Arboriculture
Educational opportunities for those interested in caring for their trees as hobbyists, for landscaping and horticultural professionals, as well as, for tree care workers who are preparing for the ISA exam.
Arboriculture course information, fees and registration
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Registration will close @ 4:00 pm on Friday, January 17, 2025.
This course does not provide certification to practice as a Certified Arborist in Manitoba. Visit the FAQ section for general course information and practicing arboriculture in Manitoba.
The Winter 2025 Arboriculture course will only be offered in-person.
The course is an introduction to the field of Arboriculture. Participants learn about pruning techniques, pests, diseases, environmental stresses and other factors that affect urban tree health. In addition, the course covers worker safety, tree biology, soil science, plant classification and identification.
- The course is 12 weeks in length with a final exam scheduled separately.
- Classes are 2 hours in length and will be held Tuesday evenings starting at 7:00 pm. Room, building and parking details will be provided approximately 1 week in advance of the course start date.
- The course will start on January 28, 2025 and will end on April 22, 2025.
- No classes on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
- The in-person course includes a Tree Identification workshop:
- Saturday, April 12, 2025. Rain date April 19, 2025.
Course materials/resources:
- The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborists' Study Guide (2022 edition) is the required textbook.
- Course materials will be hosted in UM Learn (Learning Management System).
- UM Learn provides access to course content, self-test quizzes and the final examination.
- Participants will need access to a computer with an internet connection. Materials are best viewed on a desktop or laptop computer.
Examination details:
- Examination date will be communicated at the start of the course.
- The examination is a 3 hour, multiple-choice (165 questions) examination. Participants achieving a grade of 70% or greater will be issued a Letter of Accomplishment.
- NOTE: The examination will be hosted on the UM Learn (Learning Management System) and will be conducted remotely from your home or office. Review UM Learn information under the Current Participants section.
The following 12 topics/sections are covered:
- Plant Classification and Nomenclature
- Tree Biology
- Soil Science
- Water and Nutrition
- Tree Selection and Installation
- Pruning
- Plant Health Care and Urban Forestry
- Risk Management and Support Systems
- Trees and Construction
- Tree Worker Safety
- Plant Disorders and Diagnosis
- Plant Identification
Course Fees:
| In-person Course: | $600 |
| Study Guide: | $150 |
| Total: | $750 |
- GST included.
- Payment will only be taken via Credit Card (VISA or Mastercard).
- Individual registrations are required for each participant as we need to set up advance access in UM Learn (Learning Management System).
- Participants who have paid for the course and withdraw or cancel their registration before the second class will be refunded the course fee less a $50 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued after that point.
- The University reserves the right to cancel any course and refund the full fees. Or, reschedule classes that were cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances.
Registration will be considered complete once full payment has been received.
Instructor
Carla is a practicing Arborist in Winnipeg, MB. Carla graduated from the Greenspace Management program at Red River College where she studied the environment through the streams of arboriculture and horticulture. While working in the industry, Carla went on to achieve her Arborist Certification and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification from the International Society of Arboriculture, and the Tree & Plant Appraisal Qualification through the American Society of Consulting Arborists.
Carla co-owns and operates a tree care practice called Trilogy Tree Services Ltd., where she divides her time between consulting and managing the business.
Frequently asked questions
Practicing Arboriculture in Manitoba
Changes to the Province of Manitoba Arborist Regulations came into force on April 1st, 2018.
As a result of these changes the School of Agriculture Arborist Training & Examination Program no longer exists.
Important information about provincial regulations for practicing Arboriculture in Manitoba can be found on the Province of Manitoba -> Natural Resources and Northern Development -> Forest Health, Urban Forestry and Forest Renewal website. Once on their website, click on the "Arboriculture in Manitoba" link under the "Quick Links" located on the right-hand side of the page.
Province of Manitoba -> Natural Resources and Northern Development -> Forest Health, Urban Forestry and Forest Renewal website: https://gov.mb.ca/nrnd/forest/forestry/forest_health_renewal/index.html
For more information about practicing arboriculture in Manitoba, please contact the Province of Manitoba -> Natural Resources and Northern Development -> Forest Health, Urban Forestry and Forest Renewal at: 204-945-7866 or treeline@gov.mb.ca
Does the current School of Agriculture Arboriculture course allow me to practice as a Certified Arborist in Manitoba?
No. Effective July 1, 2019 the School of Agriculture Arboriculture course (formally called the Arborist Training & Examination Program) no longer provides certification to practice arboriculture in the province of Manitoba.
Individuals planning to practice arboriculture in Manitoba are encouraged to consider taking this course to assist with their preparation for the ISA Certified Arborist examination.
How do I become an ISA Certified Arborist?
