Arborist Education & Training
An arborist is responsible for taking care of trees, thus improving their health, appearance and value, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Arborists--also called tree trimmers and pruners--use equipment such as handsaws, shears and power pruners along with truck-mounted lifts. Training programs teach students the technical skills they need to enter this field.
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The Facts
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Arborists install and maintain trees, according to SchoolsInTheUSA.com. Their duties include pruning trees, diagnosing and treating pest invasions and fertilizing trees. Arborists also plan tree-care budgets, communicate to the public about tree health and calculate tree values for municipalities or companies. They often work with professionals such as urban planners, landscape architects and municipal administrators. Training programs teach students the skills they need to perform these types of duties.
Training Options
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Although higher education is not a requirement to become an arborist, postsecondary training is helpful, according to SchoolsInTheUSA.com. Training programs such as ACRT Urban Forestry Training in Ohio provide entry-level and advanced vocational training to give students both the technical skills and scientific background they need for professional tree care. ArborMaster Training Inc. in Connecticut also offers open enrollment courses. In addition, students who get their bachelor's degrees in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry or landscaping can become arborists, according to DiplomaGuide.com.
Some areas of the United States require that arborists pass a certification exam before working in the field, while others require that arborists are specially certified to work on trees near power lines. For example, ACRT Urban Forestry Training offers line clearance arborist certification training for Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance. Training also is available in electrical hazard training and electrical substation safety. Other popular certifications include the International Society of Arboriculture certification and the Certified TreeCare Safety Professional.
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Courses
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Classes in arborist training programs cover horticulture, arboriculture, plant science and landscaping. Vocational training programs also cover topics such as pole climbing, pruning, basic and advanced roping/rigging, tree identification, chainsaw safety and operations, ergonomics and tree removal. Other topics might include pole-top rescue, cabling and bracing and even traffic control and railroad safety.
Job Prospects
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Arborists can work for the government, landscaping firms, lawn and tree care companies, arboretums and botanical gardens. These professionals also can work for parks departments and tree nurseries. In addition, they can conduct research for lumber companies or environmental protection associations. With more training, arborists can open up their own arborist companies or supervise other arborists. They also can open up tree nurseries or gardening shops or even publish books.
Outlook
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Employment of grounds maintenance workers--which include arborists--is expected to rise by 18 percent from 2008 to 2018. Growth can be linked with society's increased focus on the importance of green spaces in urban areas, the expansion of utilities companies and infestations by pests such as the Asian Longhorned Beetle. The median annual salary of arborists is $44,072 as of 2010.
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References
- Photo Credit palm trees image by Sergey Shabanov from Fotolia.com
