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

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

    

ISA Certified Arborist®  Exam Virtual Review Course

Location: Zoom

7 sessions

March 9th-March 30th, 2026

Monday/Wednesday: 4pm - 7pm

You may access a copy of the full agenda March 2025 Virtual ISA Exam Prep Course Agenda.pdf

Sponsored by:

Cost:

$100 - GAA Members

$168 - Non-members (includes 1 year of Membership to GAA)

$250 - Sponsorship (limit of 2 sponsors)

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

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

Presented by:  

Rob Swanson and Kay Evanovich

About our speakers: 

Over seven 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.

***All registrants will receive a video recording of the classes at the end of each week***

IMPORTANT NOTES:

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!

Please be sure to read all instructions within your event confirmation email to ensure you complete the final step of registering your email via Zoom.  This ensures you will receive the log in instructions/link/password ahead of the event.

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 $100 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 February 28th, 2025.

10 CEUS AVAILABLE

***For those who want to register for the course as a refresher, and are already certified arborists you can receive 10 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. 

March 11th-13th, 2026

COURSE LOCATION: 

Training Room: A1201-A &A1201-B
Dekalb Government Services Building
178 Sams Street
Decatur GA 30030

Instructor:

Jimmy Walters 

14.5 CEUs Available

Registration Deadline:

February 10th, 2026

(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.

Academia de Trepadores

4 cursos de dia completo 

marzo-junio 2026

miembros de GAA: $250 academia completa 

miembros del publico: $350 academia completa 

evento en español 

 

El programa ISA Certified Tree Climber es la única certificación global de trepadores en toda la industria que evalúa conocimientos y habilidades frente a estándares aceptados internacionalmente relacionados con habilidades y prácticas laborales seguras. Como parte integral de su trayectoria profesional, ser un profesional en trepa de árboles certificado por la ISA le permite demostrar sus competencias como trepador y demonstrar su pasión continua por el aprendizaje y el desarrollo en esta industria.

Para ser elegible para el examen, debe tener lo siguiente:

1.) Dieciocho meses de experiencia en escalada en arboricultura

2.) Capacitación actual en rescate aéreo físico (práctica), RCP y primeros auxilios

En esta guía del programa se encuentra disponible toda la información para solicitantes, candidatos y titulares de credenciales.

Las partes interesadas deben solicitar y aplicar para presentar el examen de Escalador Certificado de Árboles de la ISA a través de https://www.isa-arbor.com/

Convertirse en candidato para una certificación de la ISA es un proceso de dos pasos a través de tu cuenta en línea MyISA.

1. Primero, aplica en línea o envía una solicitud completada.

2. Cuando recibas la notificación de que tu solicitud ha sido aprobada, podrás inscribirte a través de tu cuenta en el sitio web para presentar el examen.

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

Tree Climber's Academy

4 full-day courses

March-June 2025

GAA members: $250 full academy

Members of the public: $350 full academy

this is Spanish language event 

Course 1: CPR and First Aid for Arborists, Electrical Safety, Intro to Ropes

Fri March 27, 2026 | 178 Sams St. Decatur, Ga 30030 

Course 2: Aerial Rescue |  Sat April 18, 2026 | E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm, 1185 Rock Chapel Rd, Lithonia, GA, 30058, United States

Course 3: Knots, Ropes, Rigging, and Safety | Friday May 08, 2026 | Legacy Park, 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA, 30030, United States

Course 4: Physical Evaluation Test Day

TBD

 

This Spanish language academy is designed to help current tree climbers meet the pre-requisite qualifications needed for the ISA Certified Tree Climber Specialist exam and gain further understanding about technical tree climbing .  Each course is designed to meet one of the qualification needs. The last course of the academy is an exam day where current ISA tree climber examiners will asses testers following the ISA practicum guidelines.

The ISA Certified Tree Climber program is the only global, industry-wide climber certification to test knowledge and skills against internationally accepted standards related to skill and safe work practices. As an integral part of a career journey, being an ISA Certified Tree Climber allows you to show your competencies as a professional climber and ignites a continued passion for learning and development in this industry. To be eligible for the exam, you must have the following:

• Eighteen months of climbing experience in arboriculture
• Current training in a physical (practice) aerial rescue, CPR, and First Aid

Important applicant, candidate and credential holder information is available on this program guide.

