Tree inspectors survey community tree populations to identify and manage disease and insect problems. They also provide recommendations for tree health and care. Tree inspectors monitor for new exotic insect and disease problems such as emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, and sudden oak death.
To be certified as a new tree inspector, applicants must pass an examination that measures knowledge in shade tree pest identification and management. Exams are administered at multiple locations, including new Tree Inspector training workshops, the UFore Nursery & Lab on U of M St. Paul campus, and through a distance certification option. Applicants must pass the examination with a score of 70 percent or better to become certified. Successfully passing the exam will demonstrate applicants are competent in the following qualifications:
- Be able to identify important native tree species, with or without leaves, as well as firewood of oak, elm and ash.
- Know and understand the biology of Minnesota's most common shade tree pests.
- Be familiar with symptoms of oak wilt and Dutch elm disease and be able to identify other problems affecting oaks and elms.
- Know the proper method of collecting samples for disease diagnosis.
- Know the approved control methods for these common tree pests.
- Be familiar with recommended tree species used in replanting programs, their planting requirements, and the care of these trees after planting.
- Understand the best planting practices for the common nursery stock types.
Training workshops and exams are conducted in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources. The tree inspector examination covers shade tree statutes, shade tree pest management,tree identification, firewood identification and other aspects of the topics listed above.
For general information about the program and to see current certification and recertification opportunities
Certified Tree Inspectors must complete 6 hours of continuing education every year by December 31 in order to be recertified and receive a certificate for the following calendar year. A number of opportunities exist throughout the year to obtain continuing education, including but not limited to MN Shade Tree Short Course, Tree Inspector Recertification Workshops, Rochester Arborist Workshop, Minnesota Society of Arboriculture Fall Conference and other sponsored events.
Other education opportunities which are not directly sponsored by the University of Minnesota or pre-approved by the Tree Inspector Program may still qualify for continuing education credits if the event or course meets the education criteria below.
Submit agenda to the Tree Inspector Certification Program Coordinator at the University of Minnesota for review and approval at least two weeks in advance to ensure the event you are attending will qualify for Tree Inspector recertification credits. Failure to obtain pre-approval of an education option does not necessarily preclude the approval of continuing education credits.
Sample agendas at a workshop qualifying for recertification can focus on any of the following:
- Biology of native or invasive plants, insects or disease pests or disorders affecting shade trees
- Identification of symptoms characteristic of new insect, plant and disease problems affecting shade trees other than those of Dutch elm disease and oak wilt
- Proper methods of collecting samples for possible new plant, insect or disease diagnosis, and where to submit them
- Identification of exotic pest threats to Minnesota trees, including but not limited to gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, sudden oak death, Asian longhorned beetle and others as appropriate
- Recognizing hazard trees (high, moderate, and low levels of risk associated with urban trees)
- Minimizing decay, storm damage and maintenance damage to landscape trees
- Pruning for tree health and restoration pruning after tree damage
- Correcting structural defects in young trees
- Best planting practices
- Diagnosing tree and shrub diseases, disorders or damage
- Plant health care topics
- Plant species selection
- And others as approved by the University of Minnesota Education Coordinator
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