European Arboricultural Standard Conference - Prague - 2025

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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

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 .

Yeah .

On February 13th and 14th in 2025 .

Mark your calendar .

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 .

Oh wow , so like real government support .

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

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

Exactly .

I'm impressed .

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

Yeah .

Soaking it all in .

Yeah .

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

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 .

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 ?

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 ?

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 .

Yes .

When it comes to protecting our urban forests .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

I like that .

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 .

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

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 .

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 .

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 .

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

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 .

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

Yes .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

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

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

That's so important .

Oh , it's huge .

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 .

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 .

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 ?

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

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

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 .

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 ?

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

Okay , what other workshops do they have ?

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 .

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

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 .

Always the best way .

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

Uh-huh .

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

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

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 .

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

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 .

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 .

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 .

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 .

Should you go ?

Exactly . Is this conference worth your time and effort ?

On the pro side , it's completely free .

Yeah .

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

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

Yeah .

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

Yeah .

And it's all happening in this incredible city .

And it's in English .

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

No .

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

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 .

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 .

Yeah .

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

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

Yeah .

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

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

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 .

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

That's true .

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

They could .

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 .

That is true , but I also think that's part of the excitement .

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

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 .

I totally agree . This is such a unique opportunity .

It is .

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

Absolutely .

And did I mention that it's in Prague ?

It's the perfect excuse .

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

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

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 ?

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

Exactly .

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

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 ?

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 .

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

Right .

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

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 .

Right .

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 .

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

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 .

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

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 .