Green Drop’s Arborists' Global Impact: A Resounding Presence at the ISA Conference in Hong Kong

A team of our certified arborists conduct a comprehensive workshop on sustainable Arboriculture on a global stage at a 4-day event, including conferences, workshops, and training courses.

Green Drop's Arborists, a renowned force in arboriculture, recently made waves at the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Conference held at the Christian Family Service Centre Headquarters in Kowloon, Hong Kong, from November 23rd–26th, 2023.

The accomplished team of GIS arborists from Green Drop—led by Matt Vinet, accompanied by Mike Leung alongside Dwayne Neustaeter from Arboriculture Canada Training (also a former Green Drop employee)—embarked on an insightful journey into the realms of Tree Health Care, GIS, and Tree Appraisal at the ISAHK conference and workshop.

Under the theme "Harmonizing on Arboriculture and Nature: The Power of IPM and Biological Insect Control in Manitoba, Canada," the duo Vinet and Leung shared their expertise and experiences with an international audience.

The event, which brought together speakers from the United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, and Canada, spanned four days of conferences, workshops, and training courses. The strong support from the local government and attendance by over 100 arborists from Hong Kong and Singapore underscored the significance of the ISA Conference in fostering global collaboration in arboriculture.

In addition to their impactful presentations, Green Drop’s Arborists took the opportunity to explore Hong Kong's unique arboricultural landscape. They visited several Wall Trees, where Banyan trees gracefully grew on hundred-year-old masonry walls. These majestic giants, cantilevering over busy roads, became a testament to nature's resilience in the face of urban challenges, showcasing the universal adaptability of trees.

Another fascinating project highlighted during their visit was a large tree transplantation in the Kwun Tong District. A colossal Banyan tree, with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) exceeding 800 mm, including its 4m x 4m x 1m deep root ball, weighed about 300 tons—equivalent to a 747 airplane—and was moved 70 meters from a construction site to a nearby park. The Banyan tree appeared healthy, as if it had grown in that spot since its inception.

Reflecting on the experience, Matt Vinet shared, "Attending and presenting at the Hong Kong ISA Chapter was definitely one of the highlights of my career in arboriculture. In the end, the Hong Kong ISA Chapter experience was not just a professional highlight but an adventure that transcended borders and deepened our appreciation for the remarkable world of arboriculture. Trees and Arborists—whether in the chilly realms of Canada or the tropical embrace of Hong Kong—proved to be resilient, adaptable creatures that thrive in the most challenging environments, reminding us that nature's wonders are boundless."

Green Drop’s Arborists continue to lead the way in sustainable arboriculture, and their active participation in global events like the ISA Conference emphasizes their commitment to advancing tree health care on an international scale.