EVENTS PROVIDING ISA CEUS

This list contains upcoming events that we are aware of and also includes courses that we know have been canceled as well. Nearly all of them provide opportunities to earn ISA CEUs that help you maintain your ISA certifications. While we may not have links for each event that direct you to specific registration information, we do try to provide contact information so you can learn more about the event. NOTE: Not all events listed are sponsored or co-sponsored by ISA Southern Chapter and the Chapter is not responsible for those events.

WEBINAR/EVENT OPPORTUNITIES Many of the event organizers and hosts listed below provide clear instruction for obtaining a CEU credit for attending a webinar. ISA policy currently provides that you must watch the content as a live webinar to earn a CEU through the pre-approval process established by the webinar developer and host. This typically means that you must pre-register for the webinar event, just like attending a workshop. Each webinar developer and host will have a different registration process. Read the instructions on their website carefully to insure that understand how to receive CEU credit.

If you are planning an event and want to get ISA CEUs pre-approved for the event, click the link below and complete the application.  Send the completed application with a copy of the agenda for the event to CEU@isasouthern.org.

If you know of opportunities we haven’t listed, you can email us and we’ll get it posted!

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

September 11-12, 2025
GREAT NC TREE CONFERENCE
Wyndham Gardens Greensboro
415 S Swing Rd,
Greensboro, NC 27409
Join the NC Urban Forest Council for its 2-day conference. Indoor session on September 11 will feature keynote speakers and 3 concurrent tracks: Tree Preservation, Operations, and Business. The final session of the day will be a panel of tree care representatives from Western NC discussing recovery progress and lessons from Helene. Outdoor session on September 12 will be held at Country Park in Greensboro, and will discuss different tree care priorities throughout different portions of the park district, a walking tour of the historic park elements, and a session from local emergency medical professionals demonstrating what response should look like when you or a crew member is severely injured on the job. Info and registration HERE.

September 18, 2025 Noon Eastern COMMON TREE PESTS IN THE SOUTHEAST WEBINAR Presenter: Lee Rumble Tennessee Urban Forestry Council (TUFC) is hosting this webinar. This session will begin with an introduction to Plant Health Care (PHC) principles and then focus on identifying key insect and disease pests impacting trees in Tennessee and the surrounding region. While not diving deeply into entomological life cycles, Lee will highlight when these pests typically appear and share practical guidance on monitoring and management strategies. Whether you're a tree care professional or a curious land steward, this presentation will provide useful tools to support tree health through informed decision-making. Info and Registration HERE

September 21 - November 9, 2025 3-6pm BECOME A NASHVILLE TREE STEWARD
Warner Park Learning Center
7311 TN-100
Nashville, TN 37221
Tennessee Tree Stewards is a new statewide volunteer training initiative from TUFC that aims to develop qualified and engaged volunteer groups equipped with the skills necessary to plant, maintain, and advocate for trees in their community.

TUFC is piloting the first 8-week course this fall with the Nashville Tree Foundation. Limited spots are available. ISA Certified Arborists will deliver expert instruction and hands-on training on comprehensive urban forestry and arboriculture topics, including tree biology, identification, planting, care, pruning, local community forestry projects, and more. Registration HERE

September 24, 2025 3:00-4:00pm Eastern
MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN URBAN FORESTRY
WEBINAR Presenters: Keith Hennig and Dr. Brice Zoungrana, ArborPro Inc.
NC Urban Forest Council is hosting this webinar. Join Keith Hennig and Dr. Brice Zoungrana from ArborPro Inc. to learn about modern technology usage in urban forestry and urban landscaping, including the usage of drones, LiDAR, and multispectral imaging. Learn not only about data collection, but analysis and real-world implementation of findings. New technological improvements, including the use of Geospatial Artificial Intelligence can more accurately and easily understand vegetation health from aerial imagery. We will finish with the discussion of data usage, including in disaster response- identifying hazardous vegetation and trees for removal and using data to support insurance claims, and in urban management systems, with urban forest management plans and vegetation management systems. Info and Registration HERE

September 26-27, 2025 (Fri-Sat) 8:00AM - 4:00pm (Central) TREE BIOMECHANICS WORKSHOP The Waterfront at Greenwood Community Park 13350 LA-19 Baton Rouge, LA 70714 Presenter: Frank Rinn and Andrew Lloyd, Ph.D. Plan to join the ISA Southern Chapter at this high-level workshop at The Waterfront in Greenwood Community Park.  The event is cosponsored by the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC); Louisiana Community Forests; Louisiana State University Ag Center, and Bayou Tree.   Consider attending if you are an arborist or someone with a keen interest in how trees grow, respond to stress, and how they fall apart!

