UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. — In early 2025, Penn State Extension will offer the “Arborist Short Course Series,” a 10-day webinar series designed to increase working tree knowledge and prepare participants for the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist exam.

This training is aimed at arborists and tree workers, landscape contractors, municipal workers, landscape architects and park and grounds maintenance staff, but it is open to all who wish to attend. Organizers noted that while the course provides good preparation for the arborist certification exam, the exam is not included with this course. Those wanting to take the exam will need to apply to take the exam with ISA.

Homeowners and municipalities today recognize the need for trained and knowledgeable tree care workers, according to organizers, who stressed that ISA certification will improve an arborist’s marketability because it designates a level of professionalism that most arborists do not have.

The “Arborist Short Course Series” will take place from 9 a.m. to noon January 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 29 and 31; and February 5 and 7. Participants can attend the live lectures via online webinars, or they can view recorded lectures if their schedules conflict with the live sessions.

Instructors will discuss:

— Tree biology.

— Tree planting and establishment.

— Tree identification and selection.

— Tree pruning.

— Protecting trees during construction.

— Cabling, bracing and lightning protection.

— Tree insect and disease diagnosis and management.

— Soils, water relations and tree nutrition.

Organizers strongly recommend that participants obtain the “Arborists’ Certification Study Guide” for the course, especially if planning to take the ISA certified arborist exam.

Participants must register by 11:59 p.m. January 6. Registration includes the live webinars as well as access to lecture recordings and downloadable resources and references on all covered topics.

ISA continuing education units are available for ISA Certified Arborists who view the sessions, live or recorded, and complete the quizzes with a passing score. Participants also can earn certificates of attendance for completion of the course.

More information about the course is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/arborist-short-course-series.