Keynote Presentation by Dr. John Ball
Dr. John Ball will deliver the keynote address, "Arborist Safety: It's a Numbers Game," on Sunday, January 25 at the 2026 NYSA Conference & Expo. Arboricultural operations are among the highest risk occupations in the United States. While we represent less than 0.03% of the workforce, we are more than 1% of the fatalities. Dr. Ball's presentation will cover the most common incidents that occur to arborists, why they occur and more important, how to avoid becoming a number!
Dr. Ball will also give a second presentation on Sunday, "Measuring Climber Performance." If you have 10 climbers in a room, you will get at least 20 different opinions on the efficiency of climbing systems and ropes. This presentation will look at climber performance on different systems and ropes using the same efficiency measurement used for athletes. The presentation will also cover what can be done to improve personal efficiency.
John Ball is a Professor of Forestry at South Dakota State University where he instructs classes in arboriculture and forestry. He also serves as a campus arborist. Dr. Ball is a Board Certified Master Arborist and also serves on the ANSI Z 133 safety committee.
2026 Annual Conference Program
(Most Sessions have been reconfirmed, a few are still subject to hacnge)
Sunday, March 15
10:00 am-6:00 pm Registration Desk Open (1st FLOOR FOYER) Exhibitors may move in between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon.
12:00-1:10 pm Keynote General Session: Arborist Safety - It’s a Numbers Game – Dr. John Ball, Professor of Forestry, SDSU. Arboricultural operations are among the highest risk occupations in the United States. While we represent less than 0.03% of the workforce, we are more than 1% of the fatalities. This presentation will cover the most common incidents that occur to arborists, why they occur and more important, how to avoid becoming a number. (EPICENTER A,B,E&F, 1ST FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25, Utility Specialist – 1.25, TW Climber Specialist – 1.25, TW Aerial Specialist – 1.25. CNLP 1.25. CTSP 1.25.
1:20-2:30 pm DEC Session: Laurel wilt and other surprising tree diseases, What’s Bugging You? Highlights and Lowlights from 2025, Margery Daughtrey and Dan Gilrein, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. Margery will cover the latest research and observations on beech leaf disease, boxwood blight, Phytophthora diseases, leaf spots, vascular wilts and vascular streak dieback. Learn ways to recognize these contagious diseases, how they are affected by environmental conditions, and how to apply IPM to abate them. Then Dan notes that change is one constant in the world of insects and pest management. Birds and Bees Act, invasive species, and Endangered Species Act are among the issues we’ll be dealing with more in the near future. This presentation will review some issues on our minds and what arborists might be prepared for in 2026. There will be time for questions and discussions during and after the presentation. (EPICENTER H, 1st FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Science – 1.25. DEC credits (2, 3a, 10, 25) – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
1:20-2:30 pm Tree Academy: Mature Tree Preservation, Mark Ware, Rainbow Ecoscience and Peter Fixler, The Morris Arboretum and Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania. Join Mark and Peter for an insightful conversation on the art and science of preserving mature—or veteran—trees within designed landscapes. While this topic spans a broad range of considerations, our discussion will spotlight key strategies and best practices that ensure these living legacies thrive. We’ll also explore lessons learned from Peter’s recent journey to the UK, where he connected with some of the country’s leading arborists and gained valuable perspectives on veteran tree care. (HIGHLANDS-SENTOSA-MANILA, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Practice – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
2:30-3:00 pm Refreshment Break with Vendors—open through the afternoon (EPICENTER C&D, 1ST FLOOR)
3:00-4:10 pm Spanish Language Session: Formación Práctica para Encargados: Cómo Enseñar en Cortos Periodos, Jaime Alexander Duran Lara, NYC Parks. Esta capacitación express está diseñada para encargados de grupo que necesitan enseñar técnicas seguras y eficientes de trabajo en árboles, incluyendo trepa, uso correcto de motosierras y prácticas motivacionales. El objetivo es proporcionar herramientas prácticas que puedan transmitirse en periodos cortos durante la jornada laboral, mejorando la seguridad, productividad y cohesión del equipo. (LAS VEGAS, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25, TW Climber Specialist – 1.25, TW Aerial Specialist – 1.25. CNLP 1.25. CTSP 1.25.
