Arborist Examination Reference Materials
Reference MaterialsThere is no single reference, that provides a complete preparation for the arborist examination. However, the applicant should obtain a copy of the Pesticide Applicator Training Manual, as part of the exam is based on this text. Additionally, the following list of materials may be useful in preparing for the exam. It includes references on tree identification, general arboriculture, and tree insects, diseases and disorders. Cornell Core Manual, Available from the Cornell Store (necessary for the exam) *
Cornell Category 3: Ornamental and Turf Manual (Companion manual to the above book.) *
Adams, Roger and R.J. Packauskas. 1995. Integrated Pest Management for Insects and Related Pests on Ornamental Plants: A Guide for Arborists and Groundskeepers, #94-16, University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Storrs, Connecticut 06269. *
Connecticut General Statutes and regulations applicable to arborists. Updated March 2023
Available through the CTPA:
Douglas, Sharon M. 2003. Disease Management Guide for Connecticut Arborists , Department of Plant Pathology and Ecology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut.
Welch, Kenneth and T. M. Abbey. 2002. Pesticide Guide Toward Integrated Pest Management for Connecticut Arborists, Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven Connecticut.
The above two booklets are updated biannually and are distributed through a cooperative agreement with the Connecticut Tree Protective Association (CTPA). Each book is $30 and $8 shipping. They may be purchased by contacting CTPA by email or phone:
Email: cathy@ctpa.org
Phone: 203-484-2512
www.CTPA.org
ANSI Z133.1 American National Standard for Arboricultural Operations-Pruning, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing Trees, and Cutting Brush-Safety Requirements Revision 2001, American National Standards Institute, New York, NY. **
ANSI A300 Part 1, Tree Care Operations- Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance-Standard Practices Revision 2001,American National Standards Institute, New York, NY. **
ANSI A300 Part 2, Tree Care Operations-Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance-Standard Practices (Fertilization) Revision 1998, American National Standards Institute, New York, NY. **
ANSI A300 Part 3, Tree Care Operations-Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance-Standard Practices (Support Systems, Cabling, Bracing, and Guying), Revision 2000, American National Standards Institute, New York, NY.**
ANSI A300 Part 4, Lightning Protection Systems, 2002, American National Standards Institute, New York, NY.**
** The ANSI standards are available from Global Engineering Documents, Customer Service Department, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, phone: (800) 854-7179, www.global.ihs.com Note that companion simple language guides are available from the International Society of Arborists (ISA); see contact information below.
Hartman, John Richard et al. 2000. Pirone’s Tree Maintenance, 7th edition, Oxford University Press, New York, NY 10016. ISBN : 0195119916. (The updated edition of Pirone’s standard text on arboriculture.)
Shigo, Alex L., Tree Basics, 1996, Shigo & Trees, Associates, P.O. Box 769, Durham NH 03824-0769. ISBN: 094356316X.
Other Publications and Sources of Information of Interest to Arborists
Dirr, M.A. 1998. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, 5th edition, Stipes Publishing Co. Champagne, Illinois 61820. ISBN: 0875637957.
Gilman, Edward F. 2002. Illustrated Guide To Pruning, , 2nd edition, Delmar Publishers, Clifton Park, NY 12065-8007. ISBN: 0766822710.
Harlow, W.M.1995. Textbook of Dendrology, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, NY 10036.ISBN: 0070265720.
Harris, Richard W. 2003. Arboriculture: Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, 4th edition, Prentice-Hall, Englewood, NJ 07632. ISBN: 0130888826.
Johnson, W.T. and H.H. Lyon, 1991, Insects That Feed on Trees and Shrubs, Comstock Publication Associates, ISBN: 0801426022.
Moorman, Gary W. 1992. Scouting and Controlling Woody Ornamental Diseases in Landscapes and Nurseries. #AGRS-62. Publications Distribution Center, Penn State University, University Park PA, 16802.
Petrides, G.A. 1998. A Field Guide to Trees and Shrubs, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA 01107. ISBN: 039535370X.
Pirone, P.P. 1978. Diseases and Pests of Ornamental Plants 5th edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY 10010. ISBN: 0471072494.
Shigo, Alex L. 1986. A New Tree Biology/ with Dictionary, Shigo & Trees Associates, PO Box 769, Durham, NH 03824-0769. ISBN: 0943563127.
Sinclair, W.A., H.H.Lyon & W.T. Johnson. 1987. Diseases of Trees and Shrubs, Cornell University Press, Ithica, NY 14850. ISBN: 0801415179.
Symonds, G.W.D.1974 The Tree Identification Book, William Morrow & Co., New York, NY 10010. ISBN: 0688050395.
Tattar, T.A., 1989, Diseases of Shade Trees. Academic Press, New York, NY 10003. ISBN: 0126843511.
Useful Web Sites
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station portal.ct.gov/caesFact sheets, on-line Plant Pest Handbook are available
Connecticut, State of: Online access to government portal.ct.gov
Connecticut Tree Protective Association www.CTPA.org
An educational organization dedicated to promoting the care of Connecticut’s trees.
International Society of Arboriculture www.isa-arbor.com
Many books, workbooks, CD’s and videos pertaining to tree care are available from ISA.
ISA website for the general public www.treesaregood.com
Tree Care Industry Association (formerly know as NAA) www.natlarb.com
A National tree care trade association.
University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System www.extension.uconn.edu
University of Connecticut Integrated Pest Management ipm.uconn.edu/
Arboriculture Courses
Arboriculture courses may be available at the following locations. Although not specifically designed for arborist licensing, they provide general instruction in the care and maintenance of trees, which may be helpful to those planning to take the exam. Classes are in the evening or Saturday.
Connecticut Tree Protective Association
P.O. Box 356
Northford, CT 06472-0356
Phone: (888) 919-2872 (toll free in state), (203) 484-2512 (voice and fax)
www.CTPA.org
The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens
151 Brookdale Road
Stamford, CT 06903-4119
Phone: (203) 322-6971
Naugatuck Valley Community Technical College
750 Chase Parkway
Waterbury, CT 06770
Phone: (203) 596-8633 or (203) 575-8040
The Cooperative Extension System - Statewide Locations is a source for research based information on horticulture, natural resources and the environment.
For more information please contact the Pesticide Management Program at (860) 424-3369, deep.pesticideprogram@ct.gov
Content Last Updated on March 14, 2023