TreesSC and SCFC Hold SC Arborist Workshop

Trees SC hosted its Fall SC Arborists Workshop (SCAW) Sept. 22 in partnership with the SC Forestry Commission — the first fall, in-person workshop at Harbison Environmental Center since 2019. Seventy attendees from the private and public sectors enjoyed outdoor demonstrations in the morning and classroom presentations after lunch.

Will Parker, a Stihl representative, offered great tips and techniques when it came to the maintenance and operation of a chainsaw. One surprising tip that stumped the group was to clean the air filter with water and dawn dish soap, then let it air dry or take your fingernail and run it along to release any dirt and debris. A common misconception is to use an air compressor, which can damage it.

Chris Alexander, a professional tree climber, walked the group through P.R.E.P.: Pre-climb inspection, Rope Installation, Entering the Tree, Positioning in the Tree. He emphasized the importance of attending tree climbing workshops and learning more than one climbing system. He demonstrated a base anchor with a stationary-ropes system and a canopy anchor system with a moving rope climbing system, then walked through which climbing system would be ideal for certain situations.

The other outdoor station featured State Lands Coordinator James Douglas. He provided information on the five state forests we manage, discussed the SFI standards, what forest management practices occur, the types of forest products and how 25% of the revenue generated goes back to local schools. He also talked to the group about Harbison State Forest, specifically how forest management adjacent to recreational areas are different than areas that are not easily accessible to the public.

After lunch, Ash Connelly and Marshall Badeaux of Charleston Tree Experts, presented the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) accreditation process. The third-party verification program can help tree care companies establish a business plan, written protocols, policies, an employee handbook and performance evaluations, just to name a few. There are few TCIA accredited companies across South Carolina, but it can help boost their customer base since consumers know the company has been inspected and accredited based on adherence to business ethics, technical competence and consumer satisfaction.

Clemson Extension agent Christopher Burtt explained the importance of choosing high-quality nursery stock and emphasized that not all nurseries follow ANSI standards. Initially choosing high-quality stock means increased longevity and increased success when planted in “Right Tree, Right Place.” Many attendees were surprised to hear that lichen present on a sapling indicates there are issues, but does not harm the tree, as lichen can be present on nonliving material.

Micah Thompson closed out the day with a presentation on utility lines and tree conflicts. He offered information on the various types of utility lines and how dangerous it is to work around live wires. As everyone usually focuses on utility lines above ground, below-ground utility lines are just as dangerous. Planting vegetation around utility lines and boxes is discouraged, as roots, branches and trunks can interfere with the power grid. It can also make it difficult for utility workers to do their jobs. It is important to have the proper safety and training to adhere to ANSI standards and safe workplace practices.