3:00-4:10 pm DEC Session: Panel on Injection Alternatives, Mark Ware, Rainbow Ecoscience, Bill Snyder, Greenleaf Supply, Kevin Brewer, Arborjet. (EPICENTER H, 1st FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Practice – 1.25. DEC credits (2, 3a, 10, 25) – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
3:00-4:10 pm Tree Academy: Single Rope Technique Skills and Concepts, Aaron Johnson, Valor Tree Solutions. Join Aaron to learn all the fundamentals to SRT tree climbing! We will be focusing on good choice making and stylizing your gear choices to what works best for you as an individual. We will also be addressing how to integrate DRT gear in to your SRT journey to help make it a less expensive endeavor. (HIGHLANDS-SENTOSA-MANILA, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Practice – 1.25, Utility Specialist – 1.25, TW Climber Specialist – 1.25, TW Aerial Specialist – 1.25. CNLP 1.25. CTSP 1.25.
4:10-4:40 pm Refreshment Break with Vendors—open through the afternoon (EPICENTER C&D, 1ST FLOOR)
4:40-5:50 pm Spanish Language Session: Reduciendo la brecha entre el trabajo en árboles y los SIG, Carlos Lucero, Climber & Pruner, NYC Parks. Esta presentación tiene como objetivo informar a los arboristas sobre la incorporación de la tecnología en el trabajo con árboles. Esto les ayudará a diversificarse en diferentes nichos de la industria, además de proporcionar una herramienta para que los empresarios digitalicen sus operaciones. Acortando distancias entre las motosierras y los teclados. (LAS VEGAS, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
4:40-5:50 pm DEC Session: Implementing Prescribed Burning in New York, Rob Cole, NYSDEC. Last year we explored the historical role fire played in creating and maintaining oak savannahs, pine barrens, and open grasslands across vast portions on New York, as well as work being done by DEC to restore some of these landscapes. This talk will dive deeper into the actual implementation- what it takes to get fire on the ground and do it in a meaningful way. But before we burn, did you know that fire can actually help some plants grow and thrive? Chemical pre-treatment of invasive species and other woody plants will be discussed so we don’t make a bad situation worse. We will cover the burn planning and approval, training, and equipment needed to safely implement a prescribed burn as well as methods of ignition to meet specific goals will be discussed. (EPICENTER H, 1st FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25. DEC credits (2, 3a, 10, 25) – 1.0. CNLP 1.25.
4:40-5:50 pm Tree Academy Session: Soil Genomics, Wei Zhang, Tree Diaper. We will discuss what soil genomics is and what it looks like in different soils. We will review how soil genomics is built into the environment: moisture, soil compaction, soil salinity, temperature, organic matter, and other conditions. We will also talk about the brownfield restoration project in Oswego. (HIGHLANDS-SENTOSA-MANILA, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Science – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
5:50-7:20 pm Meet & Greet Reception with Vendors & 50/50 Raffle (EPICENTER C&D, 1ST FLOOR)
Monday, March 16
6:30 am-3:00 pm Registration Desk Open (1ST FLOOR FOYER)
7:00-8:30 am Tree Climbing Championship Meeting for Organizers and Judges (reserved table in EPICENTER C&D, 1ST FLOOR)
7:00-8:30 am Breakfast with the Vendors (EPICENTER C&D, 1ST FLOOR)
8:30-9:40 am Spanish Language Session: Bajo Voltaje, Leo Roldan, Davey Tree Expert Company. Una descripción general de los incidentes eléctricos en la industria, una explicación del significado de bajo voltaje y una revisión de las nuevas categorías de riesgo eléctrico ANSI 133. (LAS VEGAS, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25, Utility Specialist – 1.25, TW Climber Specialist – 1.25, TW Aerial Specialist – 1.25. CNLP 1.25. CTSP 1.25.
8:30-9:40 am DEC Session: Current and Future Threats to New York's Urban Trees and Shrubs, Jeremy Slone, Bartlett Tree Experts. We will discuss the most pressing insect and disease issues threating the trees and shrubs in New York. Pests and Diseases he will cover include box tree moth, beech leaf disease, laurel wilt disease, and a new European hornbeam disease starting to kill trees across the Mid-Atlantic. The biology, spread and management will be discussed of each pest and disease. (EPICENTER H, 1st FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Practice – 1.25. DEC credits (2, 3a, 10, 25) – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
8:30-9:40 am Tree Academy: Measuring Climber Performance, Dr. John Ball, Professor of Forestry, SDSU. If you have 10 climbers in a room, you will get at least 20 different opinions on the efficiency of climbing systems and ropes. This presentation will look at climber performance on different systems and ropes using the same efficiency measurement used for athletes. The presentation will also cover what can be done to improve personal efficiency. (HIGHLANDS-SENTOSA-MANILA, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Practice – 1.25, Utility Specialist – 1.25, TW Climber Specialist – 1.25, TW Aerial Specialist – 1.25. CNLP 1.25. CTSP 1.25.
