Level 3 Advanced Decay Detection Workshop - Elk Grove
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Non Member
$170.00
Non WCISA Member
Sometimes the decay that weakens a tree's structural stability is hidden from view. This workshop will take a deep dive into three advanced techniques of decay detection: Resistance Drilling, Root Collar Excavation, and Sonic Tomography. The workshop begins with an overview of each tool and then moves to case studies showing when it works and when it doesn’t. After lunch, we'll move outside into breakout sessions that will demonstrate the tools in action and provide an opportunity for hands-on exposure. Finally, we'll tie it all together with a session on the final, critical step of Level 3 assessments: effectively communicating diagnostic findings to clients and stakeholders. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to share and compare experiences with these tools, you're exploring the possibility of acquiring these tools yourself, or you just want to learn about the advanced techniques that are available to tree risk assessors, this workshop is for you!
Agenda
| 7:30am |
Registration, check-in, refreshments |
| 8:00am |
Welcome and Introductions, Sarah Norris |
| 8:15am |
Resistance Drilling, Michael Neumann
Resistance drilling is a diagnostic technique used to evaluate internal decay and other structural concerns within tree stems and branches as part of Level 3 advanced tree risk assessments. The data obtained from resistance drilling primarily supports evaluations of the likelihood of failure. In addition to its role as an assessment tool, resistance drilling can provide valuable insights for managing high-value trees or those located near high-value targets and can also be applied to estimate tree age. This session will introduce the principles of resistance drilling technology, highlight recent research findings, and present contextual discussion through selected case studies drawn from the speaker’s professional experience.
|
| 9:15am |
Break |
| 9:30am |
Root Collar Excavation, Gabe Beeler
Root Crown Exams/Excavations are performed for a variety of reasons, offering a vast potential for recognizing insect and disease issues. The process includes backfilling the soil with some not so commonly known cures and vital Plant Health Care basics aimed at addressing the primary causes of decline in urban trees. For the purpose of this class, the focus will lean into how these exams can help assess a tree's viability, the presence of decay fungi, and identify root system integrity. Additionally, Gabe will speak on his 30 years of root pruning experience and how to create root paths that can greatly reduce damage to hardscaping and infrastructure, as well as replace soil aeration systems.
|
| 10:30am |
Sonic Tomography, Jonathan Flournoy
In this talk, we go over how a sonic tomograph works, when it may or may not be useful. We'll also go over the sometimes-surprising results it can give. We will discuss how to use it in conjunction with a resistance drill, root detection device, and specialized software.
|
| 11:30am |
Lunch Provided |
| 12:30pm |
Breakout Demonstrations 1/2 hour each: Resistance Drilling, RCX, Tomography |
| 2:15pm |
Break |
| 2:30pm |
Communicating the Results of a Level 3 Assessment, Scott Wheeler
This closing session will focus on the final critical step of decay assessment: communicating findings effectively. Learn to translate complex, technical results into clear, actionable recommendations for any audience. The session will illustrate how to maintain consistency and impact across various formats, including verbal presentations, emails, and formal reports. It will discuss common pitfalls that undermine credibility and will review practical examples. Clear communication helps to persuasively convey conclusions and to guide informed tree risk management decisions.
|
| 3:30pm |
CEU Sign Out
*Please allow up to 6 weeks for processing of CEUs |
Speakers:
Michael-Gerold Neumann of Forstmeister Consultants LLC, is an internationally recognized Registered Consulting Arborist, Board Certified Master Arborist, and Professional Forester with nearly three decades of experience in forestry, urban forestry, and arboriculture.
Mr. Neumann holds a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Forestry from Georg-August University in Göttingen, Germany, and a full suite of professional credentials, including ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) & Urban Forest Professional, ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA), as well as TPAQ (Tree & Plant Appraisal Qualification), TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification), and PPQ (Prescription Pruning Qualification).
Mr. Neumann's diverse professional background includes serving as expert witness in high-profile cases across the U.S. and Europe—notably in significant wildfire cause investigations—and providing advanced services like sonic tomography and resistance drilling for tree risk assessments, arborist reports, and forensic arboriculture. Since 2007, Mr. Neumann has served as Urban Forester & City Arborist for the City of Roseville, where he has led the sustainable management of more than 150,000 trees and guided the planting of over 35,000 native oaks. Under his leadership, the City’s Urban Forestry Program has become a model of long-term urban forest stewardship and innovation.
Before joining the City of Roseville, Mr. Neumann served as a Project Manager and Safety Administrator for an environmental consulting firm in the Sacramento region. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Registered Professional Forester and Forest Superintendent with the German State Forest Service, where he gained over a decade of experience in forest management and operations. During that time, he also founded and managed his own forest and natural resource management consulting firm before relocating to the United States.
Gabe Beeler has been a dedicated student of arboriculture, agronomy, mycology, and entomology for 30 years. He was chosen by Western Chapter International Society of Arboriculture (WCISA) Executive Director, Dr. Bob Tate, to champion the Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) test when it was created. This involved helping to build study guides, making him one of the first BCMA's in California and the 29th in the world to achieve this designation. That initial achievement 20 years ago was just the beginning. With the early success of his company, Fallen Leaf, Gabe was able to travel and learn from many of the best mentors around the world. What he learned is the critical need to continue learning every day and do his best to disseminate the teachings of the giants whose shoulders the industry stands on so they won't be lost. Today, Gabe remains active in the field, meeting trees, and training customers to expect a higher level of science from the industry while leading a Best in Class, SBE Tree Care Company.
Jonathan Flournoy is a consulting arborist based in Los Angeles, California. Jonathan's work includes general tree assessments, disease diagnostics, tree risk assessments, protected tree reports, and expert witness work. He is also the Secretary for the WCISA board and is a member of the Consulting Committee.
Scott Wheeler is a consulting arborist with HortScience | Bartlett Consulting in Berkeley, CA. Scott began climbing trees professionally in 2001 and is trained in contemporary aesthetic and classic Japanese style pruning. Scott obtained his CA QAL as an integrated plant management technician and ran a tree care company in San Francisco for over a decade before becoming a consultant. He is a Registered Consulting Arborist and TPAQ holder with ASCA, and holds the BCMA credential and TRAQ from ISA. As a consulting arborist, Scott is interested in refining and standardizing tree protections for various civil and municipal agencies throughout the state. When not staring at trees, he enjoys naps and leaving the country - and is on a quest to try the most bizarre foods he can find.
Early Registration (through 1/15/26):
$145 - WCISA Member
$180 - Non WCISA Member
$75 - Student/Senior
Regular Registration (on and after 1/16/26):
$170 - WCISA Member
$205 - Non WCISA Member
$75 - Student/Senior
CEUs
6.0 - CA/CTC/CUFP
4.5 - BCMA- Science
1.5 - BCMA- Practice
Location
Elk Grove Park
9950 Elk Grove Florin Road
Elk Grove, CA 95624