November 16, 2020
MAA Members,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the organization as of October 1, 2020. If my name sounds familiar, it probably is! I previously worked with former Executive Director Lindsay Thompson and was involved in many MAA activities. I am confident that this experience will serve the organization well moving forward. Since assuming this role, I have hit the ground running, coordinating for MAA's Arborist Day and planning for the Annual Education & Recertification Winter Seminar.

We were pleased to have over 30 volunteers join us for the 42nd Arborist Day project at Cylburn Arboretum, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage you to read more about the event under the "Industry News" section of this newsletter.

The board met last week to discuss planning for the 40th Annual Education & Recertification Winter Seminar. Due to the virus, the event will be postponed until later in the Spring, but we hope to still offer this valuable event in-person so that licensed arborists can earn CEUs necessary for recertification. Keep an eye out for more information on this event coming to your inbox soon.

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Danielle Bauer Farace
Executive Director
Being a Maryland Arborist Association Member provides a number of benefits to you and your business.
Benefits include discounted event registration, educational resources, and up-to-date news and information.
THANK YOU TO OUR WHITE OAK SPONSORS:
Sugar Maple Sponsor:
MAA Completes 42nd Arborist Day Project
Maryland Arborist Association members gathered at Cylburn Arboretum in Baltimore earlier this month to complete the 42nd Arborist Day project. The work completed by this year's volunteers was valued worth over $85,000.

The MAA would like to thank the following member companies and their employees for their service at the event:
  • A&A Tree Experts - Matthew Anacker, Derrick Falcon, Ronnie Smith Jr., Robert Richie, Dominic Dorsey, Justin Harris, Kaitlyn Handley, Larry Acosta, Dawn Cunningham
  • Carroll Tree Service - Josh Gross, Anthony Richie, Herbert Rodriguez, Edgar Morales, Chad Miller, Selvin Orellana, Cesar Diaz
  • Edwin's Landscaping & Tree Service - Edwin Argueta, Orlin Amaya Diaz, Leonido Batrez, Elder Cardoza, Inmer Batrez Diaz, Jose Larin, William Runser
  • First Energy - Ron & Jack Muir
  • JD Outdoors - Jason Davidov
  • RJ Berra Inc (Services Unlimited) - Geoff Favali

Cylburn Arboretum also sends thanks to the MAA for work completed during the event.
MAA Mourns the Loss of Member Patrick Neubauer
On October 21, 2020 Patrick J. Neubauer, 80, of Elkridge passed peacefully at home surrounded by his children. He was born December 7, 1939 to the late Joseph Patrick, Sr., and Dorothy (O’Donnell) Neubauer. He was preceded in death by his cherished and beloved wife Carol Ann (Sipes) Neubauer and brothers, Joseph, William, Clifford and Roger Neubauer.

Mr. Neubauer was the Owner and Co-Founder of more than 50 yrs, with his late wife, of Neu-Valley Nurseries, Inc. He enjoyed working as a Nurseryman and farming in his younger years.
 
He is survived by his loving children, Patricia Ann Neubauer, Patrick John Neubauer and his wife Patricia Lynn, Matthew Lawrence Neubauer and Carol Ann Neubauer, beloved grandchildren; Jacob, Zach, Colton and Luke Neubauer, dear siblings Dorothy “Dottie” Neubauer, Loretta Feeheley and her husband James and Lawrence “Larry” Neubauer and his wife Judy.
 
Services were held on Monday, October 26th. Memorial contributions in Mr. Neubauer’s name may be directed to Cal Farley Boy's Ranch Gift Processing Center, 600 W. 11th, Amarillo, TX 79101-3228. 
Maryland LTE CEU Requirements
In response to the Governor’s Executive Orders [Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak], the Maryland Forest Service (MFS) will accept the following lists of online courses to meet the MD Licensed Tree Experts continuing education requirement for those renewing Dec 2020 and Dec 2021 (both odd and even numbered licenses):
Be on the Look Out for Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses
photo credit: Penn State
Between the months of September - June, it is critical to identify and destroy spotted lanternfly egg masses in order to stop the spread of this invasive pest. Learn more about identifying egg masses from University of Maryland Extension.

