Arborists are specialists who care for trees and shrubberies, helping homeowners, property managers and public areas protect, enhance and improve their landscape investments. Their work includes tree pruning, plant health care (PHC), disease and pest control, removing dead and damaged limbs, and assessing the safety of nearby trees, including invasive species.
Their services are essential to reducing weeds, insect infestations and other woody plants that can cause environmental problems or impede the view and enjoyment of homes and other buildings in residential, commercial and public spaces. They can also assist with planning and establishing cultural programs to maintain the long-term health of trees.
They can recommend watering, fertilizing, pesticide applications and other programs to help keep landscapes healthy and attractive. They can also help identify and eliminate fungi, diseases or insects that threaten trees and shrubs.
Some states require certification from the International Society of Arboriculture or other industry organizations before working as an arborist. This demonstrates that an arborist has completed the proper education and has the experience needed to perform their job safely and effectively.
Certified arborists are more expensive than non-certified ones, but you may find that it’s worth it in the end when you consider the cost of damage to your home and injuries to a contractor or someone else who gets hurt while attempting to remove a tree. In addition, a certified arborist has the necessary training and equipment to remove trees safely and efficiently, making it less likely that you’ll need to call back for more work or be forced to pay for replanting the same tree.
A career as an arborist is rewarding and challenging. There are many different aspects to this career, from the physical work of climbing trees and removing dead limbs to the management and coordination of large teams of workers.
They work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, and they are often called out for emergency situations such as storms that cause major damage to a tree’s limbs or entire trunk. This means that they need to be physically fit and able to handle the challenges of the job, as they can spend long periods of time on the ground in harsh weather conditions.
Most entry-level arborist jobs require a high school diploma and some college coursework in horticulture, landscaping, forestry or other related fields. Many also receive on-the-job training from an employer, which helps them prepare for future advancement as they gain experience and get licensed.
To become an arborist, you need to be highly skilled in specialized tree and shrub maintenance techniques. This includes pruning, removing diseased or damaged branches and recommending pesticide applications.
You can earn ISA certification by passing a comprehensive test and following strict professional standards. To maintain this certification, arborists must continue to gain experience in their field and complete a number of ongoing educational courses.
They also need to have the appropriate insurance to cover damages or injuries that may occur while they’re removing trees or performing other services. In addition to the usual liability insurance, arborists also need workers’ compensation coverage in case a worker is injured while trimming a tree.
