Level 3 Advanced Decay Detection - Colma
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Non Member
$170.00
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, Josh Gevertz and James Komen |
| 8:15am |
Resistance Drilling, Ryan Suttle
Resistance drilling is used to evaluate decay and other conditions of concern in tree stems 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 failure. Beyond this primary use as an assessment tool, a resistance drilling test is also a valuable resource for assessing high value trees or trees near high value targets. This session is intended to be an introduction to the technology, an overview of recent research, and contextual discussion informed by selected case studies from the speaker’s experience.
|
| 9:15am |
Break |
| 9:30am |
Root Collar Excavation, Christopher Campbell
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 and Scott Wheeler
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:
Ryan Suttle is a Consulting Arborist and Urban Forester at HortScience | Bartlett Consulting, located in Berkeley, CA USA. He has a MSc. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and holds the BCMA credential and TRAQ from ISA, and is a Registered Consulting Arborist and holds TPAQ with ASCA. Ryan’s consulting work focuses largely on tree risk assessment and managing trees during development. He is particularly interested in the intersection of wildlife and arboriculture, especially in increasingly urban environments. In his spare time, he enjoys caring for his small bonsai collection, making art, and improving his birding skills.
Christopher Campbell, founder of CC Tree Design, is an ISA Certified Arborist and Qualified Tree Risk Assessor with over 30 years of experience caring for trees in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. His expertise spans many aspects of arboriculture, with a strong focus on urban tree pruning, tree preservation, risk mitigation, and promoting tree health through informed cultural practices. Christopher has extensive experience with Root Crown Excavations (RCX), using them to reduce stress and assess root crowns for decay or damage caused by excess soil. Known for his ability to meet project goals while maintaining the natural integrity of trees, he brings a deep understanding of structural pruning, root system evaluation, and long-term tree care.
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.
Scott Wheeler is a consulting arborist with HortScience | Bartlett Consulting in Berkeley, CA. Scott began climbing trees professionally in 2001 and is trained in contemporary aesthetic and classic Japanese style pruning. Scott obtained his CA QAL as an integrated plant management technician and ran a tree care company in San Francisco for over a decade before becoming a consultant. He is a Registered Consulting Arborist and TPAQ holder with ASCA, and holds the BCMA credential and TRAQ from ISA. As a consulting arborist, Scott is interested in refining and standardizing tree protections for various civil and municipal agencies throughout the state. When not staring at trees, he enjoys naps and leaving the country - and is on a quest to try the most bizarre foods he can find.
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 1/16/26):
$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
Click Here to view the google map to the Abbey Chapel
Location
Cypress Lawn Arboretum - Abbey Chapel
1601 Hillside Blvd
Colma, CA 94014