September 11, 2018

Association Updates Dear MAA Members, I hope everyone had a fun and safe summer! As we move into fall, MAA is looking forward to our many upcoming events, including our joint event with Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH), our 2019 Winter Seminar and 2019 Maryland Arborist Day. This year’s joint event with MOSH will be a Day of Safety and Health and will be held later this month on September 26 at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Topics that will be covered during the day include OSHA Recordkeeping, Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety, Pre-and-Post Vehicle DOT Inspections, BGE’s Hotwire Demonstration and Contractor Assistance Program, Tick Prevention, and PPE Inspections. MD LTE, MAC-ISA, and TCIA credits have all been approved for this event, and a barbeque lunch will be provided. Learn more and register by clicking here . The planning committee for the 2019 Arborist Day event, which will be held at Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, will be completing their site walk this month to prepare their work plan for the event. We encourage all MAA members to participate and MAA is using this event to reach out to more potential members on the Eastern Shore. You may contact the MAA staff if you are interested in assisting with planning of this event. Last month, the planning committee for our 2019 Winter Seminar met to start to compile an exciting agenda for the event. Speakers have already been confirmed for topics including spider lifts, air spaders, pollinator protection, and a hands-on plant diagnostic demonstration. Keep an eye out for more details coming soon! Finally, we would like to congratulate our newly elected officers for the Association: Steve Sprague as President, Ron Muir as Vice President, Scott Bates as Secretary, John Davis as Treasurer, Jeremy Baker as Immediate Past President, and Matthew Anacker, David Gardner, and Nicholas Valentine as Directors. Their term began in August of 2018 and will run through July of 2020.  Stay Safe! Lindsay Thompson MAA Executive Director (443) 262-8491

Thank You to our White Oak Sponsors

Altech | Arborjet | Fisher & Son Co. Inc. | Georgetown Insurance | Moran Insurance | Security Equipment Company | Vermeer Mid Atlantic

Sugar Maple Sponsor  First National Bank of PA

Updated BGE Contractor Assistance Form BGE has updated their Contractor Assistance Form, adding a mandatory section requiring customer signature as a verification of an existing contract between the customer and the contractor. Without the customer signature verifying that there is an existing contract, BGE will be unable to process the work request. More about this can be learned from BGE at our upcoming Day of Safety and Health.  Download the Form

Japanese Maples in Maryland Landscapes: Plant Location & Care Are Keys to Success The group of small ornamental shade trees lumped under the name Japanese maples, Acer palmatum and A. japonicum, and their many hybrids, are very popular with gardeners and plant enthusiasts. Dr. David Clement and Christa K. Carignan of University of Maryland Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center recently posted the blog article below discussing planting conditions, maintenance, and frequently asked questions related to pests, diseases, and other problems. Read Post

Follow UME IPM on Facebook!

Managed by University of Maryland Extension specialists, the Facebook page Bugs, Blooms, and Blights covers current issues in landscapes and gardens. Problems with plants, insects good and bad, diseases, pollinators, and problem-free non-invasives plants for landscapes are just some of the many issues featured on the page. The Extension’s IPM reports are also shared to the page on Fridays. Like this Page

MAA Members Receive Free Subscription to TCIA Magazine TCIA would like to offer members of the Maryland Arborist Association a free subscription to their Tree Care Industry Magazine . To subscribe, follow the link below and use the promo code MDAA1018 . Limit one free (Print) subscription per company. Regular price $40. Subscribe Now

First National Bank Offers New Loan Rates If you are thinking about buying equipment, trucks, etc, please consider First National Bank of PA for your financing. Their 5 year rate is currently 4.99% for financing new and used equipment. We also have 5.50% for 6 and 7 year terms. These rates are good for refinancing existing loans at higher rates as well. If you are interested, contact Michael McClung to begin the process, 443-293-6683 or McClungM@fnb-corp.com . He would be happy to stop by your office to discuss further! More Information

