Georgia Arborist Association, Inc. upcoming events

[Spanish] Tree climber academy, Academia de trepadores (March 27, 2026)

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

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

27 de marzo Curso 1: RCP y primeros auxilios para arboristas, seguridad eléctrica, introducción a las cuerdas | viernes 27 de marzo, 2026 | 178 Sams St. Decatur, Ga 30030

18 de abril Curso 2: Rescate aéreo| sabado 18 de abril, 2026 | E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm, 1185 Rock Chapel Rd, Lithonia, GA, 30058, United States

08 de mayo Curso 3: Nudos, cuerdas, aparejos y seguridad | viernes 08 de mayo, 2026 | Legacy Park, 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA, 30030, United States

TBD Curso 4: Día de la prueba de evaluación física

Esta academia está diseñada para ayudar a los trepadores de árboles actuales a cumplir los requisitos necesarios para el examen ISA Certified Tree Climber Specialist y adquirir un mayor conocimiento sobre la trepa técnica de árboles. Cada curso está diseñado para cumplir uno de los requisitos de cualificación. El último curso de la academia es un día de examen en el que los examinadores actuales de la ISA evaluarán a los candidatos siguiendo las directrices prácticas de la ISA.

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.

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

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Tree Climber's Academy

4 full-day courses

March-June 2026

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

[Spanish] Ropes & Climbing Course: knots, ropes, rigging, and safety (May 08, 2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Ropes & Climbing Course: knots, ropes, rigging, and safety

Friday May 08, 2026

8am-5pm

Legacy Park, 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA, 30030, United States

GAA member: $150

Tree Care Professional: $250

Instructor: Jhonny Lopez, Saving Arbor

About: The ISA Certified Tree Climber program is designed for those who frequently climb trees as part of their work in the tree care industry.

This Spanish language academy is designed to help current tree climbers meet the qualifications and gain further understanding about technical tree climbing in order to take and pass the ISA Certified Tree Climber Specialist exam. 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 assess testers following the ISA practicum guidelines.

In this course, you'll learn about the most common knots in the industry, the types of ropes and ties used in arboriculture, equipment maintenance, and the basics of climbing and rigging, focusing on proper techniques, best practices, and safety.

Course details

Sec 1: Pre-climb (staging)

Sec 2: Knots and Hitches (need to master 1 type per category)

Sec 3: Rope Installation

Sec 4: Secured Entry

Sec 4a: advancement

Sec 5: Tie In

Sec 6: Descent

ISA TRAQ 3.0 Full Course (Macon, GA): Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (May 11, 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

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 and Sharon Lilly

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.

Sharon Lilly:

Sharon Lilly, an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®, spent 25 years in commercial arboriculture including climbing, managing, and consulting. She also served for 19 years as director of educational goods and services at ISA. She is a Past President of ISA and she developed and taught arboriculture class at Columbus State University. Sharon led the initial development of ISA’s Arborist Certification program, led the development of the ISA TRAQ program, co-authored the Tree Risk Assessment Manual and Best Management Practices (BMP) published by ISA. She is an author of the Arborists’ Certification Study Guide and many other books, BMPs, workbooks, articles, and brochures. Sharon also developed many video training programs, and online courses.

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.

GAA Webinar:Strengthening the Interface Between Arboriculture and Landscape Architecture (May 19, 2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 22:15:00 GMT

Monthly Virtual Training:

Strengthening the Interface Between Arboriculture and Landscape Architecture

May 19th 6:15-7:30 pm. with 1 ISA CEU with Kristopher May, PLA
Design Communications Director, Associate

Topic Covered:

Strengthening the Interface Between Arboriculture and Landscape Architecture

Tension between landscape architects and arborists is a common challenge, often arising from the intersection of aesthetic design and site programming priorities with the realities of tree biology, long-term health, and risk management. Too often, arborists are not engaged during the design phase of a project and are instead limited to roles focused on existing tree inventories, mitigation requirements, or the maintenance of newly installed plantings.

How can landscape architects and arborists collaborate more effectively at the outset of a project to ensure that appropriate tree species are selected and sited correctly? What key considerations should arborists communicate to landscape architects early in the process, and what information should landscape architects share in return? Finally, how can both professions work together to better educate clients on the value of early, integrated collaboration?

