How to Become an Arborist

An arborist or tree surgeon is a well-trained professional with extensive knowledge in applying various maintenance techniques to trees, vines, shrubs, and perennial plants. Suppose you are passionate about providing professional care to the trees on your property. In that case, Driscoll Tree Service is a trusted tree care company with a team of industry experts who can put you on the right path to becoming a certified arborist. An arborist plays a vital role in every community, helping property owners enjoy healthy and appealing trees and other plant life on their premises.

Arborists perform a wide range of services associated with tree care, such as planting, assessing the soil conditions, developing a landscaping plan, cleaning up debris, conducting turf management, and many more. If these activities are comfortable for you, you are ready to start your journey toward becoming a certified arborist. Here are steps to help you start a reputable tree service provider career.

Complete Your Education

Arborists are expected to have at least a GED or high school diploma. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t advance your knowledge by acquiring an advanced degree in horticulture or forestry gives you an in-depth understanding of critical procedures. Even if you lack formal education, there are training institutions that can help you build a strong foundation in your new career path. Most employers look for technicians who have attained at least a high school diploma, allowing most people to have an opportunity to pursue a career in arboriculture.

Earn a State License

While not all states require an arborist to have a state-issued license, it is advisable to inquire from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to determine if you need one. If you plan to work in another state, conduct comprehensive research to ensure you meet all the requirements and avoid penalties and fines.

Get Field Training

On-the-job training is crucial if you are starting a career as an arborist, and shadowing professionals or applying for an internship in a tree care company is an excellent place to start. Spending time on various tree care projects with experienced tree service providers helps you familiarize yourself with standard industry tools while learning from the team leader how to perform various activities such as pruning, climbing, and stump removal, among others.

Learn Basic Arborist Safety