The six-module Massachusetts Qualified Tree Warden (MQTW) training course is held every other year; the next class is scheduled for Fall 2024. It is designed to educate tree wardens about what they need to know to fulfill their duties. Those who successfully complete the course receive the Massachusetts Qualified Tree Warden (MQTW) designation and certificate of achievement. Below is a list of frequently asked questions and a session-by-session course outline.
FAQs
This six-module course is designed to teach tree wardens what they need to know to fulfill their duties. Below is a list of questions you may have. Please email us if you need further information.
Course Outline (specifics are subject to change)
All sessions will take place from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm in Worcester, MA. Pre-registration for entire course is required.
Session One
September 6, 2023
College of the Holy Cross
- Tree Warden 101 – roles, responsibilities, and work priorities
- Massachusetts tree laws – Chapter 87, scenic roads, local ordinances, and the role of ANSI standards
- Tree risk and liability: introduction
- Tree identification (all six sessions)
Session Two
September 20, 2023
College of the Holy Cross
- How trees grow – tree parts and functions
- Urban tree problems and risk trees
- Structural defects and the likelihood of failure
- Tree risk management
Session Three
October 4, 2023
Field Day – College of the Holy Cross
Small groups will rotate through 3 outdoor exercises:
- On-site tree identification
- Field training in identifying tree risk
- Tree planting: site assessment, tree selection, planting practices
Session Four
October 18, 2023
College of the Holy Cross
- Arboricultural safety, ANSI Z-133, EHAP
- Budgeting, outside contracting, A300 standards
- Construction zone management
Session Five
November 1, 2023
College of the Holy Cross
- Tree health – problem diagnosis and management
- Municipal tree inventories
- Streetscape design and site evaluation
- Introduction to i-Tree free software
Session Six
November 15, 2023
College of the Holy Cross
- Working with utility arborists
- Tree wardens panel – “Working In and With Our Communities”
- Massachusetts DCR Urban & Community Forestry – assistance and resources