European Arboricultural Standards Conference Highlights

Roger 0:02

Talking Trees with Lillian Jad . Welcome to this special episode of Talking Trees , where we're gearing up for the upcoming European Conference on Arboricultural Standards in Prague . In this episode we'll introduce key speaker Professor Francesco Farini , a leading expert in urban arboriculture , known for his research on the impact of trees on air pollution and their adaptation to urban environments . We'll also take a closer look at the conference program . Join us as we prepare for this exciting event and discuss the latest advancements in the field of arboriculture . Hey everyone .

Jad 0:43

So you sent us some information about this European Arboricultural Standard Conference . It's happening in Prague , yeah , and it looks pretty fascinating . It seems like it's all about the future of tree care and consultancy . Yes , and get this , it's free .

Lilly 0:59

Absolutely yeah . It's put on by this group called ECOST , european Consulting Standards in Tree Work , and they've managed to get some of the biggest names from all across Europe in tree care to come and present .

Jad 1:13

So this is sounding a lot less like some stuffy industry event and more like something that anyone who's serious about trees just can't miss .

Lilly 1:21

It really is , yeah , and the fact that it's free , I mean that , just shows how committed they are to spreading this knowledge .

Jad 1:26

Okay , well , let's jump into the schedule that you sent over and see what got us both so excited about this . First of all , prague yes , in February . I've always wanted to visit .

Lilly 1:36

Yeah .

Jad 1:36

On February 13th and 14th in 2025 .

Lilly 1:39

Mark your calendar .

Jad 1:40

Mark your calendars . I'm excited . Me too . Okay , well , first of all , it's being held under the patronage of the Czech Minister of the Environment .

Lilly 1:47

Oh wow , so like real government support .

Jad 1:50

Right , like they're taking this seriously . This isn't just some academic exercise .

Lilly 1:54

Yeah , this could like change how we approach tree care at a national and European level .

Jad 1:59

Exactly .

Lilly 2:00

I'm impressed .

Jad 2:01

So I'm already picturing myself walking through the streets , taking in the atmosphere .

Roger 2:04

Yeah .

Jad 2:05

Soaking it all in .

Roger 2:06

Yeah .

Jad 2:06

But let's get back to this conference . What from this schedule really jumps out at you ?

Lilly 2:11

Well , I think the keynote speaker is the first thing that jumps out at me . Okay , they've got Professor Francesco Farini from the University of Florence . Wow , and this guy is a legend in the world of trees . He's been researching and teaching about urban forestry for over 30 years . He's seen a lot , yeah , and his work on how trees can combat pollution has been groundbreaking .

Jad 2:33

So he must have seen it all when it comes to how trees adapt to life in the city . What's he going to be talking about at this conference ?

Lilly 2:39

Well , his keynote speech is titled Selection of Planting Material for Planning the Cities of 2050 . So basically , he's going to be talking about what kind of trees we should be planting right now if we want our cities to be green and thriving in the future .

Jad 2:53

That's a really big question . It's not just about planting trees . It's about choosing the right trees for a changing climate , making sure that our urban forests can be resilient .

Lilly 3:02

Exactly , and this is where I think the idea of the European arboricultural standards comes in . A big part of this conference is about establishing these shared guidelines for how we take care of trees , especially in urban areas .

Jad 3:18

So it's like they're creating a common language for everyone who's involved in tree care . Exactly so we can all work together better , exactly right For everyone who's involved in tree care ?

Lilly 3:25

Exactly so we can all work together better . Exactly right . And this is essential because , as cities grow and the climate changes , we need to make sure that we're all on the same page .

Jad 3:32

Yes .

Lilly 3:33

When it comes to protecting our urban forests .

Jad 3:35

Okay , so we've got this keynote speaker kind of setting the stage and then walk me through some of the highlights on this schedule .

Lilly 3:43

But walk me through some of the highlights on this schedule . Well , day one kicks off with a welcome address from a representative of the Czech Ministry for Nature Protection .

Jad 3:50

Oh , that's interesting . So that means that the government is recognizing the importance of this they are , and the field of tree care as a whole .

