Arborist Podcast

Need a bird's-eye view of your city's forest without spending years on a survey? 🚗🌳In Episode 8, we explore the Windshield Survey—the urban forester’s go-to method for rapid, large-scale assessment. While a full tree inventory gives you the "micro" details, a windshield survey gives you the "macro" patterns. We discuss how arborists use this drive-by (or walk-by) meth...

How do you find one specific tree in a city of millions? 🗺️🌳In Episode 9, we dive into the "brain" of modern urban forestry: Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Moving beyond simple spreadsheets, we explore how GIS technology allows cities to visualize their tree canopy as a living, breathing data set. We discuss how layering tree data with temperature maps, population density, and st...

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Urban Forest Professional series. What happens when a storm hits a city with 50,000 trees? The role of a City Forester is vastly different from that of a traditional arborist. While one focuses on the health of a single limb, the other manages the resilience of an entire ecosystem. In this debut episode, we explore the fundamental shift from individual tree care to popu...

When you think of city infrastructure, you probably think of pipes and power lines. But what if the most effective "technology" in our cities is actually alive? In Episode 2 of our Urban Forestry series, we dive into The Urban Forest as Infrastructure. We move beyond the idea of trees as mere ornaments and look at them as "Green Infrastructure"—essential systems that manage sto...

Why do some neighborhoods feel 10 degrees cooler than others? It all comes down to the Urban Tree Canopy (UTC). In Episode 3 of our Urban Forestry series, we break down what UTC is, why it matters for city health, and how it’s used as a vital tool for environmental equity. In this video, we cover:Defining UTC: What "percent canopy cover" actually means. The Big Benefits: How larger tree...

How do we measure thousands of trees at once? 🌳🛰️In Episode 4 of our Urban Forestry series, we dive into the high-tech world of Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) measurement. Manually counting every tree in a city is impossible, so modern urban foresters turn to advanced spatial technology to get the job done accurately and efficiently. In this video, you will learn:Aerial Imagery: How high-resolution sate...

Why do some city streets lose all their trees at once while others stay green? 🌳In Episode 5 of our Urban Forestry series, we dive into the critical importance of species diversity. While uniform rows of identical trees look beautiful, they create a "monoculture" that is highly vulnerable to catastrophic loss. We’ll explore the history of Dutch Elm Disease and the Emerald Ash Borer to s...

How do you save a mature oak in the middle of a high-traffic construction site? 🏗️🌳Tree preservation is one of the most challenging and critical roles an arborist faces. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the essential systems and strategies for protecting trees during development—perfect for BCMA exam prep or real-world site management. In this lesson, we cover:The Inventory Process: Usi...

Tree work is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous professions in the world. But for professional crews and Board Certified Master Arborists (BCMA), safety isn't just a checklist—it's a calculated system designed to prevent accidents before they happen. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the essential safety concepts used in modern arboriculture. Whether you are studying...

Tree risk assessment under ANSI A300 Part 9 is not the same as tree inspection. In this video, we break down ISA TRAQ methodology, including likelihood of failure, likelihood of impacting the target, and consequences of failure using a structured, defensible framework. You’ll learn the difference between defects, potential indicators, and definite indicators, how Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 asse...

Tree Risk Assessment — A Professional Overview Is that tree safe, or is it a hazard? 🌳⚠️ In this episode, we move beyond "spotting problems" and look at the structured process of Tree Risk Assessment . If you are preparing for the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) exam or looking to transition into consulting, this high-level overview is the perfect place to start. We aren'...

Episode 16: Plant Appraisal — A Professional Overview What is a tree actually worth? 🌳💰 In this episode, we’re taking a high-level look at Plant Appraisal . If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the "Management" section of the BCMA study guide, this is for you. We aren't doing a deep-dive into complex math today—instead, we’re mapping out the big picture so you can master the core con...

Master the critical intersection of tree biology and structural biomechanics to elevate your professional tree risk assessment accuracy. This technical deep dive aligns with ANSI A300 Part 9 standards and ISA TRAQ competencies to help consulting arborists and BCMA candidates identify structural defects through the lens of load-bearing capacity and stress distribution. We break down complex enginee...

