Roots to Results: Science, Skills, and Solutions in Arboriculture
37th Annual Seminar and Field Day
August 21-22, 2026| Balboa Park Club, San Diego, CA
Join us for a two‑day arboriculture experience in San Diego’s Balboa Park, combining expert‑led education with hands‑on field training. Day One features a full seminar lineup with leading voices in plant appraisal, pruning, TRAQ methodology, pest management, climate‑resilient landscapes, and more. Day Two takes learning into the field with three specialized tracks for arborists and tree workers, offering practical instruction in cabling, AirSpade use, pruning demonstrations, rigging, chainsaw maintenance, TRAQ field sessions, aerial rescue, and advanced diagnostic tools.
Designed for professionals committed to growing their skills and strengthening their craft, this event delivers real‑world knowledge, CEUs, and a chance to learn directly from some of the most respected instructors in the industry.
Seminar – Friday, August 21 | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Join us for a full day of arboriculture education in Balboa Park, featuring leading experts from across the industry. The program includes:
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Keynote: Plant Appraisal Methodology with James Clark, PhD
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Prescriptive Pruning with William Owen
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Building an Authentic African Savannah in Elephant Valley with Raj Brown
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San Diego’s Integrated Pest Management with Eric Middleton
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Bichowsky Award Presentation with Danny Simpson
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Use of TRAQ Methodology with James Clark, PhD
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Resilient Landscapes: Integrating Climate Awareness into Invasive Species Management with Kendra Wagner, PhD
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Cabling & Air Spade – When to Do It with Nick Araya
Lunch is included, with breaks throughout the day and CEU sign‑out at 4:00.
Field Day – Saturday, August 22 | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Join us for a hands‑on Field Day designed for arborists, climbers, and tree workers. This multi‑track event offers practical, in‑the‑field training led by top industry professionals.
Track I – Arborist Track Features Eric Middleton on Pest Challenges in the Urban Forest (Parts 1 & 2), Kendra Wagner, PhD, William Owen with a live Prescriptive Pruning Demonstration, and James Clark, PhD, leading both the TRAQ Field Session and TRAQ Results Assessment. Nick Araya closes the track with Sonic Tomography – What It Is and When You Need It.
Track II – Tree Worker 1 Hands‑on bilingual instruction from TreeCareLA, including Cabling: How to Do It, AirSpade: How to Do It, and Gear IQ. Additional sessions include chainsaw maintenance with Stihl/Mason’s Saw, technical rigging with Eduardo Medina, and Aerial Rescue with PTCA Climbers.
Track III – Tree Worker 2 A second hands‑on track featuring TreeCareLA on AirSpade and Cabling, Eduardo Medina on Gear IQ, chainsaw maintenance with Stihl/Mason’s Saw, and technical rigging instruction.