Interested parties must still request and apply to take the ISA certified Tree Climber exam via https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/ 

Becoming a candidate for an ISA certification is a two-step process through your online MyISA Dashboard.

1. First, apply online or submit a completed application.

2. When you receive notice that your application is approved, you may then enroll through your website account to take an exam.  

HOTEL INFORMATION

Riesgos eléctricos y concienciación al trabajar con árboles caídos por tormentas

178 Sams St, Decatur, GA 30030

viernes 27 de marzo del 2026

1pm-4pm

Gratis para los miembros de la GAA

20$ para el público en general y los no miembros

Creditos de CEU ofrecidos

Únase a GAA y Georgia Power para recibir capacitación sobre riesgos eléctricos y concienciación para trabajar cerca de líneas eléctricas y con árboles caídos por tormentas. ¿Su empresa espera conseguir contratos de trabajo relacionados con tormentas? Asegúrese de que usted y sus trabajadores estan actualizados con la capacitación adecuada y sean conscientes de todos los riesgos y las mejores prácticas para trabajar con árboles caídos por tormentas y árboles cerca de líneas eléctricas? Esta capacitación está diseñada para trabajadores de todos los niveles dedicados al cuidado de árboles, desde escaladores de árboles hasta operadores de elevadores y técnicos de suelo.

Según la Asociación de la Industria del Cuidado de los Árboles, cada año se producen entre 500 y 1000 electrocuciones y otras 30 000 lesiones por descargas eléctricas. Traiga a su equipo a esta formación y contribuya a reducir la responsabilidad civil en nuestro sector y a proteger la vida de los trabajadores.

Temas

Normas de OSHA y ANSI Z133​

Comprensión de la energía eléctrica​

Equipos​

Riesgos eléctricos y conductores caídos​

Árboles en las líneas eléctricas​

Procedimientos de seguridad y EPI​

Recursos

Información sobre el presentador

Miguel Partida, CA

Arborista de Georgia Power Utility

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

Electrical hazards and awareness when working with stormed trees

178 Sams St, Decatur, GA 30030

March 27, 2026

1pm-4pm

Free for GAA members

$20 for the general public and non-members

CEUs offered

Join GAA and Georgia Power for training on electrical hazards and awareness when working near power lines and with storm-downed trees. Is your company hoping to get storm-related work contracts? Make sure you and your workers are up to date with the right training and are aware of all the risks and best practices for working with storm-downed trees and trees near power lines. This training is designed for workers at all levels involved in tree care, from tree climbers to lift operators and ground technicians.

According to the Tree Care Industry Association, there are between 500 and 1,000 electrocutions and another 30,000 electrical shock injuries each year. Bring your team to this training and help reduce liability in our industry and protect the lives of workers.

Topics:

Osha and ANSI Z133 Guidelines​

Understanding Electric Power​

Equipment​

Electrical Hazards and Downed Conductors​

Strom Trees on Powerlines​

Safety Procedures and PPE​

Resources

Presenter Information

Miguel Partida, CA

Arborist at Georgia Power Utility

 

Rescate Aéreo

sabado 18 de abril del 2026

8am-6pm

EMBARC 1185 Rock Chapel Rd, Lithonia, GA 30058

$150 para profesionales

$100 para miembros de la GAA

traer tu equipage de trepar

8 CEUs disponible

El entrenamiento de rescate aéreo prepara a los escaladores para los escenarios más probables en los que pueden tener que responder a una emergencia mientras trabajan en altura. Este curso es práctico con participantes que realizan activamente rescates utilizando diversas técnicas.

Lista de equipos para entrenamiento de rescate aéreo:

1. Casco z89 clase E

2. Gafas de seguridad z 87

3. Harnees de arbolicultura

4. Cuerda de trepa

5. Salvaramas

6. 5 Mosquetones total

7. 1 Acollador ajustable

8. Sistema de trepa (nudo polea/zigzag, ect)

9. Espuelas de trepa.

- Este es un listado del equipo mínimo para el rescate aéreo. Todo equipo debe estar en condiciones optimas y siguiendo las especificaciones del fabricante (no alterado).

