International Society of Arboriculture

International Society of Arboriculture. The International Society of Arboriculture is a global professional organization dedicated to the study, cultivation, and management of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. It serves as a central body for advancing the field of arboriculture through research, education, and the establishment of professional standards. The society's work supports professionals in urban forestry, utility arboriculture, and commercial tree care across more than 50 countries.

History

The organization was founded in 1924 during a meeting in Connecticut by a group of municipal arborists, including Nellie A. G. R. (Nellie) Stevens, who sought to formalize the profession and share knowledge. Initially named the National Shade Tree Conference, its early conferences were pivotal in addressing threats like the Dutch elm disease outbreak that devastated urban canopies across North America. The society adopted its current name in 1976 to reflect its expanding international membership and scope, which grew significantly following collaborations with groups like the Society of Municipal Arborists and the Tree Care Industry Association. Key historical figures in its development include Francis A. Bartlett of the Bartlett Tree Experts company and Alex Shigo, whose revolutionary research into compartmentalization of decay in trees transformed modern arboricultural practices.

Organization and governance

The society is governed by an elected Board of Directors comprising volunteers from its global membership, which includes professionals from Australia, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive director and a professional staff based at its headquarters in Atlanta. Key administrative committees, such as the Science and Research Committee and the Credentials Council, oversee specific program areas and report to the board. The structure is supported by numerous local chapters, like the Pacific Northwest Chapter and the Illinois Arborist Association, which deliver regional programs and member services. Strategic partnerships with entities like the United States Forest Service and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations enhance its global reach and influence in policy discussions.

Certification programs

Its flagship credential is the ISA Certified Arborist program, which requires passing a comprehensive exam and demonstrating practical experience in tree care. Additional specialized certifications include the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, and credentials for utility specialists and municipal specialists. These programs are developed and maintained by the ISA Credentials Council and are recognized by major employers such as Davey Tree Expert Company and Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC. The certification process aligns with standards from the American National Standards Institute and is often required for contracts with entities like the Tennessee Valley Authority and various Department of Transportation agencies across the United States.

Publications and standards

The society publishes the peer-reviewed journal Arboriculture & Urban Forestry and the widely-used reference Best Management Practices series, which covers topics from tree planting to tree risk assessment. It is the secretariat for the ANSI A300 standards, the national consensus standards for tree care operations in the United States. Other key publications include the ISA Arborist Certification Study Guide and technical reports disseminated through partnerships with the USDA and the International Dendrology Society. These materials are foundational for curricula at institutions like the University of Massachusetts Amherst and are cited in municipal codes from Toronto to Singapore.

Educational programs and events

It hosts the annual ISA International Annual Conference and Trade Show, a major gathering for arborists featuring presentations from researchers at institutions like the Morton Arboretum and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Regional educational events are organized by chapters, such as the Western Chapter ISA's annual conference. The society also offers the Arboriculture Online Learning Series, webinars, and workshops in collaboration with the Tree Care Industry Association. Signature events include the ISA Tree Climbing Championships, held in locations like Köln and Melbourne, which showcase advanced climbing techniques and safety protocols.

Advocacy and public awareness

The organization advocates for the value of trees through initiatives like Tree City USA, a program it co-sponsors with the Arbor Day Foundation and the USDA Forest Service. It actively promotes research into climate change adaptation and invasive species management, contributing to policy discussions with bodies like the Environmental Protection Agency. Public awareness campaigns, such as Arbor Day celebrations and partnerships with National Geographic Society, aim to educate communities on tree benefits and proper care. Its advocacy extends to supporting the Urban and Community Forestry Act and collaborating with the World Bank on green infrastructure projects in developing nations.