This two-day event features some of the premier experts in the arboriculture world.  Frank Rinn is known for literally “writing the book” and “inventing the equipment” that practitioners use to understand tree decay, tree responses to decay, and organisms responsible for decay. Much of the tree biomechanics material used in professional credentials was developed by Frank. He regularly sells out the venue for his workshops. Andrew Loyd, Ph.D., is Plant Pathologist with Bartlett Tree Experts based out of Houston Texas.  With a focus on woody plant health management, he has research projects in multiple states with government, academic, and non-profit research collaborators. In addition to his research, Andrew provides technical support to Bartlett arborists in Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, and Texas.  

Southern Chapter sponsored this event at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina two years ago and ended up over-selling to accommodate demand. Be sure to register early. This event will sell out. 13 ISA CEUs are pending. Info and Registration HERE

September 30, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm Eastern REGISTRATION IS CLOSED - CLASS IS FULL TRAQ RENEWAL VIRTUAL COURSE (on-line) Co-hosted event with ISA Southern, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Iowa and Midwestern Chapters This is a virtual renewal option and is only available for those that already have the TRAQ credential and their expiration date occurs within 18 months prior to the date of this course. The course fee includes all fees for the course and exams. After you attend the course, ISA will send you information about completing the exam process. Please read “Virtual TRAQ Renewal Info for Candidates” to be very clear about the course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Registration will close when class capacity is reached or 30 days prior to the class, whichever comes first. Register early!!

Only register for this course if you already have a current TRAQ credential and your TRAQ expiration date is after September 30, 2025. Do not register if your TRAQ credential will expire prior to the class date. Your eligible renewal window begins 18 months prior to your expiration date. Attending a renewal course and successfully completing the exams prior to your expiration date will result in five years being added to your current expiration date. 

If you register for a class date that occurs after your expiration date, you may not be notified of this mistake until 30 days prior to the course. Your registration will be cancelled and your registration fee will be refunded, less a $50 service fee.

October 6-7, 2025 9:00am-4:30pm CERTIFIED ARBORIST REVIEW WORKSHOP
The Arts Center of Greenwood
120 Main St
Greenwood, SC 29646
Southern Chapter hosts this event every year. It includes an in-depth review of the ISA Certified Arborist Study Guide with a nuber of great presenters. Join Jimmy Walters, Dena Whitesides, and David Jenkins for a great prep if you are considering becoming an ISA Certified Arborist. Registration for this course does include registration for an ISA exam! If you want to take an ISA exam, you need to first creat an ISA profile HERE then go to the ISA credentialing page to register for an exam. Again, this prep course does not include an exam. You can register for the prep course HERE

October 8, 2025 1:00-2:00pm Eastern
BALDCYPRESS LEAFROLLER: WHAT WE KNOW AND WHERE TO GO
WEBINAR Presenters: Dr. Kristy McAndrew
This webinar is presented by Clemson Extension. Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) and pondcypress (Taxodium distichum var. imbricarium) are two species commonly found in forested wetland ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Both species can improve water quality, provide wildlife habitat, mitigate flood waters, and help control erosion, making them ecologically important trees. However, baldcypress and pondcypress are both hosts for the baldcypress leafroller (Archips goyerana), a native defoliating pest first documented in southeastern Louisiana in 1983. Baldcypress leaf roller defoliation events can cause reduced tree growth, crown dieback, and, in some cases, host tree mortality. But what do we know about this pest and how do we reduce its impact? In this webinar, Dr. Kristy McAndrew will discuss baldcypress leaf rollers' biology, management, and impact. Contact Katy Crout Moretti.

November 5, 2025
2025 Trees SC Pre-Conference Tour
Spartanburg, SC
Join Trees SC for an immersive pre-conference tour that brings Strategic Connections to life ... literally! Explore premier arboretums, cutting-edge magnolia trials, and hands-on demonstrations of tree decay testing technology. This full-day experience blends science, scenery, and CEU opportunities as we visit the Spartanburg Community College Arboretum, Milliken Research Facility, and Wofford College. From walking tours under the canopy to hands-on demonstrations and expert-led discussions, this is your chance to connect with nature, knowledge, and fellow professionals before the main event kicks off. Space is limited. Registration HERE.

November 6-7, 2025
2025 Trees SC Annual Conference - Strategic Connections
Spartanburg, SC
Make plans to join Trees SC in downtown Spartanburg, SC, for the 2025 TreesSC Annual Conference, where Strategic Connections come to life for professionals shaping the future of our urban forests. This year’s program is designed for urban tree care professionals and enthusiasts who are driving innovation and stewardship in their communities. Dive into timely topics like biochar applications, tree resilience, vegetation management technology, and collaborative planning strategies. With expert-led sessions, dynamic breakout discussions, networking opportunities, and valuable CEUs, this conference will equip you with the insights and relationships to elevate your work. Registration HERE.

