In this interactive workshop, enjoy a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge beyond basic tree risk assessment concepts and learn from experts in the field.
Through hands-on demonstrations and engaging discussions, experience how Level 3: Advanced Risk Assessment methods—such as sonic tomography and tree pulling tests—are undertaken in the field. Learn how these methods complement visual assessments to support evidence-based management and help conserve mature and valuable trees.
This full-day workshop is intended for anyone interested in going “beyond the basics” and joining the leading edge of arboriculture and tree risk assessment.
Continuing Education Units will be available for ISA Certified Arborists. This course is approved for 5.5 ISA credit hours in the following categories: ISA Certified Arborist, Management, Climber Specialist, Aerial Lift Specialist, Utility Specialist, and Municipal Specialist.
Location
Visitor Center Auditorium and Throughout the Gardens
Course Agenda
- 9:00 am – Welcome and Introduction
- 9:10 am - Conservation Arboriculture
- 9:55 am - Sonic Tomography
- 10:45 am - Break
- 11 am - Tree Pulling Tests
- 12 pm - Q&A Session
- 12:15 pm – Lunch & Walk to Field Sites
- 1:15 pm - Field Session 1
- 2:00 pm - Field Session 2
- 2:45 pm - Afternoon Break
- 3:00 pm - Wrap-up Session & Discussion
- 4:00 pm - End of Day
Instructor
Alexander Satel, B.A., MFC and Philip van Wassenaer, B.Sc., MFC
Alexander Satel is a Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) ISA Certified Arborist and holds a master’s in forest conservation from the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Toronto. He has 15 years of experience as an urban forestry and arboricultural consultant, and specializes in tree preservation planning, advanced tree risk assessment, and strategic urban forest management.
Philip van Wassenaer is an internationally recognized leader in conservation arboriculture and tree risk management and the principal consulting arborist and founder of Urban Forest Innovations. With more than 25 years of experience as a practicing arborist, van Wassenaer has been an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist since 1996 and a member of the prestigious American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) since 1999 (RCA # 678). In 2005, van Wassenaer became a member of the SAG Baumstatik, an organization of international Tree Risk Assessment specialists based in Germany. Van Wassenaer also served as both President and Director of the Ontario Urban Forest Council (OUFC) between 1997 and 2008. Van Wassenaer has an undergraduate degree in environmental sciences and a Master of Forest Conservation degree with a specialization in urban forest management from the University of Toronto. Van Wassenaer’s education and experience allow him to bring a unique and successful approach to arboriculture and urban forestry. In 2009 the ISA honored van Wassenaer with the “True Professional of Arboriculture” award in recognition of his achievements towards advancing the practice of arboriculture and his commitment to public education.
