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Professional tree care ASSOCIATION

Upcoming events

    • 15 Aug 2025
    • 7:00 AM
    • 16 Aug 2025
    • 4:00 PM
    • Balboa Park Club, 2150 Pan American Rd. W., San Diego, CA
    Register

    40 years of Pioneering Arboriculture

    Celebrating 40 Years of Pioneering Arboriculture: Join Us in San Diego!

    36th Annual Seminar and Field Day
    August 15–16, 2025 | Balboa Park Club, San Diego, CA

    This summer, we invite you to gather under the historic canopy of Balboa Park for a landmark event honoring four decades of progress, passion, and professionalism in arboriculture. Our 36th Annual Seminar and Field Day is more than a meeting—it's a celebration of our shared legacy and an exploration of the future of our urban forests.


    Seminar – Friday, August 15 | 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Start the day with coffee and camaraderie before diving into a robust program featuring science-backed insights, practical updates, and inspiring visions for the profession.

    Highlights include:

    • KEYNOTE: Donald Blair, industry legend, takes us on a historical journey with “Arboriculture Through the Years.”
    • Linda Chalker-Scott, PhD returns with myth-busting clarity and insights into mulch, fire risk, and tree health.
    • Updates on Xylella, Ghost Canker, climate-adaptive tree selection, and urban forest remote sensing.
    • California’s Strategic Plan to grow canopy cover with Jason Johns.
    • Recognition of Excellence: PTCA Scholarship & Bichowsky Awards.
    • Lunch included – enjoy a mid-day recharge with peers.

    Earn CEUs while connecting with colleagues, researchers, and field leaders driving innovation in tree care and urban forestry.


    Field Day – Saturday, August 16 | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

    Roll up your sleeves for hands-on learning in the field! With three focused tracks—Arborist, Tree Worker 1, and Tree Worker 2—there’s something for everyone, from new climbers to seasoned professionals.

    Field Day Features:

    • Interactive tree walks with Magen Shaw and Jason Johns
    • Live nursery demo with Dave Teuschler, CPR/First Aid training, and climber longevity tips from Vicente Alvarez
    • Equipment demos including Don Blair’s Hobbs Device and the legendary Euc Man/Oak Man
    • Spotlight on aerial operations with Joe Wurzel & Ricardo Vasquez
    • Raffle prizes and a full day of skill-building in the field

    All sessions are designed to keep you sharp, safe, and at the forefront of arboricultural practice.


    Whether you’re here to gain CEUs, learn new techniques, network with peers, or simply celebrate the legacy of tree care, this milestone event offers two days of deep-rooted inspiration and cutting-edge knowledge.


    Let’s honor the past and shape the future—together.
    We’ll see you in San Diego!


    Cosponsored by Professional Tree Care Association of San Diego & City of San Diego


    Event Costs -Seminar/Field Day/Both Days       

    PTCA Member - $200.00 / $170.00 / $325.00

    Non-Member - $225.00/$200.00/$375.00


    Discounts available - Early Registration discount applies for registrations received by August 1st. Group Registration discount is for 4 or more registrations submitted together from the same company or municipality (all costs are per person).


    Download the flyer 

    Group Reg -2025.pdf 

    Sponsors Welcomed


    Download Sponsor Form

    • 2 Sep 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Jimmy's of Santee- 9635 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, CA
    Register

    Step Into San Diego’s Living History w/ John Clements

    What if the trees around us could tell stories? In San Diego, they do. Scattered throughout our parks, streets, and neighborhoods are living witnesses to centuries of change — trees that have seen missions built, farms planted, cities rise, and communities evolve. This May, the Professional Tree Care Association of San Diego invites you to explore that history through the eyes of someone who knows it like few others.

    Our featured guest, John Clements, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the San Diego landscape community. John served for many years as Director of Gardens at the San Diego Botanic Garden, where he led the development, restoration, and interpretation of one of Southern California’s most renowned botanical spaces. His work included curating plant collections, designing public exhibits, and creating experiences that connected thousands of visitors with the beauty and importance of plants.

    Today, John serves as Director of Horticulture and Development at Drab to Fab Landscape, where he helps design and implement innovative landscape projects throughout the region. In this role, he blends creative design with deep horticultural knowledge and a passion for honoring the land’s historical roots. Whether planning new installations or restoring old ones, John’s work continues to reflect a deep respect for San Diego’s natural and cultural heritage.

    His presentation, "Historic Trees Around San Diego," will take us on a journey through the county’s past as told by the trees that have witnessed it. From trees planted during the Spanish mission era to those that marked early agricultural homesteads and urban developments, John will explore how these living monuments connect us to San Diego’s evolving story. His engaging storytelling, paired with his expert knowledge, offers a rare opportunity to see the familiar landscapes of our city in a whole new light.

    Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the tree care industry, a landscape enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys learning about the history of our region, this presentation will leave you inspired and informed. John’s ability to make history come alive through plants and trees has made him a favorite speaker across the state.

    As always, guests are warmly welcome, so feel free to bring a colleague, friend, or anyone interested in San Diego’s landscapes, history, or green spaces. Come early, enjoy a delicious meal, and connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

    We look forward to seeing you there!

    Meeting Details

    Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 

    Location: Jimmy's of Santee

    Time: 5 PM- Board Meeting/6:00 PM Presentation Begins

    Cost:

    $15 Member Pre Registration

    $35 Non Member/Member Day of Registration


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