Following the NJ Office of Emergency Management and the NJDEP, Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste discussion, we welcome Dr. Neil Hendrickson of Bartlett's Research Laboratories. Dr. Hendrickson will discuss "A little change making a big difference: The new ANSI pruning standards". The changes to the ANSI pruning standards are small but significant, and easy to understand for the arborist and client. The changes promise to make pruning specifications more straightforward and clear at every step of the process.  This talk will discuss the changes and, with examples, show how to write good pruning specifications.

To end our program on Thursday, John Anlian, Esq. will discuss the importance of the relationship between the Tort Claim Act, the Community Forestry Act, Municipal Attorneys and Shade Tree Commissions. He will discuss liability protection and the importance of engaging the Municipal Attorney in shade tree issues.

On Friday, Dr. Kim Coder will join us in the General Session once again and jump start our program with "Tree Biomechanics:  Wind Loads & Storms". Trees stand as a result of their many structural components adequately adjusting to wind and gravity loads over time.  Storm wind loads can exceed tree structural strengths and resistances.  Understanding the amount of force storms apply to trees can better help tree health care providers manage risks.  It is through understanding both tree wind loads and tree structural resistance factors, together with their interactions, that we can determine potential catastrophic failures or long sustainable tree life.  This presentation will review various types of storm wind loads on trees, and how trees function mechanically to remain erect.  Trees are about both mechanical loads and structural holds.

Following Dr. Coder's presentation, Heidi Hesselein and Daryl Kobesky, of Pleasant Run Nursery will talk to us about "Street Trees for Communities". They will address what is available in the nurseries these days and talk about the importance of diversity in the community.

Following Dr. Coder's presentation, Heidi Hesselein and Daryl Kobesky, of Pleasant Run Nursery will talk to us about "Street Trees for Communities". They will address what is available in the nurseries these days and talk about the importance of diversity in the community.

After lunch, Drs. James and Stephanie Murphy will tag team to present "Practices to Improve Soil Health". Soil health is a descriptive term that is meant to convey the capacity of a soil to perform any number of functions within a landscape. This presentation will highlight assessment of soil health using techniques that range from simple to requiring laboratory expertise. Properly assessing a soil within the context of its expected functions is critical to understanding whether physical, chemical and/or biological practices will be most effective at improving soil health. Specific practices that affect physical, chemical and/or biological properties of soil will be discussed.

Following Drs. James and Stephanie Murphy, Bob Wells, Associate Director of Arboriculture at the Morris Arboretum will speak to us about "Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications (TRAQ)". Hazardous trees regularly lead to death or injury. TRAQ provides a standardized and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide information so that informed decisions can be made to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.

Richard Buckley would like you to "Hold on to Your Ash!" Since 2005, native ash trees have been under assault in the United States by an invasive insect, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). First detected in New Jersey in 2014, the insect is rapidly spreading throughout the state leaving a path of devastation in its wake. This 60-minute presentation covers all aspect of the problem including insect identification, biology and science-based control solutions. Updated information on the progress of the infestation in New Jersey and the public response will be included.

The CORE training program allows participants to obtain a solid foundation and understanding of the community forestry program and shade tree commissions, become aware of the legal aspects of managing trees and gain an insight to and recognition of hazardous tree situations.

The Inventory/i-Tree program will address why we need a tree inventory and prepare participants how to design and conduct a municipal street tree inventory with i-Tree functionality. The program will also teach how to utilize the data collected through the inventory in productive and meaningful ways.

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