Now Available: Digital Z133 The Z133 Safety Standard was developed for the arboriculture industry under the procedures of the American National Standards Institute. This publication provides an essential guide for federal, state, and municipal authorities in drafting regulations. You can now use your mobile device or tablet to search or scroll through the full standard in an easy-to-use digital format. It is available to purchase for use on your Android or iOS for just $9.99. Click Here to Buy

State’s First Longhorned Tick Found on Deer in Washington County A longhorned tick was found on a white-tailed deer in Washington County this summer — the first sighting of this tick species this season. A test by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the tick, also known as the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick, the East Asian tick and the bush tick. The tick, which is not native to Maryland and can be mistaken for more common types of ticks, was found July 27 in the Western Maryland county.  Continue Reading from the Baltimore Sun

MAA/MOSH Health and Safety Day – September 26, 2018 – West Friendship, MD

Join the Maryland Arborist Association (MAA) and Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) for a day focusing on safety and health. Topics that will be discussed include OSHA Recordkeeping, Chainsaw Maintenance and Safety, Pre-and-Post Vehicle DOT Inspections, BGE’s Hotwire Demonstration and Contractor Assistance Program, Tick Prevention, and PPE Inspections. Lunch will be provided. Be sure to register ahead of time, tickets will not be sold at the door! The following continuing education credits will be available: Maryland LTE: 6.5 Credits TCIA: CTSP 6 CEU’s MAC-ISA: Certified Arborist: 4.75, Utility Specialist: 4.75, Municipal Specialist: 4.75, BCMA – Management: 4.75, TW Climber Specialist: 4.75, TW Aerial Lift Specialist: 4.75 MD-CPH and Society of American Foresters CFE credit pending

MAC-ISA Annual Meeting - October 8-9, 2018 - Frederick, MD

Celebrating their 40th Anniversary: Internationally renowned speakers, Field Day at Hood College, trade show both days, lots of networking opportunities. ISA, SAF, MD LTE, and CTSP’s CEUs will be available at this event.

Annual Trees Matter Symposium - November 14, 2018 - Silver Spring, MD Montgomery Parks and Casey Trees, Washington D.C., present the 7 th  Annual Trees Matter Symposium Wednesday, November 14. Learn from respected industry professionals about recent and innovative trends in urban and suburban landscaping, as you connect with industry colleagues. Continuing education credits and exhibitor opportunities for this event are available.

MAC-ISA Tree Risk Assessment Renewal – November 30, 2018 – Gainesville, VA

The ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) program provides an opportunity for professionals in the arboriculture industry to expand their knowledge through education and training in the fundamentals of tree risk assessment. This qualification promotes the safety of people and property by providing a standardized and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide tree owners and risk managers with the information to make informed decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity. The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Course is a one-day refresher, with five hours of instruction, and three hours to take the exam. Current TRAQ holders can complete the abbreviated course as early as four years into their qualification.

MAC-ISA Arborist Certification Course – December 10-12, 2018 – Charlottesville, VA

This three-day course has been designed to assist tree care professionals and other professionals who wish to become ISA Certified Arborists. It has been developed to help prepare individuals for the ISA certified arborist exam, which is usually scheduled the day after the course. The course content is consistent with the Arborist Certification Study Guide (2010 edition) and the domains of the exam. The exam will be held on December 13, 2018.

38th Annual Safety and Pesticide Recertification Seminar - January 22 & 23, 2019 - Ellicott City, MD

Mark your calendar for our annual Recertification Seminar, held at Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center. Multiple credits will be offered for MD LTE, MAC-ISA, TCIA, SAF, and Pesticide Applicators. More details coming soon!

Upcoming LTE Exams

Maryland Licensed Tree Expert exams are administered on the second Wednesday of each month at the Department of Natural Resources Headquarters in Annapolis. Upcoming exam dates are September 12 and October 10, 2018. To register, please contact Ms. Romcesa Estep, 410-260-8531.