Level 3 Advanced Decay Detection Workshop - Arcadia, CA
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Non Member
$180.00
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, Carl Mellinger |
| 8:15am |
Resistance Drilling, Joe and Todd McNeil
Resistance drilling is used to evaluate decay and other conditions of concern in buttressing roots, tree trunks and branches as part of Level 3 advanced tree risk assessments. The information provided by a resistance drilling assessment is primarily used to inform assessments of likelihood of failure. This session will include an introduction to the technology, but also a more advanced discussion of how to select profile testing points. It will also introduce techniques for interpretation of subtle or confusing profiles. There will be contextual discussion informed by selected case studies from the speaker’s experience.
|
| 9:15am |
Break |
| 9:30am |
Root Collar Excavation, Nick Araya
This session takes a closer look at the tools and processes involved in performing Root Crown Excavations (RCX). Whether it’s removing excess soil to reduce stress and improve tree vigor, or investigating decay and structural root issues for risk assessment, RCX can be a critical part of tree care. We’ll review real-world RCX case studies—highlighting both challenges and successes—and wrap up with a live, on-site RCX demonstration to show the process in action.
|
| 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, Darya Barar
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:
Joe McNeil operated a tree service from 1971 through 1995, incorporating consulting services beginning in 1980. He has worked exclusively as a consultant since 1995, with private, commercial and public agency clients for whom he provides tree inventories, management alternatives, risk assessments and litigation support. He has extensive experience using resistance drills since 1997, and has developed supplemental assessment techniques that he will share. Joe is TRA Qualified, an ISA BCMA and an ASCA RCA.
Todd McNeil has been working in arboriculture for 15 years alongside his father, Joe. He has been an ISA Certified Arborist since 2016 and is currently studying for the BCMA exam. Todd is in the process of becoming an RCA, having graduated from the ASCA Academy in February of 2025. With a passion for helping people make the best choices for their trees, Todd spends much of his time managing trees in construction. The remainder of Todd’s professional endeavors revolve around Risk Assessment, particularly of large-stature, mature trees, where high-value targets may be at risk, or removal of subject trees may be a sensitive topic to the public.
Todd has hours of hands-on practical experience with resistance drilling, having taken hundreds of resistance drill profiles over the years. Todd also works alongside Joe during forensic investigation for fire events and tree and plant appraisals.
His interests are tree biomechanics, plant physiology, and using those interests to help people make informed decisions about their trees. Outside of arboriculture, he enjoys spending time in his recording studio, vintage microphones, and signal processors, as well as both classic and modern automobiles and the writings of Haruki Murakami and Steven Vogel.
Nick Araya has over 20 years experience in climbing and caring for trees. He is a passionate educator, striving to make sure each client knows how to maintain their tree’s health, beauty, and value; either on their own or with some experienced help. Nick is an owner of TreeCareLA, a small company that includes ten other certified arborists in Los Angeles. He is one of only a handful of Board Certified Master Arborists (BCMAs) in Southern California.
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.
Darya Barar is a seasoned Urban Forester and Registered Consulting Arborist with over two decades of experience in municipal forestry and consulting. She leads the HortScience | Bartlett Consulting office in Berkeley, managing a team of certified professionals and guiding strategic urban forestry initiatives across California. Darya specializes in tree risk assessment, ordinance development, and long-term urban forest planning, with a strong track record of stakeholder engagement and grant acquisition. Her work supports sustainable tree management for cities, schools, and public spaces throughout the region.
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
Los Angeles Arboretum - Ayers Hall
301 N. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007