Georgia Arborist Association, Inc. upcoming events

Savannah Member Social (Third Quarter Networking Event) (July 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Join us for Networking with other GAA Arborists at Starland Yard in Savannah!

July 15th from 5:30pm until 7:30pm

GAA Members Receive 1 Free Drink Ticket
(Everyone is welcome to attend.)

Would you like to have a beer & chat with other arborists? Join GAA on Wed., July 15th, 5:30-7:30PM, at Starland Yard. GAA members receive 1 free drink ticket. (Everyone welcome.)
Hungry? No problem. Starland Yard has multiple food truck style options.
Don't drink beer? Enjoy wines & housemade cocktails.
Don't drink alcohol? They have a NA Slushie!, Coke products & non-alcoholic beer!

No need to register, unless you'd like a reminder sent to you as we near the date.

Starland Yard, Savannah Georgia

[Spanish] Introduction to Climbing; Introduccion a la trepa del arbol (August 27, 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Introducción a la trepa del arbol

Jueves 27 de agosto, 2026

500 S Columbia St Decatur, Ga 30030

8am-5pm

$250 publico / $150 GAA

para trepadores con 0 a 6 meses de experencia

Equipo proporcionado

curso en español

Este curso esta diseñado para entrenar a los trabajadores de arbol que quieren empezar a trepar arboles y/o los que empezaron a trepar dentro de los ultimos 6 meses. Aprenderas sobre el equipo adecuado de trepar, metodos de trepar, seguridad en la escalada, y preparacion para trabajar como un trepador.

El curso es adecuado para los que previamente no han trepado pero tienen interes en empezar.

equipo limitado proporcionado, traer tu eqipo de trepar si ya lo tienes.

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Introduction to Tree Climbing

Thursday, August 27, 2026

500 S Columbia St, Decatur, GA 30030

8 a.m.–5 p.m.

$250 Public / $150 GAA

For climbers with 0–6 months of experience

Equipment Provided

This course is in Spanish. If you do not speak Spanish but wish to attend, please contact me maria@georgiaarborist.org

This course is designed to train tree workers who want to start climbing trees and/or those who have started climbing within the last 6 months. You will learn about proper climbing equipment, climbing methods, climbing safety, and preparation for working as a climber.

The course is suitable for those who have not climbed before but are interested in starting.

Limited equipment is provided; please bring your own climbing gear if you already have it.

Arborist Skills Summer Summit: From Ground to Crown (August 27, 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Summer Workshop

Arborist Skills Summer Summit: From Ground to Crown

Registration Deadline - August 20th

Join the Georgia Arborist Association on August 27, 2026, at Legacy Park in Decatur for a full day of hands-on learning designed specifically for field arborists. Whether you're new to the industry or an experienced climber looking to sharpen your technical skills, the Arborist Skills Summit offers training tailored to your level.

Participants will choose between two dedicated learning tracks:

Foundations Track
Designed for newer arborists and crew members, this track focuses on the core skills needed for success and safety in production tree care. Topics include tree identification, basic pruning principles, climbing equipment and setup, jobsite safety, and essential arboricultural practices.

Advanced Skills/Climber Track
Built for experienced field personnel, this track explores higher-level technical skills including crane operations, advanced rigging techniques, gear inspection and management, cabling and bracing systems, and other specialized practices used in complex tree care operations.

Throughout the day, attendees will learn from industry leaders through live demonstrations, interactive discussions, and practical field exercises. Whether you're building a foundation or refining advanced skills, this workshop will provide valuable knowledge you can immediately apply in the field.

CEUs will be available. Lunch and snacks included.

August 27, 2026

DECATUR LEGACY PARK
500 South Columbia Dr. Decatur GA 30031

AGENDA

Thursday, August 27th, 2026

8:00–8:30 Registration and Breakfast

8:30–9:00 Welcome and Safety Briefing

9:00–12:00 Morning Sessions

Foundations Track
Basic Tree Biology/ID/Fungal ID
Best Pruning Practices
Chainsaw Safety

Advanced Climber Track
Cabling/Bracing
Gear Inspection
Advanced Rigging

12:00–1:00 Lunch

1:00–4:30 Afternoon Sessions

Foundations Track
Chipper Safety
Ground to Tree Communication and Leadership
Intro to Climbing -- How to set up basic access to the tree

Advanced Climber Track
Advanced Felling Techniques
Working with Cranes
Mini Head to Head (as time allows)

4:30–5:00 Closing Discussion and CEU Sign-Out

ISA CEUs applied for, CTSP credits. A certificate of attendance will be provided for all other credentials

ISA TRAQ 3.0 Full Course (ROME, GA): Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (September 28, 2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

ISA TRAQ FULL COURSE -

TREE RISK ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATION 3.0

Published on Monday, September 15, 2025

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) will implement important updates to the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) program effective 5 November 2025. Changes include updates to the educational materials and program as well as examinations as a response to the most recent Job Task Analysis and Standard Setting performed for the program.

