The Kentucky Arborists' Association (KAA) is a "State Chapter" of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).  Our state-wide organization is a volunteer-driven, non-profit educational and professional society dedicated to promoting proper tree care throughout the commonwealth.  We represent arborists throughout the state of Kentucky and beyond through education, training and professional development. 

 Values

Kentucky Chapter, ISA values making an investment in the future of professional arboriculture through networking, education, research, consumer satisfaction, and safety, while working to maintain integrity and credibility of the profession.

 Mission

Promote awareness of responsible tree care practices through research, education, and training, for arboricultural and community benefits.

 Safety

Professional tree care practitioners have the required knowledge, training, and expertise to perform proper tree care safely.

Volunteerism in the Kentucky Chapter, ISA

Since the organization’s inception in 1974, volunteers have powered the Chapter's growth.  Active participation by members provides them with opportunities for personal and professional development.  Volunteers are crucial to the success of the Chapter.  The Chapter Board of Directors (“Board”) recruits, trains, and recognizes volunteers for their valuable contributions to the Chapter, profession and public.  KAA welcomes all volunteers to our Board Meeting!  See our Calendar of Events  for meeting dates and times.  

KAA Membership and ISA Membership

KAA Membership $55/Professional Membership, $325/Corporate Membership  for memberships contact info@ky-isa.org or Chick here to register through ISA

ISA Membership - $135/ Professional Membership, $70/ Senior and Associate Membership for memberships contact info@ky-isa.org or Click here to register through ISA 

STUDENTS:  Take an advantage of a free membership to KAA and ISA!

REMINDER, all check your KAA Membership renewal date and don't let your membership expire!

Check our Calendar for upcoming events, KAA Board Meetings and our organization committees

LOCAL Events/News/Webinar

• March 3, 2026

  • Presenter: Caleb Wilson (TREE Fund)

  • Synopsis: Discusses increasing biological control of soft-scale insects by excluding ants from trees.

  • Sign Up: TREE Fund Webinars

• April 21, 2026

  • Presenter: Dr. Cliff Sadof (TREE Fund)

  • Synopsis: Reviews the long-term tree health implications of strategies used to treat Emerald Ash Borer, specifically regarding injections and tree tissue.

  • Sign Up: TREE Fund Webinars

• April 29, 2026

  • Presenter: Dr. Ellen Crocker (University of Kentucky)

  • Synopsis: "Reading the Leaves" focuses on identifying common hardwood tree diseases by their foliar symptoms.

  • Sign Up: https://newenglandisa.org/events

ARTICLE:

Factors & Forces: Identification of Structural Defects in Trees for Implementing Safe Work Plans

https://tcimag.tcia.org/training/plant-health-care-strategies/factors-forces-identification-of-structural-defects-in-trees-for-implementing-safe-work-plans/#:~:text=Tree%20workers%20should%20understand%20that,Resources. 

Want to know the cost increases for tree work over the past few years?

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/realestate/cost-of-cutting-down-a-tree.html

Grapple saws

https://www.liftandaccess.com/blog/boom-trucks-with-grapple-saws-and-other-attachments-drive-efficiency-productivity-and-safety-for-tree-care-operations

TCIA Magazine and it's about a local tree care company here in Louisville. It focuses on grapple trucks and how they're changing the industry:

https://tcimag.tcia.org/safety/equipment-safety-mechanization/grapple-saws-revolutionize-debris-management-for-bob-ray-company/#:~:text=Improved%20safety,Cost%20effectiveness%20and%20profitability

Current issues with white pines in North America

https://extension.psu.edu/eastern-white-pine-threats-to-a-historically-important-species