If you observe any egg masses or insects which look similar to this, please try to collect them, and inform the Maryland Department of Agriculture at (410) 841-5920 or DontBug.MD@maryland.gov as soon as possible.
Blackout Dates for Lawn Fertilizer Applications Take Effect on Nov. 16
The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds lawn-care professionals that fertilizer blackout dates authorized by Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law will begin on November 16 and run through February 28. 
Controlling Oak Wilt Disease
Penn State Extension foresters are working with scientists in the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to test a new protocol for stopping the spread of oak wilt that was first developed in Wisconsin by the U.S. Forest Service and that state's department of natural resources.

It is important to note, that according to University of Maryland Extension, oak wilt is not known to occur widely in Maryland.
photo credit: University of Maryland Extension
New LTE's - Congratulations!
Dontae Anderson
Marlon Anderson
Eliana Arevealo
Richard Beere
Brian Beitzel
Travis Broadhurst
Steve Broadwater
Jose Carbajal
Trevor Christian
Christopher Clouser
Wilfredo Dubon
Marty Frye
Abner Galdamez
Jason Gilbert
Pedro Guerra
David Hayes
Gregg Hunt
Aleksander Ivanchev
Scott Kelly
Celso Lopez
Michael Love
Miguel Perez-Avila
Jason Perreca
Jessica Pruneda
Alex Rivera
Brandon Stotler
Christopher Watts
Adam Welch
The December 9, 2020 LTE exam has been cancelled.
For up-to-date information on upcoming exams, click here.
True or False: According to the newest ANSI Z-133-2017 during pruning and removal operations is a hand saw required to be taken by the aerial device operator while working aloft? (Clue – See Sect 5.2)
True or False: According to the newest ANSI Z-133-2017 can climbing spurs (gaffs) be worn while working from an aerial device? (Clue – See Sect 5.2)
Use of Aerial Lifts
The following tips on using an aerial lift are provided by OSHA:

  • Do not exceed the boom and basket load limits specified by the manufacturer
  • Ensure that brakes are set and outriggers are used and secured before boom is raised
  • Never move the vehicle until the ladder is safely stored and secured (for ladder and tower trucks only) and all people are out of the basket (unless the equipment has been specifically designed for this purpose)
  • Never override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices
  • Never allow an aerial lift to be used as a crane or material-lifting device
  • Do not make any modifications to the aerial lift without a written certification from the manufacturer
Join SAF MD-DE Division's fall meeting to learn about available markets for both forestry and urban wood products. This free event will be held virtually on November 17. Two CFE's SAF Category 1 have been approved.
Learn from respected industry professionals about recent and innovative trends focusing on the health and welfare of urban forests in our increasingly developed landscapes during Montgomery Park's Virtual Urban Tree Summit. The event will be held December 2 and tickets are only $25. Maryland LTE, ISA, and SAF credits will be available.
Join industry leaders and arborists from around the world for on-demand sessions and the opportunity to earn CEUs. Participants will be able to view on-demand sessions taking place December 7-11 and up to 30 days following.
This ten-day series of webinars being held by Penn State Extension in January 2021 will prepare participants for the ISA Certified Arborist exam, as well as improve their marketability. Registration deadline is January 15.
Training and registration for level 1 CBLP is now open. It will be a mix of online and in the field training. Arborists and foresters whose work focuses on conservation and sustainable best practices in the landscape are encouraged to become certified.
Virtual MAC-ISA Arborist Certification Course
Taught by Eric Wiseman and Greg Dahle, this course will be held January 11-13, 2021. Registration will be available on the MAC-ISA website in December.