November 17-19, 2025 8:00AM - 5:00pm (Eastern) PRSCRIPTION PRUNING QUALIFICATION WORKSHOP - PPQ City of Charlotte Special Services Division 1105 Otts Street Charlotte NC 28205 Presenters: Dr. Ed Gilman and Nick Markley Developed by the Florida Chapter of ISA, the Prescription Pruning Qualification Workshop (PPQ) offers one-day and three-day options. The one day option for Producers (tree workers) offers clarity for tree workers that appreciate clear goals for each pruning task. The three-day course includes two days of training and demonstrations culminating in an exam. The successful candidate will receive the Prescription Pruning Qualification being recognized nationwide. You must be an ISA Certified Arborist to attend the qualification course. However, it is not required to attend DAY ONE ONLY.

This new pruning paradigm shifts the decision of which branches to prune from the production arborist that may be operating without a clear goal about the pruning job, to an informed prescriber. It establishes a protocol resulting in consistency between the arborist preparing the prescription and the production arborist. The PPQ credential, offered to three day class attendees, teaches you how to prescribe and perform pruning in accordance with industry standards and ISA’s BMP, which is supported by the latest research and experience.

ISA Southern Chapter proudly acknowledges our sponsors: City of Charlotte, Rainbow Ecoscience, Charlotte Arborist Association, and the North Carolina Urban Forestry Council, and the North Carolina Forest Service.

TWO TRACKS ARE OFFERED:

  • PRODUCERS (Day One only; Nov 17) - ISA Certification not a prerequisite. This is a one-day session with extreme value for those who work in trees. Dr. Gilman provides attendees with an understading and appreciation of proper pruning based on clear goals and communication. Producer attendees receive a certificate of attendance. There is no exam.

  • PRESCIBERS (Day One, Two, and Three: Nov 17-19) - Must be an ISA Certified Arborist. Prescribers attend Day One and then return for Day Two and the review and exams on Day Three.  The second and third day of training focus on preparing pruning prescriptions using many examples which include outdoor exercises. This is an interactive program with many activities. There is a review and a multiple choice exam on the third day. Those passing the exam become PPQ Qualified through the Florida Chapter of ISA.

This course is a rising star in the arboriculture world. Plan to attend and register soon. We will reach capacity and sell out this course. Info and Registration HERE


November 19-20, 2025
PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY FORESTRY CONFERENCE Organized by the Arbor Day Foundation Hendersonville, Nevada
Our friends at the The Arbor Day Foundation are thrilled to announce that the 2025 Partners in Community Forestry Conference and partnering events will be held in Henderson, Nevada from November 19-20. Additional information HERE.

December 3-5, 2025                TRAQ 3-DAY COURSE FOR NEW APPLICANTS Universidad de Puerto Rico en Utuado Carr. 123 Km. 52.2 Barrio Salto Arriba Utuado, Puerto Rico 00641 ISA has launched TRAQ 3.0! This new version of TRAQ will require that you verify your eligibility before you register for a TRAQ course. Please read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” to be very clear about the full course prerequisites and details about the credential and the courses.

IMPORTANT STEPS 1) If you hold a current ISA credential (Certified Arborist, etc) you can register directly for this class by using the registration link below. 2) If you are not certain about your eligibility to take a TRAQ courses, you need to compete an application with ISA to be sure you are eligible for the course. Use this guide to get approval to register for this class if you are not an ISA credential holder. Again, if you do not hold an ISA credential, you need to apply with ISA first, then come back to Southern Chapter to register for the class. Be sure that you submit your application to ISA well in advance of the class. 3) Once your application from ISA is approved, you can then register for the class with the link below.

Be sure you are prepared to register at least 30 days prior to the class.  Registration will close when class capacity is reached. Register early!! Additional information can be found on the ISA Southern Chapter website at https://www.isasouthern.org/traq-events 

 Register HERE for December 3-5 TRAQ Course (Closes November 3 or when capacity of 20 is reached)

December 12, 2025       8:30am-12:30pm Eastern ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST, UTILITY SPECIALIST, MUNICIPAL SPECIALIST EXAM Guilford County Extension Center
3309 Burlington Road
Greensboro, NC 27405

ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Arborist, and Municipal Specialist written exams are scheduled for Friday, December 12, 2025. Applicants for each exam must register by November 24, 2025 at the ISA website. If you’re new to ISA, you’ll need to create an ISA profile at creating or logging in to your ISA account. Registering for an exam includes 2 steps. First, you must complete an application for your selected credential. On your ISA profile, find the link “Apply for an ISA Certification” Complete the application for your selected credential. Second, once the application is submitted and approved by ISA, you can register for an exam. Be sure to submit your application well in advance of registering for an exam as it can take several weeks to get a submitted application approved.

January 29-30, 2026
SC Green Industry Assoc Conference & Trade Show
Columbia, SC
SC Green’s annual conference and trade show featuring landscaping classes, vendors, and networking with other industry professionals. Registration HERE