The six-module Massachusetts Qualified Tree Warden (MQTW) training course is held every other year; the next class is scheduled for Fall 2023.  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. 

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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 2023?
September 6
September 20
October 4
October 18
November 1
November 15

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.

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, some or all of the actual duties are delegated to others, and 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 2025.

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