Meet the Speaker-

Kris May is a Licensed Landscape Architect based in Indianapolis, Indiana. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and Native American Studies and began his career in the early 2000s working with the Juvenile Justice Department. He later owned an art gallery and served as manager of the Garfield Park Arts Center for Indy Parks & Recreation before returning to academia to earn a Master of Landscape Architecture.

While his professional practice is grounded in design, Kris is deeply committed to creating spaces that are ecologically responsible and environmentally sustainable. He has participated in the Tour des Trees, a benefit cycling event supporting the TREE Fund, and currently serves as the TREE Fund Liaison for the Indiana Arborists Association. Through this role, he has developed strong relationships with arborists and continues to advocate for increased collaboration between the two professions to promote healthier urban canopies and more resilient landscapes.

Time: 6:15 pm - 7:30 pm

Agenda:

6:15 pm-6:30 pm: Introduction & settle in, Q&A rules, & CEU sign in instructions

6:30 pm-7:30 pm: Training Session

Cost: FREE to all GAA Members and Business Supporters. $20 for non-members

ISA CEUS: 1

Questions?

Please email us at info@georgiaarborist.org

***This training is recorded and will be sent by email to all registrants within a week of the event***

Questions?

Please email us at info@georgiaarborist.org

***This training is recorded and will be sent by email to all registrants within a week of the event***

Evaluación de la Salud del árbol | Tree Health Assessment en español (May 22, 2026)

Fri, 22 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

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.

Electrical Hazard Awareness Program (EHAP) Training (June 25, 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

TCIA ASTI Electrical Hazard Awareness Program Training

June 25, 2026

Vermeer Southeast
1320 Gresham Rd.
Marietta, Georgia

8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m.
8 ISA + CTSP CEUs for in person and 2 additional CEU opportunities for online course.

Why EHAP?

EHAP will augment your work in three areas:

OSHA Safety Requirements

EHAP helps you meet the OSHA 1910.269 safety standard, which requires:

Employer-certified training
Employers must certify that employees who work 10 feet or closer to energized conductors are trained in the special hazards involved in such work.
On-the-job training and verification
Employers must verify through documented, on-the-job training and verification that these employees have the skills necessary to perform line-clearance job tasks safely.

EHAP must be used in combination with documented on-the-job skills training and verification to meet OSHA 1910.269 requirements.

ANSI Safety Requirements
The ANSI Z133.1 safety standard for arboricultural operations requires all employees be trained to recognize electrical hazards. EHAP training meets the ANSI Z133.1 training requirement. All the content related to electrical hazards in the Z133 is included in the EHAP course.) The ANSI Z 133 Safety Standard is available for purchase separately.

Storm Cleanup
EHAP is often required by the US Army Corps of Engineers in order to qualify for storm-related clean-ups. They have recognized the importance of the EHAP training program dating back to Hurricane Katrina.

This course includes a full-day, in person training with a qualified instructor AND a virtual self-paced instruction. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

About the instructor: Jeff Inman

Jeff Inman: Risk Manager and Academy Director at Truetimber Arborists

Jeff Inman is a dedicated husband, father, and the Risk Manager and Academy Director for Truetimber Arborists. As an ISA Climber Specialist and certified Arborist, TRAQ, and TCIA CTSP, Jeff is passionate about climbing, continuous learning, and professional growth in the arboriculture industry.

Aerial Rescue Training (June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

ASTI Aerial Rescue Training

June 26th 2026
Vermeer Southeast
1320 Gresham Rd.
Marietta, Georgia

8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m.

8 ISA + CTSP CEUs for in person and 2 additional CEU opportunities for online course.

When a tree worker is injured or incapacitated aloft, typically fellow crew members are the first to respond an emergency could develop any time, and tree care professionals must know how to react.

TCIA’s Aerial Rescue Training Program helps you protect your workers and meet the aerial rescue training requirements mandated by ANSI Z133.1 and OSHA.

Prepare for your Certified Tree Worker Exam with Aerial Rescue Training. Provided at a discounted rate in partnership with the TCIA's Arborist Safety Training Institute (ASTI).

This course includes a full-day, in person training with a qualified instructor AND a virtual self-paced instruction. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Climbers must bring own gear, wear all necessary PPE and be able to access the tree and ascend/descend without assistance.

About the instructor:

Jeff Inman: Risk Manager and Academy Director at Truetimber Arborists