Tree risk assessment starts with understanding wood biology. In this in-depth arborist training, we break down tree biology, wood structure, and decay science using ANSI A300 Part 9 and ISA TRAQ definitions. You’ll learn how brown rot, white rot, soft rot, basal rot, and decay fungi affect structural stability, how CODIT compartmentalization influences a column of decay, and why residual wall thic...

Understanding tree biology is essential for defensible tree risk assessment. In this video, we break down how wood structure, cellulose, lignin, reaction wood, woundwood, and decay directly influence likelihood of failure under ANSI A300 Part 9. If you are preparing for the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) or want to strengthen your professional judgment as an arborist, this deep dive...

Site assessment is the foundation of accurate tree risk assessment under ANSI A300 Part 9 and ISA TRAQ methodology. In this advanced training, we break down how site factors influence likelihood of failure, likelihood of impact, and consequences of failure. This video explores severe vs extreme weather and how foreseeable conditions shape defensible risk ratings. Learn how wind exposure, load bear...

Tree risk assessment does not start with defects — it starts with targets. In this video, we break down target assessment and tree risk factors using ANSI A300 Part 9 and ISA TRAQ methodology. If you're preparing for the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification exam or conducting professional tree risk assessments, understanding likelihood of failure, likelihood of impact, and consequences of failur...

Tree risk assessment explained using ANSI A300 Part 9 and ISA TRAQ methodology. Learn the structured approach to evaluating likelihood of failure, target impact, and consequences of failure. If you're an arborist, TRAQ candidate, consulting arborist, or municipal forester, understanding the ANSI A300 Part 9 standard and ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification framework is essential for defensib...

Tree inventories help cities and organizations manage urban forests. In this episode we explore tree inventory systems, data collection, and management planning used in urban forestry. #arborist #urbanforestry #treeinventory #bcma #arboriculture 🎥 Full video lessons available on YouTube Search: “Arborist Podcast” or visit: http://www.youtube.com/@arboristpodcast

Professional arborists must also understand business practices. In this episode we explore client communication, contracts, ethics, and business management in arboriculture. #arborist #treecarebusiness #consultingarborist #bcma #arboriculture 🎥 Full video lessons available on YouTube Search: “Arborist Podcast” or visit: http://www.youtube.com/@arboristpodcast

Tree identification is a fundamental skill for arborists. In this episode we cover leaf structure, bark patterns, buds, growth habits, and other key features used to identify tree species. Essential knowledge for arborists, urban foresters, and BCMA exam preparation. #arborist #treeID #treecare #urbanforestry #bcma #arboriculture 🎥 Full video lessons available on YouTube Search: “Arborist Podcast...

Water plays a critical role in tree health. In this episode we explore how trees absorb and transport water, drought stress, irrigation strategies, and how arborists manage water for healthy trees. #arborist #treewater #treecare #bcma #arboriculture 🎥 Full video lessons available on YouTube Search: “Arborist Podcast” or visit: http://www.youtube.com/@arboristpodcast

Some trees need structural support to reduce failure risk. In this episode we explore cabling, bracing, and other protection systems used to stabilize trees and protect valuable specimens. #arborist #treecabling #treecare #bcma #arboriculture 🎥 Full video lessons available on YouTube Search: “Arborist Podcast” or visit: http://www.youtube.com/@arboristpodcast

Improving soil conditions can dramatically improve tree health. In this episode we explore soil amendments, aeration, mulching, and techniques arborists use to improve root environments. #arborist #soilmanagement #treecare #bcma #arboriculture 🎥 Full video lessons available on YouTube Search: “Arborist Podcast” or visit: http://www.youtube.com/@arboristpodcast

Pruning is one of the most important practices in arboriculture. In this episode we cover pruning objectives, proper pruning cuts, structural pruning, and techniques that improve tree health and safety. #arborist #treepruning #treecare #bcma #arboriculture #urbanforestry 🎥 Full video lessons available on YouTube Search: “Arborist Podcast” or visit: http://www.youtube.com/@arboristpodcast