This year’s North Central Texas Urban Forestry Conference: “Growing On and Branching Out” had topics on tree work, such as moving trees and growing a sustainable urban forest, as well as pressing insect and disease issues that are growing in Texas. For the second year, the Cross Timbers Urban Forestry Council branched out and partnered with the North East Texas Nursery Growers Association to promote the trade show and urban forestry professionals. We also grew into a larger space that, while not perfect, was an improvement for attendees and sponsors.

The morning sessions focused on real world examples from forestry professionals. The first session, by Andrew Wimmel of Sam Hill Tree Care, delved into work day planning and the importance of communication prior to beginning a day of work. Our second presenter, David Marks of Environmental Design, discussed the world of moving large trees from up mountains to the World Trade Center Memorial. The final morning presenter, Dean Minchillo, discussed the importance of water in the future of Dallas-Fort Worth and our profession. Sustainability is a key aspect of selecting tree species and working with homeowners, and water conservation needs to be addressed whenever possible.

Our afternoon could be viewed as somewhat depressing, albeit critically important, as it concerned growing pest and disease issues that are currently on the rise. Our presenters from Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and Texas A&M Forest Service provided information that grabbed the attention of everyone and hopefully made clear the reality of what we as professionals need to address. The greatest threat to the urban forest is Emerald Ash Borer, which will certainly impact trees in North Texas and is already found in Tarrant County. Dr. Mike Merchant and Allen Smith discussed Emerald Ash Borer and the treatment options, concerns about movement of the pest and ash wood, discovery of the current infestation near Eagle Mountain Lake, and strategies for dealing with this pest. Our other afternoon presenter, Dr. David Appel, provided new information on Oak Wilt in Texas and likewise discussed strategies for managing this disease as well as the biology behind it’s spread. These presentations provided great value to attendees, with over 80% of attendees noting the information on EAB would provide the greatest benefit to their practices.

We want to thank all of our sponsors not only for supporting the conference, but also for giving their attention to the presentations. Our 2019 sponsors were Environmental Design & Davey, Makita Tools, Southwest Wholesale Nursery, Arbor Masters, Ultimate Tool & Safety, Minick Materials, BWI, Arborjet, ISA Texas, Davey, and Target Specialty Products.

Awards were presented from both CTUFC and TBUFC at each of the breaks. The City of Arlington was presented with the Bronze Leaf award for their efforts in creating an online map of all city trees in downtown Arlington, TX and an interactive slide show map that highlights certain trees. The project is intended to raise urban forestry awareness and help with learning tree about the different tree species in Arlington’s downtown. Susan Henson with the City of Grand Prairie was presented with an award from TBUFC for her work in creating an ash street tree survey using volunteers to help prepare the city for EAB and other pest issues.

There were over 220 attendees this year and thankfully we did not have to turn anyone away at the door thanks to our larger space. Thank you for joining us and we look forward to seeing you next year! If you would like to participate in the planning of the 2020 conference, please contact Laura Miller.