Become a Member
Your membership pays itself back through discounts on products, access to exclusive resources, and educational opportunities.Become a Member
Attend an Event
We promote safety in all that we do. MAC-ISA provides a huge array of educational events. Click below to view all the upcoming events.Register Online
Become Certified
Want to become a Certified Arborist or Tree Worker? Find out which of the ISA certification credentials best meet your needs.Become Certified
Donate
Support safety, education, and research in arboriculture. Your gift funds scholarships, projects, and research.Donate Today
Free Monthly Enotes
Sign up for our free monthly Enotes for the latest MAC-ISA news and events!Sign up here
Who We Are
MAC-ISA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. The chapter area includes District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Our members include tree industry professionals from commercial, utility, municipal, educational sectors and other green industry related fields. Anyone interested in trees can become a member and support our work
Upcoming Events
News & Announcements
2026 Annual Meeting and Trade Show
Save the date for our Annual Meeting, October 4-6, 2026 in Fredericksburg, VA. 2026 Call for PRESENTATIONS!
2026 Tree Climbing Championship
MAC-ISA is excited to announce the 2026 Mid-Atlantic Tree Climbing Championship (TCC), taking place April 18 & 19 on the historic grounds of James Madison’s Montpelier in Orange, Virginia. This exciting two-day event showcases the skill, precision, and athleticism of the region’s top arborists and is free and open to the public!
Sean Roberts is Appointed as Communications Manager of MAC-ISA
The Board of Directors of MAC-ISA is pleased to announce that Sean Roberts has been named its new Communications Manager, succeeding Courtney Asher, whose last day was April 25th. You can reach Sean at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Read more.
Climbing Trees is a Sport Among Arborists
Save the date for our upcoming Tree Climbing Championship (TCC) where you can watch professional arborists climb trees as a competitive sport on April 4, 2025 at Sweet Briar College near Amherst, VA. Read our press release for the event written by our Executive Director, Liz Buxton.
MAC-ISA Board of Directors Plant Tree at Rockwater Park in Observance of Arbor Day
With the support of volunteers and the Town of Culpeper, the Board of Directors planted a dogwood tree at Rockwater Park in Culpeper, Virginia on April 26th in recognition of Arbor Day. Read more.
Elizabeth Buxton is Appointed as New Director of MAC-ISA
The Board of Directors of MAC-ISA is pleased to announce that Liz Buxton has been named its new Executive Director. Liz will take over the helm from longtime Executive Director Nancy Herwig who is retiring at the end of May. You can contact Liz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Read more.
2026 Events
MAC-ISA has upcoming Arborist Certification Courses, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification and Renewal Courses, and more ahead of us this year. Click here for our upcoming events. Check out the Green Industry events that we have listed near the bottom of the page as well.
Registration Open for Many Events
Registration is available for our Certification courses and TRAQ courses and TRAQ renewal courses.
Updated Guides and Guidelines for the Mid Atlantic
We have an updated Species Rating Guide & Tree Appraisal Guidelines for the Mid Atlantic Region.
Safety Tips
Helmet Safety
Always wear a helmet with your chin strap buckled.Risk Assessment
Perform a level 2 risk assessment before your climb.Climbing Safety
Always stay on rope.
Utility Lines
Assume that all utility lines are energized.Stay Alert
Stay alert at all times.Protect Crew & Public
Establish a clear work zone and drop zone.PPE Safety
Inspect and clean your PPE regularly.Emergency Response Plan
Establish an emergency response plan prior to work.Check Before Working
Check your equipment, surroundings and yourself prior to everyone's job. Maintain the 4 A's
Maintain the 4 A's: Attitude-Awareness-Action-AccountabilityCommand & Response
Use command and response.Report Unsafe Behavior
Do not accept unsafe behavior (if you see something, say something).Attend An Event
We promote safety in all that we do. MAC-ISA provides a huge array of educational events. Register for one of our events today!
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Annual Meeting Two-day event usually held in October.
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Tree Climbing Championship Chapter members showcase their climbing skills.
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Certification Courses Three-day course to become ISA Certified Arborists.
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Tree Risk Assessment (TRAQ) Consists of a 2-day educational course followed by a ½ day assessment
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Safety in Arboriculture To promote a culture of safety while fostering education.
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Tree Fund Events MAC-ISA partners with the Tree Fund.
