Arborist Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence: Arborists Address the Future of Urban Forestry
What technology will urban and community foresters need to meet the challenges of tomorrow? As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more common, how do we determine where it adds value and where human expertise remains essential?
Led by PlanIT Geo and hosted by the Urban & Community Forestry Society (UCFS), Arborist Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence: Arborists Address the Future of Urban Forestry is a forward-looking discussion that explores the potential applications and limitations of AI in urban forestry and addresses the questions you have about using AI. From concerns about jobs and professional development to environmental costs and public trust, we’ll examine the opportunities, risks, and real-world considerations of integrating AI into professional practice.
At the heart of the conversation is “Arborist Intelligence”—the knowledge, field experience, professional judgment, and relationships that urban forestry professionals bring to their work. Participants will consider how to evaluate emerging tools, establish appropriate boundaries, and make informed decisions about when AI is useful, when a different approach is more effective, and where human expertise must lead.
Join UCFS and PlanIT Geo to explore the future of technology in urban forestry, challenge assumptions about AI, and discover how to make thoughtful, informed choices that strengthen, not replace, the expertise of urban and community forestry professionals.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify potential applications and limitations of AI in urban and community forestry, including implications for daily operations and future technology needs.
- Evaluate key considerations for adopting AI tools, including professional development, workforce impacts, environmental costs, data reliability, and public trust.
- Apply a decision-making framework to determine when AI, human expertise, or alternative approaches are most appropriate for addressing urban forestry challenges.
This webinar is approved for one ISA CEU.
The webinar subject matter supports the following:
UCFS Accreditation Program: Standard 3
ISA Urban Forest Professional: Domain 1