Shade Tree Symposium Returns to Lebanon This March

The 61st Annual Shade Tree Symposium will be held March 16-17, 2026 at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center in Lebanon, PA. In addition to providing continuing education for arborists, urban foresters, and other green industry professionals, the in-person meeting will include networking opportunities and a trade show. This symposium, hosted by the Penn-Del Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), will feature speakers presenting on a variety of tree care topics focused on safe working practices and ensuring healthy trees in the landscape.

Keynote speaker Todd Kramer, Training and Performance Manager at Kramer Tree Specialists, will present on leadership skills for green industry professionals. Mr. Kramer has been a climbing production arborist for more than 30 years and has been instructing seminars on rigging, crane assisted tree removals, aerial rescue, emergency response, and industry related leadership throughout the United States for more than 15 years. Dr. Carolyn Mahan, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at Penn State Altoona, will discuss her research on impacts of utility right-of-way management on surrounding ecosystems. Ticks and their management will be presented by Dr. Kevin Chase or Bartlett Tree Experts.

Breakout sessions will include more focused presentations related to plant heath care, tree climbing skills and safety, and business, municipal, and utility arboriculture topics. Highlights include demonstrations on aerial lift, chipper, and chainsaw usage and safety. Mr. Kramer will present on tree work positioning and Dr. Chase will provide an insect pest update.

Attendees at the symposium can visit the trade show to talk with vendors showcasing a range of tools, equipment, and supplies.

All sessions of the symposium have CEUs assigned for ISA Certified Arborists and pesticide credits are being offered for a number of sessions.

More information and registration can be found on the Penn-Del ISA website.