The “pac-man” tree is a somewhat ubiquitous phenomenon along American roadways. Why does the utility cut them like that? Why did they leave my tree one-sided? Is it really acceptable to leave it looking so disfigured? This talk will cover some basics of the electric grid and utility vegetation management as well as industry standards and best practices governing all arboriculture, with some specific examples of how trees are pruned for power lines and why they’re left looking so strange. A main goal of this presentation is to bridge the gap between utility arboriculture and more traditional private, municipal, and commercial arboriculture, with the hope that attendees leave prepared to continue the conversation with their local customers and utility representatives.

About Kieran Hunt
Municipal Manager

Kieran is the Manager of Municipal Services with Asplundh Technical Services. He is responsible for working with Asplundh’s field operations to improve and expand municipal and roadside vegetation management programs. Asplundh Municipal Services brings industry best practices and vegetation management expertise to government organizations that contract for these services. Kieran’s background is in municipal tree management and inventory as well as utility vegetation management and work planning. He is an ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist and New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert and has a B.S. in ecology, evolution, and natural resources from Rutgers University. He is an Executive Board member for the NJ Forestry Association and a member of the UAA Environmental Stewardship Committee.

Longevity in the tree industry requires discipline in many areas of an individual’s approach to every tree job in their career. As a deaf person who’s had to navigate his way through those disciplines, Brick has gained an eagle eye view on things he has found to be fruitful in maintaining daily success on job sites. Learn how his daily habits have helped build a career that is going onto 20 years and counting, with no signs of slowing down and consider how these habits could help you as an aging arborist.

About Brick Reilly

Brick Reilly is a 41 year old tree climbing arborist from Springfield, New Jersey. He is a NJ Licensed Tree Expert, ISA certified arborist, ISA certified tree specialist, Certified Tree Safety Professional, and is employed by a New Jersey municipality. Brick is passionate about his family first; his wife, their three children and a dog named Maple. He is a passionate steward for nature, a firm believer that we are not separated from nature, but have forgotten that we are a part of nature. Brick is a devoted practitioner of wellness. Always a student of the mind, body and spirit. Building, movement and stillness are the three cornerstones of his approach. Brick is a tree climbing competitor, who loves to invest time into performing his best. His favorite event is Aerial Rescue, as it is not only a very technical event but he also has the massive challenge of being deaf while accomplishing the task. Since Brick was born deaf and received a cochlear implant at the age of 22, he has always had to be creative in becoming a trusted co worker. The experience in his growth as a tree climber, 19 years in the arborist industry, has created a philosophy that he lives by; “always a student.” You can connect with Brick via Instagram, @JaggedBrickClimber, where he continually looks to post inspiring messages, movements and motions from all aspects of his life.

Urban tree growth may be reduced due to poor urban soil conditions. Soil management to alleviate poor urban soil conditions often includes organic amendments. Biochar is one type of organic amendment with great potential for soil improvement for urban trees. This presentation will discuss: 1) what biochar is, 2) research findings on its efficacy, and 3) its pros and cons for use in urban forestry and arboriculture. The presentation will highlight research from the speaker and others, but will mostly focus on the application of this information. This presentation will feature findings from research that has been funded by the TREE fund.

About Bryant Scharenbroch

Bryant Scharenbroch is an Associate Professor of Soil Science at University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point and a Research Fellow of Center for Tree Science and The Morton Arboretum. Bryant has a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a M.S. in Plant Science from University of Idaho, and B.S. degrees from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Urban Forestry and Forest Management. Bryant’s research interests are pedology and soil quality. Bryant has served as a Chair of the Urban and Anthropogenic Soils Division of the Soil Science Society of America and as Associate Editor for Arboriculture and Urban Forestry.

Hear from Hans Tielmann, NCCER mobile crane instructor and NJLTE, about the key factors to always be considered when operating a grapplesaw on a job site. Knucklebooms and grapplesaws are becoming ever more popular, but with very minimal requirements and regulations, are commonly misused. Review what factors and considerations should always be addressed prior to starting a job that will be utilizing these pieces of equipment.

About Hans Tielmann

Hans Tielmann is a tech savvy graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a licensed tree expert who holds over 20+ years of professional experience. While he got his start working for his family’s tree service business, he has since branched out and grown within the tree service industry to found three businesses of his own: Bad Media, LLC, Noble Oak LLC, & NJ Crane Expert.

Not only did Hans found NJ Crane Expert, but he serves as the company’s lead crane instructor for their NCCER crane certification classes. Ever the Tree Tactician, Hans is adept at planning and executing tree removal projects in high risk environments and now enjoys sharing his experiences and knowledge with his students. He is a passionate educator who works with his crew to promote and teach safe practices and effective techniques for arborists’ many high-risk responsibilities by using modern equipment matched with comprehensive strategy.

Hans’s passion carries over into the world of social media where he exhibits his love for what he does best. As his Instagram shows, Hans promotes fun and effective educational posts for arborists with an aim at broadening the consumer market. Hans also strives to improve safety standards without using fear as a motivator.