Lilly 3:57

Absolutely . It's not just a bunch of you know tree enthusiasts getting together . This is something that's being taken seriously on a national level .

Jad 4:03

I like that .

Lilly 4:07

What's after that on the schedule ? Well then , we dive right into the content with session one which focuses on European arbor cultural standards themselves . If you're interested in the big picture of where tree care is headed , this is the session for you .

Jad 4:20

So this is where they really unpack what these standards are all about and why they matter .

Lilly 4:26

They've got speakers like Jarek Kolejic talking about the history and development of these standards , and Beata Pacznoska exploring how these standards connect to the real world work that arborists are doing every day .

Jad 4:39

And I see that Mikhail Zelenak is talking about how these European standards are actually being integrated into the European Arboricultural Council . Yes , so they're really trying to make this a unified effort across the entire continent .

Lilly 4:52

They are , and that's really important . Having these shared standards helps elevate the profession and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals keeping trees safe and healthy .

Jad 5:04

OK , I'm definitely putting that one on my imaginary schedule here . What else is catching your eye on day one ?

Lilly 5:09

Well , session two is all about tree assessment standards . This gets into the nitty gritty of how we evaluate the health and stability of trees . Tom Joy is giving a presentation on current practices , and then it gets really interesting because you start to see some of the new techniques that are being developed .

Jad 5:25

Oh yeah , Like Stefan Rust's presentation on new ways to assess tree stability .

Lilly 5:31

Yes .

Jad 5:32

It looks like he's using some pretty high tech tools to get a more accurate picture of what's going on inside the tree .

Lilly 5:38

Yeah , and then you've got Andreas Detter , who's talking about pulling tests , which basically means testing how strong a tree's roots are . Okay , he's going to be focusing on these new SAV standards , which are a more standardized way of doing those tests .

Jad 5:52

So all these new techniques are helping us better understanding the overall health and stability of a tree which is crucial for knowing how to care for it properly .

Lilly 6:00

Absolutely , and day one wraps up with a networking dinner , which is always a great opportunity to connect with other people in the tree world .

Jad 6:08

Oh , I bet the conversation is going to be buzzing with all this new information , everyone comparing notes and getting inspired . I love that .

Practical Details of European Arboricultural Conference

Jad 6:17

What about day two ? What can we look forward to ?

Lilly 6:19

Well , day two is all about putting what you've learned into practice . They have a session on protection of trees during development activities .

Jad 6:28

That's so important .

Lilly 6:29

Oh , it's huge .

Jad 6:30

As cities grow , we have to make sure that we're not just you know bulldozing over trees in the process . We need to find ways to protect them during construction and integrate them into our projects .

Lilly 6:42

Yeah , and this session has presentations on best practices for tree protection on construction sites , how to assess the impact of development on trees and even the possibility of transplanting trees if necessary .

Jad 6:54

Wow , they really thought of everything . They're covering the whole spectrum of how to care for trees in this changing urban environment . They really are . But wait , there's more right ? I saw something about workshops on day two . What are those about ?

Lilly 7:07

Yeah , the workshops are a chance to get really hands-on and learn specific skills from leading experts in the field .

Jad 7:14

Oh choices . Okay , break down the workshop options for me .

Lilly 7:17

Okay . Well , there's a workshop on the tree assessor scheme . This is basically a system for certifying people who are qualified to assess the health and safety of trees .

Jad 7:27

So if you want to be a professional tree assessor , this is like the gold standard you have to meet . Who's running that one ?

Lilly 7:33

It's run by Camille Witko , Beata Pacznowska and Piotr Tyskop Milović , so it's a real dream team .

Jad 7:41

Okay , what other workshops do they have ?

Lilly 7:43

Well , if you are into the newest technology , Lothar Gutke and Andrzej Kolesik are leading a workshop on tree tomography . Basically , it's like getting an x-ray of a tree to see what's going on inside .

Jad 7:56

Must be revolutionary for diagnosing problems it is and then figuring out how to treat them .

Lilly 8:01

And if you're more hands-on , Gerard Pissola is running a workshop on tree transplanting .

Jad 8:05

Tree transplanting . That's like moving a whole house for trees . It must take incredible skill and precision to do that well .

