Arborist
What is an arborist?
An arborist is someone who cares for trees. They have knowledge and expertise in planting, pruning, and maintaining trees.
What does an arborist do?
Usually, an arborist does the following:
- Inspects trees to assess their health and identify any diseases or pests
- Trims and prunes trees to improve their structure and promote healthy growth
- Performs tree planting, transplanting, and removal
- Conducts tree risk assessments to ensure tree safety
- Provides advice and recommendations for tree care to clients or stakeholders
What does the day-to-day life of an arborist look like?
An arborist usually works between 8am and 5pm, although this may vary depending on the specific job or company. The tasks they might do include:
- Climbing trees with specialized equipment
- Operating tools such as chainsaws, pruning shears, and wood chippers
- Consulting with clients or stakeholders about tree care and maintenance
- Documenting tree assessments and maintaining records
- Working outdoors in various weather conditions
- Collaborating with a team for large projects or working independently for smaller assignments
Where does an arborist work?
Arborists can work in various settings, including:
- Municipalities and local authorities: Taking care of trees in public parks, streets, and other public spaces
- Tree care companies: Providing tree maintenance services to residential and commercial clients
- Landscaping companies: Incorporating tree care into overall landscape design and maintenance
- Conservation organizations: Preserving and protecting trees in natural environments
- Utility companies: Managing trees near powerlines and other utility infrastructure to ensure safety and prevent outages
What tools/equipment does an arborist use?
An arborist uses a variety of tools and equipment, including:
- Climbing gear: Harnesses, ropes, and carabiners for ascending and descending trees
- Hand tools: Pruning shears, pruning saws, and loppers for trimming and pruning branches
- Chainsaws: Used for larger tree removals and cutting up fallen trees
- Wood chippers: Machinery for processing tree branches and creating wood chips
- Aerial lifts: Used for accessing tall trees and working at heights
What do I need to become an arborist?
There are a number of ways you can become an arborist, including:
- Apprenticeship: Learning on the job under the guidance of experienced arborists. This option provides hands-on experience and the opportunity to earn while you learn.
- College courses: Studying arboriculture or forestry at a college or university can provide you with theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- Certifications: Obtaining industry-recognized certifications, such as those offered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), can enhance your credibility and job prospects.
What career paths are available?
There are a number of career paths available to you as an arborist, including:
- Tree Officer/Consultant: Providing specialized advice and consulting services for tree management and preservation.
- Arboricultural Officer: Working for local authorities or conservation organizations to oversee tree care and urban forestry programs.
- Arboricultural Supervisor: Taking on leadership roles, managing a team of arborists, and overseeing projects.
- Tree Climber/Climbing Arborist: Specializing in climbing techniques and aerial tree work.
What jobs are similar to an arborist?
- Forester: Managing forests and woodland areas, focusing on sustainability and conservation.
- Landscape Architect: Designing outdoor spaces, including elements such as trees and plants.
- Horticulturist: Caring for plants, including trees, flowers, and shrubs, in gardens or nurseries.
What made you want to become an arborist?
How did you get your first arborist job?
What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being an arborist?
Are you an arborist? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to become an arborist. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.