2026 Trees SC Annual Conference, & optional Preconference Tour

PreConference Tour - A Lowcountry Journey Through Gardens, Tea & Oaks (Optional Registration)

October 28, 2026 – Folly Beach, SC

8:00-8:30 Breakfast and Registration

8:30- 11:30 Bus departs The Tides to Medical University of South Carolina, downtown Charleston. Gardenwalking tour of campus. visit the Porcher Medicinal Garden, Camellia Garden and more.

11:30-1:30 Travel to the Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island where lunch will be provided. This stop connects commellias, tea production, and agritourism in the beauty of cultivated landscapes.

1:30-3:30 Visit the Angel Oak on Johns Island where participants will learn how Charleston Parks and Recreation manages and protects this incredible tree and what maintenance and care that Bartlett Tree Experts provides it.

3:30 Bus departs the Angel Oak to return to The Tides.

Please note that during travel time, participants will enjoy guided discussions including local tree pest and disease threats, spanish moss, ressurection fern and their effects. Printed material provided. Dinner is not included with the tour.

2026 Annual Conference - Looking Back & Leaping Forward

TREES SC ANNUAL CONFERENCE

October 29-30, 2026 – Folly Beach, SC

CEU's will be posted as they are approved.

THURSDAY

8:30-8:30 Breakfast and Registration

8:30-8:40 Welcome Trees SC President Amanda Flake

8:40-9:25 Show Me the Science: Using an evidence-based approach to seperate fact from fiction when choosing natives and nonnatives in landscapes and streetscapes – Bob Polomski, Clemson Extension

9:25-10:10 Pests and Diseases of Palms – J.C. Chong, SePro Corporation

10:10-10:55 SC Native Tree Propagation and Conservation - Michele Dani Sanchez, Clemson Extension

10:55-11:10 Networking Break

11:10-11:55 Innovative Technology for Asset Management and Monitoring Field Conditions - Travis Rogers, The Orion Companies

11:55-12:15 Awards Presentation, Trees SC Business Meeting, Tree City USA Recognition

12:15-1:30 Networking Lunch
1:30-2:15 Beyond the Chainsaws: Rebranding Aboriculture through Education, Communication, and Community – Dominique Werboff, ISA Southern

2:15-3:00 Oakwilt Panel Discussion - Aaron Campbell, Xiao Yang, etc

3:00-3:15 Networking Break (board election ballots due)

3:15-4:00 Writing Specifications for Nursery Trees – Sarah White, Clemson University

4:00-4:45 KEYNOTE Updates on Tree Risk Assessment, Tom Smiley, Bartlett Tree Experts

5:00-6:00 Networking Social

FRIDAY

8:00-8:30 Breakfast

8:20-8:30 Welcome

8:30-9:15 Managing Wildlife Damage on Urban Trees – Elizabeth Bradley, Clemson University

9:15-10:00 Site Assessments for Industrial Herbicide Applications – Jesse Peery, Envu Environmental Science

10:00-10:15 Networking Break, Auction Results

10:15-11:00 Oak Wilt and More: Emerging and Recurring Tree Diseases – Xiao Yang, Clemson Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic

11:00-11:45 Lightning Protection for Trees - Tom Smiley, Bartlett Tree Experts

11:45-12:00 Prize Drawings, Conference Wrap Up

REGISTER NOW!

Join us for a day filled with insightful presentations, networking opportunities, and a chance to connect with fellow tree professionals and enthusiasts. The event will be held at Tides Folly Beach, a perfectly relaxing location for the conference and family fun at nearby attractions. Take advantage of the contracted room rates (limited availability) at the conference host hotel, Tides Folly Beach. Last Day to reserve under room block is 9/30/2026.

Hotel Reservations - https://reservations.travelclick.com/111875?groupID=5082664

• You can also call (888) 528-0730, and reference "Trees SC Annual Conference" to reserve hotel rooms while they last