These updates and programmatic changes are also done based on international standards for this type of training and development program. It ensures the credential remains current, reliable, and aligned with industry standards. Read the full press release here.

September 28-30, 2026

COURSE LOCATION:

Rome-Floyd ECO Center

393 Riverside Pkwy NE, Rome, GA 30161

Instructor:

Jimmy Walters

14.5 CEUs Available

Registration Deadline:

August 22, 2026

(Slots fill up fast! Register now!)

Registration Cost:

$625 - Georgia Arborist Association & ISA Member Rate

$625 - Georgia Arborist Association Member Only Rate (not a member of the ISA)

$700 - ISA Member Only Rate (not a member of the GAA)

$795 - Non-Member Rate (not a member of ISA or GAA)

If you are interested in becoming TRAQ qualified, please take some time to read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” available here - . The guide will provide details about the application process and let you know what pre-requisites are required to apply for the credential.

The TRAQ course and credential provide an opportunity for professionals in the arboriculture industry to expand their knowledge through education and training in the fundamentals of tree risk assessment. This qualification promotes the safety of people and property by providing a standardized and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide tree owners and risk managers with the information to make informed decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Earning the qualification requires attendance at a 2-day educational course followed by a ½-day assessment that includes both a written and field exams. The first two days are typically 8am-5pm and the third day (exam day) is 8am-noon. It is required that you attend the entire course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive this qualification. Coffee and a light breakfast are typically included each day along with lunch the first two days. If overnight travel is needed you will need to make hotel reservations on your own.

At the bottom of this email you will find recommended accommodations as well as more information about the location

The course includes Tree Biology and Mechanics, Tree Inspection and Assessment, Data Analysis and Risk Categorization, and Risk Reporting. The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) Course prepares the participant to take the TRAQ assessment to become ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. Once registered, you will receive a Course Workbook that you can read and study to prepare for the course. The course manual is no longer included in the materials shipped to you. It can be purchased ahead of the course at a discount on the ISA webstore if you have already registered for the course (available after October 20th). It is strongly suggested that you read the materials prior to the course. Not all of the materials on the exams will be covered in detail in the classroom. The Manual and Workbook are essential parts of the learning process for this course.

Meet the Instructors:

Jimmy Walters: Certified Arborist since 1996. SC Registered Forester. 1971 graduate of Clemson University, BS Forestry. Retired with over 40 years service with SC Forestry Commission. Retired as Program Coordinator for Urban and Community Forestry in SC. Charter member of SC Urban and Community Forestry Council (now Trees SC). Board of Directors, SC Vegetation Management Association, active in the SC Green Industry Association. Past President, Southern Chapter ISA and member of Florida Chapter as well. Now operating an arboricultural consulting firm, Urban Forest Advisors, LLC. Skilled teacher and public speaker. Many classes and lectures on Hazard Tree Management (old terminology) and Tree Risk Assessment prior to TRAQ.

HOTEL BLOCK INFORMATION:

Coming soon.

Disclaimers, Important Information, & Refund Policy:

Applicants for TRAQ courses must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. These classes often fill up quickly since class size is limited. Register as early as possible to avoid missing the location you want!
The FULL course is required for those qualified applicants that wish to earn the TRAQ credential.
This class provides the needed exams that must be passed to earn the TRAQ credential.
Please bring your own hard hat and vest to the event.
Please bring your government ID.
Be sure to bring your course materials.

***Cancellation & Refund Policy -
All cancellations made after the registration deadline of the event, no-shows, or those found to not have the required pre-requisites will not be eligible for refund. Cancellations made prior to the registration deadline/shipment of course materials are eligible for full refund. Cancellations made within 1 week of the registration deadline will be eligible for full or partial refund if GAA is able to fill their spot with a waitlisted registrant. All refunds are subject to a 3.5% credit card processing fee.