Recognizing an individual that prioritizes safety in all aspects of their work, ensuring that arborists can perform their duties with the highest level of protection. Just as the strongest limb supports the tree, this recipient supports a culture of safety, reducing risks and promoting best practices in the field.

Requirements: Individual must work for a company that has a current OCAA membership.

📅 Nomination Deadlines: July 31, 2025

This award recognizes an OCAA member company that has established deep roots in fostering a positive workplace culture, prioritizing employee well-being, and promoting professional growth in the arboriculture industry. Recipients exemplify strong leadership, ethical business practices, and an unwavering commitment to their team’s success and safety.

Requirements: Company has a current OCAA membership

📅 Nomination Deadlines: July 31, 2025

Given to an arborist who, like a protective canopy, has provided guidance, and support to others in the industry. This recipient has dedicated their time to mentoring, inspiring, and shaping the next generation of arborists through education, training, and encouragement.

Requirements: Individual must work within the commercial arboriculture sector for a minimum of 7 years.

📅 Nomination Deadlines: July 31, 2025

This award recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to community service, education, and public engagement. Just as a tree's roots connect and nourish its surroundings, the recipient has made a lasting impact by fostering a stronger relationship between the industry and the public.

Requirements: Individual must work for an OCAA company with a membership OR volunteer for an organization affiliated with OCAA. Any organizations nominated must be affiliated with OCAA.

📅 Nomination Deadlines: July 31, 2025

This award honors a woman in the arboriculture industry who has demonstrated resilience, leadership, and excellence. Like the magnolia, which stands strong and blossoms beautifully, this recipient has made a significant impact through mentorship, innovation, or advocacy for women in the field.

Requirements: Individual must work for a company that has a current OCAA membership.

📅 Nomination Deadlines: July 31, 2025

Recognizing a committee volunteer who, like an evergreen, remains committed and steadfast in their efforts to support OCAA initiatives. This recipient has gone above and beyond to ensure the success of projects, meetings, and industry events, making a lasting contribution to the association.

Requirements: This individual can work for any company or organization connected to the OCAA but is not a current board member. ○ The voting process to determine the recipient will be completed third-party and not by current committee or board members of OCAA.

📅 Nomination Deadlines: July 31, 2025

Given to a promising newcomer who is quickly growing in skill, knowledge, and professionalism. Just as a sapling is full of potential, this recipient has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, dedication, and promise in their arboriculture career.

Requirements: Individual must work for a company that has a current OCAA membership and less than five years of experience in the commercial arboriculture sector working in the field (any relative education does not contribute to the five years of experience).

📅 Nomination Deadlines: July 31, 2025

This prestigious award honors an arboriculture professional whose career, like a mighty oak, has stood the test of time—growing, strengthening, and providing lasting benefits to the industry. With over 25 years of experience, the recipient has played a significant role in shaping the commercial arboriculture sector, mentoring future generations, and contributing to the Ontario Commercial Arborist Association (OCAA). This award is reserved for individuals whose dedication and influence have left an enduring legacy in the field. ○

Requirements: 25+ years of industry experience and must work for a company with a current OCAA membership. Has been heavily involved in the development of the industry (any commercial stream), and volunteered with OCAA in some capacity.

📅 Nomination Deadlines: June 30, 2025

Awarded to soon-to-be graduates who are ready to branch out into the field of arboriculture, this bursary supports students with a demonstrated passion for tree care, urban forestry, or commercial arboriculture. Recognizing the importance of nurturing future professionals, this award provides financial assistance to help young arborists start their journey in the industry. Nominations are made by professors, and recipients are chosen through a draw at the annual awards ceremony at the OCAA Fall Symposium.

3 annually given at the Annual Fall Symposium. More given if sponsored. ○

Requirements: Must be a student who is in their final year of post-secondary arboriculture related education. Applicants are to submit a 300-500 word essay to explain why they deserve the bursary. Applicants should put emphasis on any volunteer work relative to the field, and relative research (including thesis work). Letters of recommendations from colleagues or professors (maximum 2) are encouraged.

📅 Nomination Deadlines: July 31, 2025