Building Blocks of Arboriculture - a five-week course to prepare you for the ISA Certified Arborist Examination; a program of self-study that is supported by instructional lectures, reviews, and quizzes. The course is offered through distance education to a convenient location near you. Certified Arborist Certification is a voluntary program providing recognition of your professional knowledge by your peers. To qualify for the certification examination, professional arborists must have a minimum of three years experience in some aspect of tree care. The eligibility requirement also may be satisfied with a two-year degree in arboriculture and two years of experience or a four-year degree in a related field and one year of experience. The final step is to pass the exam developed by an international panel of experts. The exam extensively covers every aspect of tree care and to pass you must have an acceptable level of knowledge in all areas of arboriculture.Mississippi State University does not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or group affiliation. www.msstate.edu/web/legal

Cost

Registration $50 per person. The fee covers cost of materials, supplies, and refreshments.

Materials Provided

The following "Building Blocks of Arboriculture" materials will be shipped to you following your registration for the course. Participants are encouraged to study materials before the course begins.

Arborist’ Certification Study Guide

ANSI Z133.1 Pruning, Repairing, Maintaining and Removing Trees

ANSI A300 Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance (1-3)

Best Management Practices for Tree Support Systems, Tree Pruning, and Tree and Shrub Fertilization

Building Blocks of Arboriculture

Program: 1-4 pm Tuesdays

May 29- June 26, 2007

Agenda will follow the Arborist Certification Study Guide (provided).

1 Tree Nutrition and Fertilization

2. Identification and Selection

3. Installation and Establishment

4. Safe Work Practices

5. Tree Biology

6. Pruning

7. Tree, Soil and Water Relations

8. Diagnosis and Treatment

9. Trees, People and Ecology

10. Cabling, Bracing and Lightning

Protection

11. Construction Preservation

12. Tree Risk Assessment

Instructors

Stephen Dicke, Extension Forestry Professor and Certified Arborist in Raymond

John Kushla, Assistant Extension Forestry Professor, Verona

Donna Beliech, Horticulture Agent and Certified Arborist in Brandon

Crofton Sloan, Horticulture Professor and former instructor of Arboriculture in Verona.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission through their Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Challenge Grant provided funding for this course.