expands the reach of the state forestry agency’s wildfire prevention messaging while equipping certified arborists with another tool in their tool box to meet client needs.

As professionals who have daily interaction with the public, arborists can help reduce wildfire risk and protect lives, homes and landscapes. When homes and their surrounding property are protected, ecosystem benefits are protected as well.

The Partnership:

The GAA will provide education and credentialing to their membership. The Georgia Forestry Commission and trained instructors from the GAA will provide expertise in fire behavior, wildfire prevention, home ignition zone, fire-resistance species, and arboriculture. Instructors for the WRRQ courses offered by the GAA are composed of a cadre of experts.

The Qualification:

As an ISA Certified Arborist, have you considered how your skills and experience can improve the safety and quality of tree care to protect people and ecosystems from wildfire? Becoming Wildfire Risk Assessment Qualified will increase your knowledge on how to evaluate and mitigate property from the threat of wildfire, allowing you to provide that service to clients and constituents.

The Course:

Explore how wildfire moves through a landscape and learn to identify mitigation options that can be recommended or performed on client properties to reduce the risk of loss from wildfire. This course will incorporate classroom sessions and conduct field exercise on homes near the training center with 11.5 CEUs applied to your ISA Certified Arborist credential. A written exam and field test must be successfully passed to gain the qualification. Total course time is 16 hours.

Registration Cost: 

$250 GAA Members
$300 Non-members

Coffee, Snacks, Lunch and all necessary course materials will be provided. A certificate and patch will be presented upon completion of course and successful passing of the exam, given on the final day of the course. 

Hotel Block:

TBA

SAVE THE DATE!

PHC Day: Full day plant and soil care workshop

February 13th 
9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 

Lilburn Activity Building
788 Hillcrest Rd NW, Lilburn, GA 30047

Agenda and more information Coming Soon!

for tabling opportunity, please select ''Table'' in the ticket options

for sponsorship opportunities please contact our coordinator at 470-768-8530