Lilly 8:12

For sure , and then for anyone involved in development projects . Tom Joy and Hank VanScherpenziel are leading a workshop on tree preservation plans and practice .

Jad 8:21

Ah , so this is where they teach you how to actually write and implement those plans that help protect trees during construction .

Lilly 8:27

Yeah , it's about bridging that gap between theory and practice , making sure those trees have a chance .

Jad 8:33

This is getting hard to choose . I want to go to all of them and remember Andreas Detter and Stefan Russ , who are doing those presentations on pulling tests and tree stability . They're also reading a hands-on workshop where you can actually go out and apply those techniques that they've been talking about . So it's a chance to learn by doing , which is always the best way .

Lilly 8:55

Always the best way .

Jad 8:56

Okay , I am officially overwhelmed in the best way possible . Yes , this conference is packed with valuable information and opportunities to learn .

Lilly 9:06

Uh-huh .

Jad 9:07

It's like a crash course in the future of tree care .

Lilly 9:10

Yes , All in one place and remember it's all free .

Jad 9:13

It's incredible , amazing . Okay , well , I think we've covered the major highlights from the conference schedule .

Lilly 9:18

We've given a good overview of what to expect , but there's still more to discuss .

Jad 9:22

You're right . I am particularly curious about this session three on tree value calculation . What's that all about ?

Lilly 9:30

Ooh , that's a good one . It gets into the economic and ecological value of trees , which a lot of people don't really consider .

Jad 9:35

Yeah , we all know that trees are important . Yeah .

Lilly 9:43

But how do you actually put a price tag on all the benefits they provide ? Yeah , exactly , and that's what they explore in this session . You've got Earnout Fienesen sharing insights into the tree value system in the Netherlands , which is a model for assessing all the different benefits of trees .

Jad 9:52

So it's about quantifying the value of trees not just in terms of money , but also their contribution to the environment and biodiversity .

Lilly 10:00

Exactly . And then you've got Goran Halienic talking about how to use this information to make better decisions about how we manage trees , and Ana Macias , from Spain , is sharing how tree value assessments are being used in her country .

Jad 10:14

So it's great to see all these different countries approaching this . It shows that it's really important to understand the value of trees . It is Especially as we face more pressure from development and climate change .

Lilly 10:25

Absolutely . This session is a reminder that trees are vital assets that need to be protected and managed carefully . They're not just pretty decorations .

Jad 10:35

Okay , so we've got this incredible conference . It's happening in the heart of Prague . It's got top experts from across all of Europe , all focused on sharing knowledge about the future of tree care . What's not to love ? I'm already feeling inspired but , before we get too carried away here , there is one important question that we need to answer .

Lilly 10:57

Should you go ?

Jad 10:58

Exactly . Is this conference worth your time and effort ?

Lilly 11:02

On the pro side , it's completely free .

Jad 11:04

Yeah .

Lilly 11:04

That's a huge barrier removed right there . Usually conferences like this can be very expensive .

Jad 11:10

Exactly , and think about all the value you're getting here .

Lilly 11:13

Yeah .

Jad 11:14

You're getting these insights from world-renowned experts , practical workshops , all these networking opportunities .

Roger 11:21

Yeah .

Jad 11:21

And it's all happening in this incredible city .

Lilly 11:23

And it's in English .

Jad 11:25

That's true , and this isn't just some , you know , theoretical ivory tower gathering .

Lilly 11:30

No .

Jad 11:31

They're really focusing on practical skills and knowledge , yeah , that you can actually use in your work with trees .

Lilly 11:37

You're right . Think about the workshops . You can learn how to assess trees like a pro , get hands-on experience with some of the latest technology for tree care . You can even master the art of transplanting these giants .

Jad 11:51

And that session on the protection of trees during development activities that is so relevant . Oh , it's huge For anyone who's working in urban forestry these days .

Lilly 11:59

Yeah .

Jad 12:00

Learning how to advocate for trees during construction projects . That's a game changer .

Lilly 12:04

Absolutely Plus . You'll be connecting with other professionals from across Europe .

Jad 12:08

Yeah .

Lilly 12:09

Who are just as passionate about trees as you are . Think about all the ideas and inspiration that'll come out of those conversations .

