Aaron Shearer, specialist at Land and Forest Iceland, will lead a one-day course on tree risk assessment to be held at the Horticulture School at Reykir in Ölfus on 20 March 2026.

The course is intended for all those who work in tree pruning, consultancy, construction in and around green spaces, and other professions related to the care and management of trees.

With a warming climate and increasing tree cover in urban areas, the ability to assess tree condition and identify potential hazard indicators has become increasingly important.

The course begins with a theoretical session providing an in-depth overview of the most common tree defects, tree health, and defence mechanisms. Participants will also learn how to assess potential risks posed by trees with the aim of preventing damage to people or property. Tree defence responses will be examined, including how trees react to stress, injury, and pruning.

The second part of the course is practical and focuses on on-site tree inspections for risk assessment. Participants will learn to apply different assessment methods, understand the difference between detailed risk assessments and visual tree assessments, and plan appropriate interventions based on assessment outcomes.

This one-day course is suitable for all those working in tree pruning, consultancy, construction in and around green spaces, and other roles related to tree care. The course will be taught in English, with interpretation provided if needed.

• Instructor: Aaron Shearer, specialist at Land and Forest Iceland (MArborA MSc)

• Time: 20 March, 9:00–15:00

• Location: Horticulture School at Reykir, Ölfus

• Fee: ISK 35,000 (lunch and course materials included)

• Registration: gardyrkjuskolinn@fsu.is

Registration deadline: 16 March