Kentucky Arborists' Association

04/02/2026

Check out this upcoming learning opportunity for all the tree 🌳 nerds!!!

How do urban trees shape human health? Join the Department of Economics and UK’s Urban Forest Initiative on Friday, April 24, for a lecture by Dr. Geoffrey Donovan, a nationally recognized economist whose work examines the health benefits of urban forests. A reception begins at 2:30 p.m. in the Gatton atrium, followed by the lecture at 3:30 p.m. in Kincaid Auditorium. We hope faculty and colleagues from across campus will join us.

Register at: https://bit.ly/3NXAbCO

03/27/2026

Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification (TPAQ)

Thu, May 21, 8am - Fri, May 22, 5pm EDT

Become trained through an introductory course in the theory and application of current tree and plant appraisal approaches, methods, and techniques - register now to attend our TPAQ training. This event will utilize both instructor-led discussions and case scenarios to illustrate concepts.

Upon completion, you will be able to:

Understand basic appraisal concepts.
Define the tree and plant appraisal process.
Understand tree and plant appraisal, approaches, methods, and techniques.
Apply tree and plant appraisal approaches, methods, and techniques.
Present assignment results.

Thu, May 21, 8am - Fri, May 22, 5pm EDT

https://events.humanitix.com/tree-and-plant-appraisal-qualification_may-2026-ul5ydwsr

03/27/2026

We are so thankful to have Cary continuing his service on our board of directors!

Cary Craycroft began his career in horticulture at the Parklands of Floyds Fork in the spring of 2020, where he developed a strong foundation in plant identification, plant healthcare, meadow management, and timber stand improvement. During this time, he also worked as a nurseryman at Earl Thieneman Garden Center, gaining hands-on experience in tree care, identification, and proper planting techniques. He quickly advanced into a lead role in tree sales.

Building on this experience, Cary earned his ISA Certified Arborist credential in November 2023, qualifying him for his current position as a Staff Arborist with Louisville Metro Parks. In this role, he conducts tree inspections and helps protect and manage trees across more than 120 parks, as well as throughout Louisville’s four historic parkway systems. During his time with Metro Parks, Cary has also earned his Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) and ISA Municipal Specialist credential.

In his spare time, Cary enjoys spending time outdoors, with interests that include fishing, trail running, and woodworking.

03/22/2026

Next TRAQ course is open for registration: https://events.humanitix.com/isa-tree-risk-assessment-qualification-traq-_version-3-0-full-course-yu9be38q

03/19/2026

We want to introduce you to Abbie Hessian… she graciously volunteered to be one of our newest board members and provided some information about her arboricultural experience so we can get to know her…
“I grew up in the horticulture industry and a landscaping family. My grandfather was Larry Lose, he taught me so much as a horticulturist and was a wonderful role model. He inspired me to go to college and push myself to find my spot in the industry. I have a Bachelors of Agriculture Science - Horticulture from Murray State University. I am a certified Arborist, a Master Gardener and a mom. I currently work for Inside Out Landscape Design in Frankfort, KY.”

03/18/2026

We are looking forward to this next year but we are extremely grateful to everything that Aaron Boggs did for our organization during his tenure as President.

03/12/2026

Today, during the 2nd day of our ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), we observed several trees ouside the Campbell County Extension Office.

Big thanks to Bonnie for coordinating everything!

There will be another course offered in the next few months…those dates will be announced very soon.

Thank you to DJ Scully for being such a wonderful host.

02/27/2026

Great learning opportunity!

Join us for our upcoming webinar:
Turning Problems into Prescriptions: Modern Tree Diagnostics

Thursday, March 19, 2026
4:00 to 5:00 PM EST
Live via Zoom | 1 CEU

Presented by High Plains Technical Manager, Korey Lofy, this session will teach you how to properly identify tree health issues and strengthen your PHC practice with a structured diagnostic checklist.

Register today: https://loom.ly/UqjREOo

02/20/2026

We are honored to have Louisville Tree Service, LLC at our conference! We appreciate your continued support!

Learning how to better serve Louisville at the Kentucky Arborist Association’s conference this week!

02/20/2026

Keeping us “in the know” when it comes to new tree care strategies and products…Arborjet Ecologel and Bartlett Tree Experts - Lexington

02/20/2026

Thank you Cory McCurry for keeping us up to date on the management of Beech Leaf disease.