It is the mission of the Florida Urban Forestry Council (FUFC) to promote the value, enhancement and sound management of urban forests through leadership, collaboration, guidance, and education.
The Council Quarterly Newsletter Article
FUFC 2025 Q4 Workshops & Events
Article submitted by the Communications Committee
FUFC Trees And The Law Webinar: Trees, Cities & Towns
Friday, October 31, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM) (EDT)
Description
Co-Presenter: Joe Samnik, Expert Testifying Witness
Co-Presenter: John Snow, Tree CheckUp
This session will empower municipal arborists with the tools to navigate legal exposure, defend arboricultural decisions, and balance public expectations with ecological best practices. From species selection and risk mitigation to tree valuation and courtroom strategies, Joe will share real-world insights and case studies to help you protect your city’s trees—and your professional legacy. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your expertise and prepare for the legal, political, and practical realities of urban forestry.
Pricing
Free for Members to Watch (No CEUs)
Members with CEUs – $10
Become an FUFC Member + CEU Access – $30
Non-Member Rate with CEUs – $40
Virtual
A Zoom link will be provided upon registration and shared with you via email prior to the event. Please note that verification of attendance will be required to receive CEUs.
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Trees and the Law Series – Mitigate, Don’t Litigate: Reducing Trip and Fall Risk from Urban Trees
Friday, November 21, 2025 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM) (EST)
Description
Join the Florida Urban Forestry Council for this Foundational Friday session exploring how cities, counties, and property owners can reduce liability from sidewalk trip-and-fall hazards linked to urban trees. Hosts John Snow and Joe Samnik will walk attendees through real Florida cases—including City of Largo and Silver Palm Properties—to show when liability shifts, how to apply proactive defense strategies, and what practical steps municipalities can take to document and mitigate risks. Learn about self-help principles, limits of TRAQ in assessing trip hazards, and how to align local policies with legal counsel for stronger defensibility.
Disclaimer: This webinar provides educational information only and does not constitute legal advice
Strengthen your understanding of tree, sidewalk, and liability intersections in Florida’s urban landscapes!
Pricing
Free for Members to Watch (No CEUs)
Members with CEUs – $10
Become an FUFC Member + CEU Access – $30
Non-Member Rate with CEUs – $40
Virtual
A Zoom link will be provided upon registration and shared with you via email prior to the event. Please note that verification of attendance will be required to receive CEUs.
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Recognizing Tree Risks in Your Community Association: A Practical Guide for Property Managers and HOA/Condo Board Members
December 12, 2025 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EST)
Description
This 1-hour webinar provides community association managers (CAMs), HOA/COA board members, and property managers with a practical understanding of how to recognize early signs of tree risk, when to report concerns, and when to involve a qualified arborist. The session introduces fundamental concepts of tree risk, illustrates common warning signs through real-world examples, and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of residents, managers, and boards. Participants will learn how proactive urban forest management reduces liability, improves safety, and protects long-term community value.
This course supports FUFC’s education mission and the Urban Forests for Community Associations Program by strengthening competency in tree risk observation and proper reporting channels.
Disclaimer: This webinar provides educational information only and does not constitute legal advice
Location
Virtual
A Zoom link will be provided upon registration and shared with you via email prior to the event. Please note that verification of attendance will be required to receive CEUs.
Pricing
Free for Members to Watch (No CEUs)
Members with CEUs – $10
Become an FUFC Member + CEU Access – $30
Non-Member Rate with CEUs – $40
Please let us know what urban forestry projects you have going on in your neck of the woods. The Florida Urban Forestry Council would greatly appreciate the opportunity to share your information in our newsletter. These articles can include:
New trends in the industry
News about tree advocacy groups
Volunteer projects
City tree programs
Letters to the Editor
Questions for “Stump the Forester”
We look forward to hearing from you on this or any other interesting topic related to the urban forestry industry and profession. Please send any articles or ideas to the FUFC newsletter editor. Thanks for contributing!