Certification is administered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Information about eligibility and the application process for ISA Certification can be found on the ISA website: https://www.isa-arbor.com/
Are there prerequisites required for taking the Arboriculture course?
There are no required prerequisites needed in order to register for the course.
Do I need to be a student of the University of Manitoba in order to register for the course?
No. You do not need to apply to the University of Manitoba in order to register and take the course. The course is open to the public.
I have registered for the Arboriculture course. Will I receive a University of Manitoba of student number?
No. The School of Agriculture (U of MB) Arboriculture course is a non-degree/non-credit “short course” which does not require an individual to apply to the university to become a student in order to take the course.
I have registered for the Arboriculture course. Will I receive university course credits?
No. The School of Agriculture (U of MB) Arboriculture course is a non-degree/non-credit “short course”.
I am a current or former U of M student. Can I take the course for credit or audit the course?
No. The School of Agriculture (U of MB) Arboriculture course is a non-degree/non-credit “short course”.
Will I receive a tax receipt for personal income tax purposes?
No. The School of Agriculture (U of MB) Arboriculture course is a non-degree/non-credit “short course” and therefore a T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) will not be issued by the University of Manitoba.
Are academic course fees waived for those aged 65+?
No. The School of Agriculture (U of MB) Arboriculture course is a non-degree/non-credit "short course" and is not subject to the waiving of academic fees for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are age 65 and over.
I held a Manitoba Arborists Licence but I no longer have a copy of the licence. Who do I contact to get a replacement copy?
Contact the Province of Manitoba -> Natural Resources and Northern Development -> Forest Health, Urban Forestry and Forest Renewal: 204-945-7866 or treeline@gov.mb.ca
Does the School of Agriculture proivde consulting or testing services?
The School of Agriculture does not provide consulting or testing services related to arboriculture, horticulture or agriculture. Please refer to the External resources section.
External resources
Province of MB - Regulations for practicing Arboriculture in Manitoba
- City of Winnipeg - Urban Forestry Dept.
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) - How to become ISA certified
- ISA - Trees Are Good - Public Education Resources
- ISA Prairie Chapter
- Manitoba Urban Forest Council
- Manitoba Nursery Landscape Association
- Province of MB - Lab Services - Crop Diagnostic Services
- Province of MB - Tree Line: 204-945-7866 or treeline@gov.mb.ca
- Trees Winnipeg
- Trees Winnipeg - Ask an Arborist
- Trees Winnipeg - Find an Arborist
Current participants
What is UM Learn?
UM Learn is the University of Manitoba’s learning management system (LMS) and is used to support the delivery of face-to-face, online and blended courses.
What are the technical requirements for UM Learn?
Your course (online or blended delivery) is offered through UM Learn and employs a number of different technologies that require a modern computer and internet access. Verify that you can meet these technical requirements prior to course registration:
- Computer with Windows 11 or 10, or Mac OS 10.13 to 13.0+
- Latest version of either Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Edge web browsers.
- JavaScript and cookies enabled.
- Must be able to install and run Respondus LockDown Browser. Note: This should be downloaded directly from the course and not outside of UM Learn.
- Broadband internet access (minimum bandwidth of 512 Kbps)
- Speakers or headphones.
- Microphone.
- Webcam.
Not recommended:
- Tablets
- Phones (Android or iOS)
- Chromebooks
I forgot my UM Learn ID and Password. Who do I contact?
Participants of the Arboriculture course are to contact the School of Agriculture at: agschool@umanitoba.ca
In your email, be sure to include:
- first name and last name
- which course your are enrolled in (fall or winter course)
** Do not contact the IST Service Desk as they will refer you back to the School of Agriculture.
What is Respondus Lockdown Browser?
Lockdown Browser is a locked browser for taking quizzes in UM Learn. It prevents you from printing, copying, going to another URL, or accessing other applications during a test. The School of Agriculture will send further information closer to an examination date.
How will I know when I can attempt the course examination?
The School of Agriculture will send an email notification to all current participants approximately 4 weeks prior to the upcoming examination date.
Next course intake
Request to be notified when the Fall 2025 Arboriculture course registration opens.
** Notice Regarding Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Information by the University
Your personal information is being collected under the authority of The University of Manitoba Act. The information you provide will be used by the University for the purpose of communication regarding the School of Agriculture’s Arboriculture course (i.e. registration and course information). Your personal information will not be used or disclosed for other purposes, unless permitted by The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). If you have any questions about the collection of your personal information, contact the Access & Privacy Office (tel. 204-474-9462), 233 Elizabeth Dafoe Library, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2.
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Contact us
School of Agriculture
236 Agriculture Building
66 Dafoe Road
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
204-474-8473