Jad 12:16

Like a giant brainstorming session . Exactly For the future of tree care .

Lilly 12:20

Now , what about the con side ? I think the biggest one is probably the time commitment . Yeah , two full days , it's not nice . Plus travel to and from Prague .

Jad 12:29

Yeah , but you could look at it like it's an investment in your own professional development .

Lilly 12:34

That's true .

Jad 12:34

These two days could completely change the way that you approach tree care .

Roger 12:39

They could .

Jad 12:39

And who knows , you might make some really valuable connections that could lead to new opportunities down the line . Exactly Another potential con I could see is , you know , maybe feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information that's coming at you . There's a lot packed into those two days .

Lilly 12:55

That is true , but I also think that's part of the excitement . You're going to be exposed to so many different ideas and perspectives and remember you can always choose the sessions and workshops that are most relevant to the work you're doing right and you're going to be surrounded by all these like-minded people who are all there to learn and share right it's not like it's a competition or anything .

Jad 13:14

It's about collaboration it really is , yeah so let's go back to that question , should you go .

Lilly 13:20

If you are passionate about trees and you want to be at the forefront of tree care and consultancy in Europe , yeah , then I think the answer is a resounding yes .

Jad 13:29

I totally agree . This is such a unique opportunity .

Lilly 13:33

It is .

Jad 13:33

To learn from the best , connect with other people in the field and be a part of shaping the future of our urban forests .

Lilly 13:40

Absolutely .

Jad 13:41

And did I mention that it's in Prague ?

Lilly 13:42

It's the perfect excuse .

Jad 13:44

Combined professional development with a trip to one of Europe's most beautiful cities .

Lilly 13:48

Yeah , it's a win-win . So what do you think ?

Jad 13:55

I'm definitely feeling the pull of Prague and the allure of all of this , of all that tree knowledge , amazing tree knowledge . Okay , this all sounds great , but what about the logistics ?

Lilly 14:01

You read my mind . Let's get to those practical details . We don't want anyone missing out on this opportunity .

Jad 14:07

Exactly .

Lilly 14:07

Because they don't know how to register or where to find more information .

Jad 14:11

All right . So you've heard us talk about this conference and you're feeling that pull of Prague , yeah . And now you're probably thinking , ok , how do I actually make this happen ?

Lilly 14:19

That's where we come in . We'll walk you through the logistics of this whole thing . Great First , things . First , mark your calendars for February 13th and 14th .

Jad 14:28

Those are the magic dates . The conference is free , yes , but you will of course have to pay for your own travel and accommodation .

Lilly 14:35

Right .

Jad 14:36

Of course , OK . So where can people find all the details like how to register , and where is this actually being held ?

Lilly 14:42

Everything you need is on the European Arboricultural Standard Conference website , okay , and we'll put a link in the show notes so you can easily find it Perfect , and I'm sure space is limited , so don't wait too long to register . You don't want to miss out on this opportunity just because you waited too long .

Roger 14:57

Right .

Lilly 14:57

Imagine a few months from now . Yeah , opportunity , just because you waited too long . Imagine a few months from now . You could be bundled up sipping hot chocolate in a cute cafe in Prague , getting ready for a day of learning about trees .

Jad 15:07

That sounds amazing . I can just imagine the crunch of the snow under my boots and the cinnamon in the

European Arboricultural Conference Excitement

Jad 15:13

air . But really this conference is about so much more than just a trip to Prague .

Lilly 15:17

Oh for sure . It's about being a part of this movement that's shaping the future of tree care in Europe . It's about connecting with the leading experts and sharing ideas , getting inspired to make a difference in the world of trees . So if you're ready to take your passion for trees to the next level , head on over to that conference website , register today and get ready for an experience that you'll never forget .

Jad 15:40

We website . Register today and get ready for an experience that you'll never forget .

Roger 15:43

We'll see you there . Thank you for tuning into this episode of Talking Trees . We hope you're as excited as we are for the upcoming European Conference on Arboricultural Standards in Prague . Until next time , stay engaged , keep learning and appreciate the vital role trees play in our urban landscapes . See you soon in Prague .