Arborist Short Course Offers Professional Training for Two Decades
Since its inception in 2002, the Penn State Extension Urban Forestry Program has delivered the Arborist Short Course in various locations across the state each year, training hundreds of tree care, municipal and landscape professionals. The in-depth short course covers all aspects of tree care and has prepared many for the Arborist Certification Exam, administered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The attainment of ISA Arborist Certification for many means increased professionalism, marketability, and improved work practices. It is a source of pride for many and helps distinguish a knowledgeable arborist who performs quality science-based tree work to protect tree health while keeping people and property safe.
"Even the pandemic could not stop the Arborist Short Course", said Extension Urban Forestry Educator, Vincent Cotrone. In January 2021, the Arborist Short Course went virtual and was delivered online to over 200 participants from around the world. "Trainees from New Zealand, the Virgin Islands, California, and elsewhere were able to join us live for the course and review the recorded lectures" said Cotrone.
Whether you attend the short course in-person for four full-days of training, or ten three-hour online sessions, participants are exposed to a wide range of topics including tree biology, tree identification, soils, plant nutrition, water relations, tree selection, transplanting & establishment, pruning, insect and disease diagnosis, tree risk assessment, tree protection during construction, working safely with trees, tree climbing, lightning protection, tree support systems, and urban forestry.
2023 Arborist Short Courses
Beginning January 10th, the online version of the Arborist Short Course Series will be offered from 9AM to noon twice a week for five weeks. Participants can attend the live lectures via online webinars from the comfort of their homes or offices, or view recorded lectures, if their schedules conflict with the live sessions. Registration is open now.
In-person Arborist Short Course (in-person trainings) will be offered in the following locations:
- Mercer, PA – Penn State Extension Mercer County Office on January 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2023
- Leesport, PA – Berks County Agricultural Center on March 14, 15, 21, and 22, 2023
More information and registration is open now.
Both the online course and in-person courses are aimed at arborists and tree workers, landscape contractors, municipal workers, landscape architects, and park and grounds maintenance staff, but is open to all who wish to attend. While the course provides a good preparation to take the Arborist Certification Exam, the exam is not included with this course. Those wanting to take the exam will need to apply to take the exam with ISA.
