Registration All Day

Ed Jones Auditorium

Morning Workshop Optional registration, $75

Lightning Protection Installation Demonstration

In the summer of 1992, Ellington Agriculture Center lost one of two magnificent dawn redwoods to lightning. This workshop will discuss the importance of protecting high-value landscape trees from this destructive force of nature, and will include an actual replacement of the current lightning protection system in Ellington's remaining dawn redwood. Presented by certified arborist Wes Hooper.

Afternoon Workshop Optional registration, $75

Pests, Physiology, and Soil

Updates on two new insect and disease pests of trees to hit Tennessee recently, discussion and demonstration of soil aeration, and the advanced basics of tree physiology. Presenters are Tim Phelps, Forestry Division; Jim Zwack, The Davey Institute; and Dave Fulgham, National Tree Preservation.

Welcome Reception

Celebrating TUFC's 20th Anniversary

Tennessee Agriculture Museum

TUFC Annual Meeting

Brief membership meeting

Tree Board Breakfast Optional registration, FREE

State Urban Forester Bruce Webster presents Tree Board University. Hosted by Bell Buckle, Brentwood, and Franklin tree boards. Moderated by Assistant State Urban Forester Brian Rucker, this event is open to all conference attendees. Tree board members are strongly encouraged to attend!

Keynote Address

Welcome by TUFC President Zack French
Introduction by State Forester Bruce Webster

The Science within Arboriculture

Jim Zwack, Director of Technical Services,
The Davey Institute, Plymouth, Minnesota

Morning Session

Design Consideration for Trees

Skip Heibert, Landscape Architect, Heibert & Associates

Break with Exhibitors

Visit with trade show exhibitors. Silent auction ends at noon!

Concurrent Tree Sessions

Tuff Trees for the Urban Landscape

Tom Simpson, East Tennessee Regional Urban Forester

Knoxville's Tools for the Future:
Tree Inventory, Risk Assessment,
and Management Plan

David Vandergriff, Extension Agent

City of Lakeland Canopy Cover Project

Shawn Posey, West Tennessee Regional Urban Forester

Tree Climb Equipment Inspection

Tree Climbing Championship

Ellington Agricultural Center
FREE to the public
Competitors register here

The 13th annual statewide competition promotes tree care professionalism and safety practices. Contestants compete in five preliminary events and the Master's Challenge for the state title, which includes a berth in the ISA Southern Tree Competition.

PRELIMINARY EVENTS

Contestants compete in five preliminary events:

• Throwline: Accurately and timely hit targets at 40, 50 and 60 feet with a weighted throwline and install climbing liners.
• Belayed Speed Climb: A timed 60-foot climb into a tree with a belayed climbing line.
• Secured Foot Lock: A timed 40-foot climb into the tree using a prusik loop and the footlock climbing technique.
• Work Climb: Move throughout the crown of a tree and perform specified task in a timely manner.
• Aerial Rescue: A simulated accident situation where the contestants must climb a tree to an "injured" worker, secure the victim and lower safely to the ground.

MASTER'S CHALLENGE

The top scorers of the preliminary events compete to determine the champion. The contestants must install a climbing line, complete simulated work events in the tree and return to the ground in a specified time limit. Contestants are judged on their knowledge of climbing techniques, use of equipment, safety, poise, continuity and overall productivity.

EQUIPMENT

Climbers must bring their own hardhat, eye protection, approved climbing saddle and safety lanyard, climbing line with locking snap or carabiner and handsaw with scabbard. Climbers may furnish their own throwlines, prusik loops or figure-8's, or use those supplied by the committee.