An annual Arborist workshop focused on practical knowledge
about mature tree care.

Register before May 1, 2024 for the Early Bird discount!

Payment can be made via e-transfer to [email protected] and please put in the memo “2024 Arborist Workshop”
or a cheque made out to the Elora Environment Centre can be mailed to 75 Melville St, Elora, ON N0B 1S0 and please add a memo to include “2024 Arborist Workshop”
Once payment is received you will be emailed a confirmation for your spot in the workshop!

Visit TreeTrust.ca for more information about our projects
Presenter: Philip van Wassenaer, B.Sc. Environmental Sciences, Master of Forest Conservation
Presenter: Tobias Effinger, ISA Certified arborist & owner of Arboreal Tree Care
Practical Consultant: Phil Guenter, ISA Certified Arborist & part-owner of Baum Professional Tree Care

July 19th, 2024 Itinerary

This full day workshop will be a mix of lecture, case studies and ideas exchange coupled with outdoor, field learning. Come prepared to be part of the discussion, hear interesting illustrative case studies, and learn arboriculture techniques that will appeal to your clients who want to retain their trees not remove them.

7 CEUs will be awarded for this workshop and recognized by Landscape Ontario and ISAO.
Arborists, municipalities, and landscaper are welcome!

Philip van Wassenaer, B.Sc. Environmental Sciences, Master of Forest Conservation, is the principal consultant for Urban Forest Innovations, Inc., which specializes in the preservation, enhancement, and management of the urban forest using a research- and science-based approach. He is an ISA Certified Arborist, ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist, current Director at ASCA, a Past President and Director of the Ontario Urban Forest Council and a 2009 recipient of the ISA True Professionals of Arboriculture Award.

Tobias Effinger, ISA Certified Arborist and owner of Arboreal Tree Care, is passionate about all aspects of tree care; ensuring efficiency and environmental responsibility, right down to important smaller details that make their team industry leaders.

Phil Guenter, ISA Certified Arborist, is part-owner and lead arborist at Baum Professional Tree Care. He works in the field to ensure that the crew is safe, efficient, and meets customer expectations. As lead arborist , he uses his knowledge and skills to provide clients with the best recommendations and solutions to meet their needs.

Phil has been an arborist for more than 20 years starting off as a Forestry Technician at Sir Sandford Fleming College. He later attended the Arborist Apprenticeship Program at Humber College. He worked in the industry for a number of years before starting Baum Professional Tree Care in 2009. He has worked as a climbing teacher and technician at Humber College to help educate other upcoming arborists.

Topic A:  Conservation Arboriculture for Older and Aging Trees

• Describe the role and value of mature trees on the landscape, Compare and contrast the approaches and perspective  associated with conservation arboriculture for older and aging trees versus conventional /traditional tree care

Topic B: Tree Risk Assessment

• Explain circumstances (when) and reasons why a more advanced risk assessment might  be appropriate, Explain how traditional risk evaluation equations may underestimate strength of older trees, Describe the tools/methods and information/outputs associated with advanced tree risk assessment (tree pulling and sonic tomography) 

Topic C:  Reduce the Crown/Retain the Tree

• Describe the impact of crown reduction of older trees on tree rigor, biomechanics and risk, What are the factors to consider when determining the appropriate dose amount (of crown reduction)

Started in 2019 by the Elora Environment Centre, TreeTrust.ca is a platform that allows local community-based Chapters to raise charitable donations to invest in preserving important local legacy trees.
Each of the chapters works with one Tree Trust Approved Arborist who meets rigorous criteria to work on valuable legacy trees and who attend annual workshops to share experiences and expand their knowledge.
This July Tree Trust is offering a this special workshop open to any arborist who wants to gain practical knowledge about mature tree care. An increasing number of your clients are seeking professionals who can offer an alternative to wholesale removals – this workshop will help equip you to deliver.

Thank you to our 2024 workshop sponsors!