Ever dreamed your office was 40 feet off the ground and your colleagues were largely leafy and green?
Well, step into the life of an arborist. Learning how to be an arborist is just about mastering the art of whispering to trees. It’s part science, part adventure and there’s some tree climbing involved too.
They are caretakers of the urban jungle, ensuring that trees are healthy and safe, and stand tall without illness. Think of them as personal trainers for trees to help these towering giants live their best lives. Whether you’re here to explore arborist certification, curious about the tools of the trade, or eyeing that sweet arborist salary, this guide will show you the ropes literally and figuratively.
Ready to dig in and plant the seeds for your new career? Let’s grow!
Step 1: Know what an arborist does.
But before strapping on the climbing harness, here is a rundown on what is an arborist: An Arborist is largely a tree surgeon.
They take care of the trees by keeping them healthy and safe. Of course, it’s much more than pruning a few branches: they diagnose diseases, prevent hazards, and sometimes even remove entire trees.
It’s like being a doctor but for trees. You don’t carry stethoscopes, only chainsaws. You’re the one scaling a tree to “examine” it-not a patient that comes to you. You will make the call if a tree is healthy, just needs a little care, or has to be cut down before causing damage.
Real-life example: This is the case with one city park in Boston, where for more than decades certified arborists come to make sure trees are not only healthy but safe for walkers, pedestrians, and residents in general.
By the same virtue, their work will help green spaces to thrive while at the same time discouraging probable perils such as falling limbs.
2. Laying the Academic Foundation
Now that you understand what an arborist does, let’s talk about the educational aspect. Technically, you are not required to have a degree to work as an arborist, but having one in forestry, horticulture, or environmental science will go a long way.
If you are still in high school, pay more attention to classes like biology, plant science, and earth sciences.
Some pursue associate’s and bachelor’s level degrees in arboriculture or forestry, whereas others take the less conventional route through an apprenticeship or getting jobs in basic tree care.
Remember, trees don’t come with an instruction manual, so understanding their biology is a must. You want to know things regarding growth patterns, root systems, and how trees survive in their respective given environments. Equally important is that you understand the composition of the soils and the pests.
Step 3: Hands-on Experience (The Fun Part)
Let’s face it, nobody becomes an arborist to sit behind a desk all day. The real learning happens in the field you have to get that hands-on feel, just like learning how to drive a car. Sure, you can read the manual, but until you are behind the wheel, it is all theory. In this case, the “wheel” is a tree, and you will need to get comfortable with everything from pruning to climbing.
Entry-level positions are often found in landscaping firms, tree care services, and even city park departments. You’ll learn to identify tree species, recognize diseases, and use the tools of the trade: pole pruners, harnesses, and climbing ropes.
Arborist supplies are your lifeline-literally. Mastery over the equipment- from climbing spikes to chainsaws-is an important step. Like a chef mastering his or her knives, one cannot just pass on doing a job without the right tools on hand. Not only will the job not be done properly, but it also won’t be safe.
Many cities, for example, Portland, Oregon, have even employed professional arborists for urban tree population maintenance.
The arborists look after the green landscape to make it safe and beautiful for residents.
Step 4: Obtain an Arborist Certification
Next comes the step that may set you apart: arborist certification. Certification is not required everywhere but is highly recommended and preferred by employers. Certification is like getting a black belt in tree care; this means that you have mastered the craft and are acknowledged by professionals in the field.
The most well-known arborist certification comes courtesy of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
To get it, you’ll have to pass an exam on everything from tree biology and pruning techniques to safety protocols and disease identification.
Consider certification as a license to officially care for trees. Of course, you might be able to work without it, but getting certified is going to make you much more competitive when you’re looking to land a job-and often can result in a higher salary for an arborist.
Cities like Chicago require ISA-certified arborists to work on trees in public spaces for reasons of safety and tree health. Of course, the certification adds a lot to your credibility, opening the way to higher-paying gigs.
Step 5: Specialize in a niche
Once certified and with some experience, you may be able to specialize. Arborists can specialize in any of several areas: tree risk assessment, pest management, and urban forestry are but a few. Some arborists are tree preservationists who work with developers to avoid damaging trees when possible on new construction sites.
Specialization is like being a “guru” of trees in that specific area. You develop a knack for diagnosing the diseases others can’t see or become the one people call when removals get tricky. As you build experience, you can also take on more complex projects and charge more for them.
Many arborists go on to open their businesses, specializing in services that might range from homeowners to large-scale commercial projects. This is an entrepreneurial path leading to even greater freedom and often much more profit if you have built up a good network of contacts in the industry.
Step 6: Earn What You’re Worth-Arborist Salary
Speaking of numbers: the salary for an arborist can vary, depending on experience, location, and specialization.
An average annual salary for an arborist in the United States may be in the area of $50,000, but that most definitely can climb higher with experience, certification, and specialized skills.
For those living in a city where the trees are an integral part of the urban landscape, such as Seattle or San Francisco, the salary may push upwards of $70,000 or more. Smaller towns may start entry-level positions around $35,000. But as you grow your expertise-pun intended you will be able to command.
Arborists working in cities whose initiatives feature a ‘greener’ environment-such as Austin Texas-have higher salaries, particularly those with enhanced certifications such as the ISA’s Board Certified Master Arborist designation.
Step 7: Continuing to Climb (Quite Literally)
That means your career should keep growing, just like trees. It also means becoming an arborist is not a one-time learning curve. With new tree diseases, invasive species, and environmental changes, some of the many reasons, it is important to stay updated with the latest techniques.
Further education will be the fertilizers that grow your career. Attending workshops, taking specialized certifications, and networking with other arborists will keep you on top.
Other certifications, such as the ISA’s TRAQ, will hone your skills and further increase your earning potential. This is just like playing your favorite video game: the more skills you receive, the stronger and more valuable you become in the industry.
Branching into a Rewarding Career: The Final Word
Learning to be an arborist involves much more than learning how to prune trees. It is one way of protecting natural resources, creating safe urban spaces, and preserving an environment that will help life sustain.
Arborists play a big role in balancing nature within our cities and communities, and as people grow in value towards green spaces, the requirement for well-trained professionals is increasingly in demand.
If you are ready to spend your days at work among the trees, using both your brain and your brawn, then the route to an arborist may just be the perfect fit for you.
So grab your climbing gear, sharpen your tools, and get ready to grow your career is waiting at the top of the tree!!
