Arborist Adam McCullough again leads day-long and hands-on workshops for municipal highway crews, state and municipal parks staff, public work crews, and other grounds crews that include tree removal in their work. The workshop trains participants to use ropes to safely guide trees to the ground while keeping workers out of the strike zone. This tree removal method allows a cutter with basic tree felling skills to safely remove a wide range of trees in tricky places, a task necessary to the ongoing efforts to mitigate the impacts of emerald ash borer and ash tree decline.

Workshop participants will leave with the skills necessary to use this technique in their communities. The first 11 municipal registrants statewide will also receive a free rope-throwing kit with the lines and throw weights needed to throw ropes with their crews valued at $265.

Preview the scope of the workshop and hands-on teaching techniques in this YouTube video: How to install a pull rope to remove dead trees.

All workshops run from 9 am – 3 pm. Participants must bring their own PPE (eye protection, ear protection, close-toed shoes, and work gloves). No chainsaws are necessary – only the instructor will use a chainsaw.

Continuing education credits may be available, for details contact Joanne at Joanne.Garton@vermont.gov.

Workshop Dates and Locations

Sign up for ONE of the three workshops statewide here. Update: Workshops are now full and registration has closed.

• Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 9am - 3pm: Old Shelter in Hubbard Park, 400 Parkway Street, Montpelier, VT
• Tuesday, August 22, 2023, 9am - 3pm: Pine Hill Park, 2 Oak Street Extension, Rutland, VT
• Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 9am - 3pm: St. Albans Town Forest, 731 Forest Drive, St. Albans Town, VT

If you would like to be notified of future workshops, sign up here.