CEUs ofrecidos 

ISA Certified Arborist: 8

Practice: 8

Utility Specialist: 8

Municipal Specialist: 8

Climber Specialist: 8

Aerial Lift Specialist: 8

 instructor

AXEL AVILA

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

Aerial Rescue

Saturday April 18th, 2026

8am-6pm

EMBARC 1185 Rock Chapel Rd, Lithonia, GA 30058

$150 for tree care professionals

$100 for members of GAA

bring your climbing gear

Aerial Rescue Training prepares climbers for the most likely scenarios where they may have to respond to an emergency while working at height.  This course is hands on with participants actively performing rescues using various techniques

Required Gear List for the aerial rescue training:

1. Helmet z89 class E

2. Safety glasses z 87

3. Climbing Harness

4. Climbing rope

5. Friction saver

6. 5 Carabiners

7. 1 safety lanyard

8. Climbing system

9. Climbing spikes

- This is a list of the minimum equipment need for the aerial rescue. All equipment must be in good conditions and following manufactures specifications (not altered)

CEUs offered 

ISA Certified Arborist: 8

Practice: 8

Utility Specialist: 8

Municipal Specialist: 8

Climber Specialist: 8

Aerial Lift Specialist: 8

 instructor

AXEL AVILA

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. 

May 11th-13th, 2026

COURSE LOCATION: 

Georgia Forestry Commission Headquarters

5645 Riggins Mill Road Dry Branch, GA 31020

Instructor:

Jimmy Walters 

14.5 CEUs Available

Registration Deadline:

April 10th, 2026

(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.

Evaluación de la Salud del árbol

viernes 22 de mayo, 2026

9am-12pm

Legacy Park 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30030

Gratis con registro, espacio limitado

Una evaluación de riesgos de los árboles es su oportunidad de obtener una medida completa y comprender la salud de sus árboles y los riesgos potenciales que puede enfrentar. Los árboles pueden fallar de diversas formas; un arborista experto sabrá qué tipo de falla es más probable para un árbol determinado y podrá brindar asesoramiento significativo sobre las formas de reducir el riesgo de ese tipo particular de falla anticipada.

Una evaluación de riesgos puede ayudarlo a localizar árboles o áreas problemáticas y nuestro arborista certificado le explicará qué se debe hacer con ellos. Algunas de las razones para programar una evaluación de riesgos incluyen:

• Salud de los árboles: los árboles brindan comodidad y atractivo exterior a su propiedad. A menudo, puede medir la salud continua de sus árboles con una evaluación de riesgos de los árboles, asegurándose de que se mantengan saludables y felices.
• Riesgos del seguro: el daño a los árboles no siempre está cubierto por el seguro del propietario, especialmente cuando no está relacionado con una tormenta. Una evaluación de riesgos no solo puede evitar que tenga que lidiar con daños, sino que también puede ayudar a que su seguro cubra una parte de los daños.
• Daños a la propiedad: un árbol o una rama caídos pueden causar daños importantes a su hogar o propiedad. Desde una canaleta rota hasta un techo o ventanas destrozadas. Una evaluación de riesgos de los árboles le ayudará a saber dónde se encuentra antes de que las cosas se dañen.

Problemas y riesgos comunes que incluyen:

• Madera podrida o corteza en mal estado
• Cables eléctricos aéreos
• Copa demasiado crecida
• Ramas de árboles muertas o dañadas
• Ramas de árboles desprendidas o colgantes
• Posibles daños en el techo o el vehículo
• Crecimiento de hongos alrededor de las raíces y la base del tronco
• Plagas y enfermedades
• Erosión de las raíces
• Tronco inclinado
• Salud o daños en los árboles adyacentes

Acerca del instructor: Juan C. Carrasco es el Director de Cuidado de la Salud de las Plantas en Atlanta Arbor y un Maestro Arborista Certificado por la Junta con más de 30 años de experiencia dedicada a la industria verde.