The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is thrilled to launch its 2026 Awards Program, which aims to recognize and celebrate individuals who have significantly contributed to the arboriculture industry. 

This is an opportunity to honor your peers who have gone above and beyond—by submitting nominations for the esteemed ISA Awards of Distinction and the ISA True Professionals of Arboriculture. Nominations are officially open from now through Monday, 9 March.  

The Awards of Distinction consist of nine categories:  

• Award of Merit: This is the highest honor bestowed by ISA, which recognizes a career of outstanding, meritorious service in advancing the principles, ideals, and practice of arboriculture.  
• Alex L. Shigo Award for Excellence in Arboriculture Education: Recognizes the important role that education plays in enhancing the quality and professionalism of the arboriculture industry through sustained excellence in arboricultural education.  
• Sharon J. Lilly Award of Achievement: In recognition of sustained outstanding efforts or contribution to the advancement of ISA.  
• Honorary Life Membership: Granted to members of ISA who have contributed materially and substantially to the progress of arboriculture and have given unselfishly in their efforts to support arboriculture.  
• R.W. Harris Author’s Citation: Granted to authors for sustained excellence in the publication of timely information pertaining to the field of arboriculture.  
• L.C. Chadwick Award for Arboriculture Research: Recognizes individuals whose research has contributed valuable information to arboriculture.  
• M.F. Blair Award for Exceptional Contribution to Practical Arboriculture: In recognition of individuals whose service has made a substantial contribution to practical arboriculture.  
• Early-Career Scientist: Granted to individuals who show exceptional promise, with high potential to become an internationally-recognized scientist.  
• Honorary Membership: Recognizes individuals who are NOT ISA members, but who have continued interest and outstanding service in promoting arboriculture.  

To find out more and nominate someone for an Award of Distinction, click here.  

The ISA True Professionals of Arboriculture program honors arborists who excel in educating their communities, clients, colleagues, and employees about the importance of trees, the necessity for proper tree care, and the role today's arborists play in tree care service and education. To find out more and nominate someone for the True Professionals of Arboriculture program, click here.  

The award recipients will be announced and honored at the ISA 2026 Annual International Conference in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., from 12-14 August. All forms and supplemental information must be submitted to [email protected] by Monday, 9 March.  

If you have any questions or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].