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Course Details
Course Name: Hazardous Tree Identification
Course Code: AL0803CB25
Date: March 21, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (Check-in time on Day 1: 8:30 am)
Location: Bioresource Engineering Laboratory (formerly ECC), 18 Ag Extension Way, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Directions & Map)
Format: Classroom course with hands-on field instruction
Registration Fee: $270 per person
Early Bird Discount Fee: $245 per person (expires March 14, 2025)
Registration Closes: March 19, 2025
Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Course Overview
This class is part of the Public Grounds Management Certificate Program.
Hazardous trees are tough to recognize and costly to ignore. They can be deadly if not managed before an avoidable accident occurs. In this one-day in-person course, Licensed Tree Experts Ted Szczawinski and Steve Chisholm will walk you through the step-by-step process of identifying a hazard, dealing with the hazard, properly documenting your findings, and then recording the work you performed. The class will include hands-on field instruction, and it will detail the three-point tree rating system used by many top professionals.
Course Preview Video
Aboriculture expert and Hazardous Tree Identification course instructor Steve Chisholm describes what is covered in this course.
Who Should Attend?
The Hazardous Tree Identification course is recommended for individuals who want to learn more about how to recognize trees that have the potential to cause property damage or personal injury. Past participants have included:
- Certified Arborists
- Certified Public Works Managers
- Environmental Commission Members
- Estimators
- Forestry Directors
- Homeowners
- Landscape Architects and Designers
- Licensed Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators (LTE/LTCO)
- Park Maintenance Workers
- Shade Tree Commission Members
- Tree Climbers
- Urban Foresters
Hazardous Tree Identification Photo Slideshow
Catch a glimpse into the classroom and field demonstration portions of the Hazardous Tree Identification course to see how the course is taught and what types of skills are covered.
Hazard Tree ID Video Tips
Watch these short videos featuring Hazardous Tree Identification instructor Steve Chisholm to get a feel for the tips and techniques you’ll learn by attending these course.
Hazardous Tree ID Video Tip: What is a Target?
Without a target, you don’t have a hazardous tree. Watch this video to find out what a target is.
Hazardous Tree ID Video Tip: Sounding a Tree
Steve Chisholm demonstrates how to sound a tree. Listen to the difference between sound wood and a potentially problematic hollow.
Hazardous Tree ID Video Tip: Coring a Tree
Watch Steve Chisholm demonstrate how to core a tree with a resistograph to identify hollows and other signs of decay.
Check out this article to learn more – Storm Devastation Unearths the Hazards of Neglected Trees!
Meet Your Instructors
Steve Chisholm, Aspen Tree Expert Co.
Steve Chisholm is the President of Aspen Tree Expert Co., Inc., a New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert, and ISA Certified Arborist. He is ready to share his top-rated wealth of knowledge and years of arboriculture experience with you in this course.
Ted Szczawinski, Licensed Tree Expert
New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert and professor of plant science and biology Ted Szczawinski will join the instructional team for this class, offering the practical science behind hazardous tree management in a manner that’s fun, interactive, and easy-to-understand!
Student Reviews
“The entire course was well paced and evenly distributed throughout the day. Ted and Steve are true professionals and have an extraordinary level of knowledge in arboriculture.”
– Past Participant
“The overall course was excellent. I found the case studies to be extremely useful.”
– Past Participant
“[After taking this class, I have a] better understanding of resistograph and industry standards. [It] added to my level of confidence [that] I am on the right track with my work.”
– Past Participant
Continuing Education Credits
The Hazardous Tree Identification course (5.5 contact hours) is approved for the following credits from professional organizations.
New Jersey
NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 6 Technical Contact Hours
NJ Licensed Tree Experts (LTE/LTCO): Pending
NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): Pending
Meals
No breakfast will be provided. Lunch will be available for pre-registered attendees only.
NOTE: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please alert us at least one (1) week in advance of the course start date so that we can make reasonable accommodations. We cannot guarantee accommodations for special requests made after that time.
Course Requirements and Policies
COVID-19 Policies for Face-to-Face Classes
Please visit our policies page for the latest information.
Pre-registration/Walk-Ins
Pre-registration is required. We’re sorry, but we cannot guarantee a seat, materials, or meals for walk-in registrants.
Location Changes
Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.
Campus Parking Policy
All visitors must register their vehicles ONLINE to park on campus. Please follow the guidelines below. Failure to comply with these policies may result in a citation.
- A link to register your vehicle will be provided in your course confirmation email. Please be sure to complete this important step prior to traveling to campus.
- When you park on campus, be sure that your license plate is unobstructed and visible from the driving aisle.
- All Rutgers faculty/staff/students must use their regular Rutgers permit and park in the nearest lot assigned for their permit type.
Email Requirement
A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.
- If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
- If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
- Your full name
- The shared email address that needs to be changed
- Your unique email address
- A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions
Cancellations and Substitutions
A $35 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.
Attention U.S. Veterans
This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI Bill®. Learn more.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions about Hazardous Tree Identification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu
Administrative Assistant: Damiana Parada
848-932-7107
damiana.parada@rutgers.edu
For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
