The six-module Massachusetts Qualified Tree Warden (MQTW) training course is held every other year; the next class is scheduled for Fall 2021. 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.
Download the MQTW brochure • Register Online
FAQ
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.
What are the six dates for 2021?
September 1
September 15
September 29
October 13
October 27
November 10
What time do the classes meet? Each class will start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m.
How much does it cost? One course fee covers all six sessions. Member price is $600. Non-member price of $685 includes a one-year membership to MTWFA.
Is financial assistance available? Yes! Partial scholarships are available. Please email or call us for information.
Do I have to attend the entire course? Yes. Participants agree to sign up for and attend all six sessions.
What about lunch? Both morning coffee and lunch will be provided for the 5 sessions at the hotel. Plans will be announced for the September 29th field day.
Do I have to be my town’s “official” tree warden to attend? No. We know there are many of you out there who are performing the work of a tree warden but do not have the official title. And even if you do have the title, but some or all of the actual duties are delegated to others, that’s okay too. If you are a municipal employee and this course will be helpful to you, we welcome you!
Can I attend if I am not a municipal employee? Maybe. If you are not currently working for a town or city, we will place you on a waitlist and notify you if space is available after August 15th.
Will there be continuing education credits? Yes. CEUs will be available for certified arborists (ISA and MCA), and there will be CTSP and pesticide credits for applicable sessions.
Will this course be offered another time? The full six-session course takes place biennially, alternating years with UMass Green School. This means that the next Qualified Tree Warden Course will be held in the fall of 2023.
Course Outline
All sessions will take place from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm in Sturbridge, MA. Pre-registration for entire course is required.
Session One – September 1, 2021 – Host Hotel, Sturbridge
- 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 15, 2021 – Host Hotel Sturbridge
- How trees grow – tree parts and functions
- Urban tree problems and risk trees
- Structural defects and likelihood of failure
- Tree risk management
Session Three – September 29, 2021 – Field Day, Sturbridge
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 13, 2021 – Host Hotel Sturbridge
- Arboricultural safety, ANSI Z-133, EHAP
- Budgeting, outside contracting, A300 standards
- Construction zone management
Session Five – October 27, 2021 – Host Hotel Sturbridge
- Tree health – problem diagnosis and management
- Municipal tree inventories
- Streetscape design and site evaluation
- Introduction to i-Tree free software
Session Six – November 10, 2021 – Host Hotel Sturbridge
- Working with utility arborists
- Tree wardens panel – “Working In and With Our Communities”
- Massachusetts DCR Urban & Community Forestry – assistance and resources