9:40-10:10 am Refreshment Break with Vendors (EPICENTER C&D, 1ST FLOOR)
10:10-11:20 am Spanish Language Session: Mujeres latinas en la industria de la escalada de árboles, Johanna Oliveros. Mujeres latinas en la industria forestal: la dificultad que enfrentan las mujeres para ingresar a un sector dominado por hombres, las limitadas oportunidades disponibles y los desafíos adicionales que implican superar las barreras culturales y lingüísticas. (LAS VEGAS, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
10:10-11:20 am DEC Session: Reducing Pesticide Use on Trees with IPM, Vinnie Drzewucki, Horticulture and Urban Forestry Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County. Reducing pesticide use on trees with Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM involves using strategies that uses best management practices that include, but not limited to, prevention, monitoring, and using the least toxic controls first, cultural and mechanical methods like good plant selection and placement based on site conditions, best management practices including selecting pest and disease resistance, proper watering and nutrient managing, hand-picking, using traps, biological controls, encouraging beneficial insects and targeted use of specific chemical pesticides only as a last resort. (EPICENTER H, 1st FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Practice – 1.25. DEC credits (2, 3a, 10, 25) – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
10:10-11:20 am Tree Academy: Unlocking Insights Through 3D Scanning: Future of Tree Biomechanics, Ondrej Kolarik, Adbian. In the past four years, extensive integration of 3D scanning and biomechanic calculations emerged as a crucial tool. By refining tomographic data with precise stem geometry, we've uncovered invaluable insights for tree care specialists. This presentation will spotlight this approach's remarkable value through compelling case studies across nine countries, driving substantial savings by protecting hundreds of trees from felling and over-pruning. Join us to explore the synergy between 3D scanning, AI, and the ever-evolving world of arboriculture. This presentation dives into the evolution of Advanced Biomechanical Analysis, showcasing its innovative approach to assessing tree stability. We explore the seamless integration of 3D scanning technology, photography analysis and artificial intelligence, unraveling how Adbian analyzes tomographic data to evaluate factors crucial for understanding a tree's response to external forces. (HIGHLANDS-SENTOSA-MANILA, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
11:20-12:00 am Break with Vendors (EPICENTER C&D, 1ST FLOOR)
12:00 -1:30 pm Association Luncheon with Association Business Meeting, Board elections, Industry Awards & Tree Fund Heads & Tails Raffle (EPICENTER A,B,E&F, 1ST FLOOR)
1:30-2:40 pm Spanish Language Session: Liderazgo De Cuadrilla, Ruben Mendoza, The Davey Tree Expert Company. Que Es Liderazgo De Cuadrilla Por Definición Y cuáles Serían Las Características y Etapas De Formación. (LAS VEGAS, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25. CNLP 1.25. CTSP 1.25.
1:30-2:40 pm DEC Session: What are pesticide synergisms and when do we need to avoid them?, Jeremy Sloan, Bartlett Tree Experts. Pesticides (and their metabolites) interact with each other in a variety of ways. For example, combining some fungicides with a bee-friendly insecticide may make the product more toxic to bees. In this talk we will discuss a variety of synergisms that can occur, review some of the latest pesticides available to arborists, and what other considerations should be made when mixing them. We will also review the differences between contact, translaminar, and systemic pesticides. (EPICENTER H, 1st FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Science – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25. DEC credits (2, 3a, 10, 25) – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
1:30-2:40 pm Tree Academy: Longevity As An Arborist, Mark Chisholm, sponsored by Stihl. (HIGHLANDS-SENTOSA-MANILA, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
2:50-4:00 pm Spanish Language Session: Purificación a través del Bosque, Joselyn Benitez Chavez, NYC Parks. Esta presentación trata de informar a la gente sobre la forma en que los bosques naturales purifican nuestra agua, nuestro aire, nuestra salud mental, y nuestra alma. (LAS VEGAS, 2nd FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
2:50-4:00 pm DEC Session: NYSDEC Pesticide Regulations Update, Christopher Hertel, NYS DEC. What’s new from the NYSDEC? This informative talk will include an overview of state pesticide laws and regulations. (EPICENTER H, 1st FLOOR) Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25. DEC credits (CORE) – 1.0. CNLP 1.25. CTSP 1.25.
2:50-4:00 pm Tree Academy: Bridging the Gap between Treework and GIS, Carlos Lucero, Climber & Pruner, NYC Parks. This presentation is aimed to inform climbers about the technological involvement in tree work. Helping branch out into different niches within the industry, as well as providing a tool for business owners to digitalize their operations. Bridging the gap between chainsaws and keyboards. Approved ISA credits: Certified Arborist – 1.25, BCMA Management – 1.25, Urban Forest – 1.25. CNLP 1.25.
