Penn State Extension will host an Arborist Short Course on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, February 20, 21, 27 and 28, at the Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport.

Designed to increase working tree knowledge and professional arborist skills, this workshop will prepare participants for the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists Examination with the goal of improving their marketability. The course is geared for arborists, urban foresters and landscapers. Topics will include diagnosis of plant diseases and insect pests; nutrition and fertilization; selection, installation and establishment of trees and shrubs; soil and water interaction and management; plant identification; assessment and risk management; pruning; construction impacts and management; and safety and climbing.

The program is offered with support from the USDA US Forest Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The program is also held in partnership with Pennsylvania's TreeVitalize program.

Space is limited, and preregistration is required at http://tinyurl.com/Arborist-Course-Feb24. The ISA Arborist Certification Study Guide is required for the course. Participants may order one for an additional fee when they register, or they may bring a copy they already have.