Join us for a day of planting and pruning training from field experts. Register Here: 2026 TBUFC/SAAA Urban Forestry Institute – Texas Chapter: International Society of Arboriculture
Agenda:
8:30-9:00 – ANSI A300-2023 Pruning Standards – Kristoffer Rasmussen
- Understanding the A300 purpose and use in developing work practices, specifications, best practices and regulations.
- Pruning systems, intervals and objectives.
- Importance of consistent pruning terminology for clear communication of specifications, proposals and work orders.
- Defining pruning cuts: Reduction, Removal and Heading
9:00-9:45 – All Work Shall Be Performed According to ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards – Kristoffer Rasmussen
- Work specifications and contracts list requirements to be followed
- Specification Guidelines, sample forms and prescriptions
- Who decides where to make the pruning cuts?
- Why Crown Cleaning is NOT a pruning objective
- Owner objectives, tree and site conditions guide the approach to pruning
9:45-10:00 - Break
10:00-11:00 – Introduction to Prescription Pruning Qualification – Kristoffer Rasmussen & Ron Zilmer
- Communicate clearly and achieve better results
- Improve Structure, Clearance and Appearance
- Conditions of Concern, Objectives and Branches to Prune
- Cut This, Not That: Size matters when making pruning cuts
- Putting it all together: Stop Pruning Malpractice with a Prescription
11:00 – 12:00 - Twenty Minutes in the Life or Death of a Tree – Ron Zilmer
- Why Roots Matter
- Root & Planting Decisions
- Planting for the future
- Planting Trees the Legacy Way
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch (Provided)
1:00 – 3:30 – Twenty Feet in the Life OR Death of a Tree – Ron Zilmer
- Identifying a central leader, temporary branches, large aspect ratio
- Structurally pruning juvenile trees
- Root pruning
- Mechanical Stress and Gravity
3:30 – 4:00 Wrap -up and CEU’s
- Key Take
- Implementation strategies
Speakers
Ron Zilmer
Ron Zillmer, Owner of Legacy-Trees has brought a superior way to produce and transplant trees to the tree care industry. This method was developed by Ron Zillmer, Legacy-Trees Founder and President, who spent 30 years in the tree care industry studying tree physiology, analyzing root samples, and cultivating a brand-new way to plant trees. Ron Zillmer’s credentials speak volumes for the knowledge he has acquired related to tree and root physiology.
• Undergraduate degree in Urban Forestry – University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
• Master’s degree in Tree Physiology – Purdue University
• Youngest president elected to the Wisconsin Arborist Association in 1995
• Served on the International Society of Arboriculture’s – Arborist Certification Board
• Created the 2+2 Urban Forestry Degree at Mid-State Technical College that laddered into a 4-year program at UW Stevens Point
• Created the Arborist Apprenticeship program in 2016 and was awarded the ‘Advancing Arboriculture Award’ in 2017
Ron has spoken internationally and has traveled as far as Hong Kong presenting on improper planting techniques. Not only can Legacy-Trees offer a superior planting method, but Legacy can also offer Ron’s intellect through workshops and seminars. Through a combination of an indoor presentation and outdoor hands-on learning experience, Ron can take 2 hours and changes people’s outlook on tree planting forever. Ron’s unique 25-year-old collection of root systems can tell the story of the tree planting industry and just how far away it has gotten from what the trees truly need to grow.
Kristopher Rasmussen
Accreditation Auditor/TCIA Qualified Trainer – Kristopher has dedicated over 30 years to advancing tree care, safety training, and urban forest preservation. With experience as a municipal, commercial, and residential arborist, he shares insights and stories from a lifetime in the field. As a Certified Treecare Safety Professional, Certified Tree Climber, TCI Accreditation Auditor, and Red Cross CPR/First Aid Instructor, Kristoffer is committed to the safety and growth of arborists and their communities. He plays a pivotal role in assessing and accrediting tree care companies, driving them toward excellence and adherence to industry standards. His passion for sustainable practices and fostering collaboration makes him a respected leader and advocate in arboriculture.