Are you passionate about trees and enjoy taking care of them? Do you have a knack for working at heights? If so, a career as an arborist might be perfect for you. Arborists are professionals who specialize in planting and maintaining trees, as well as treating or removing injured, diseased, and unsafe trees.

Arborist Job Description

Arborists have specific duties depending on their area of expertise and employer. Some of their common tasks include pruning trees to enhance their health and structure, assessing trees for potential risks, securing split or broken branches with cables and braces, clearing branches near power lines, installing lightning protection on trees, diagnosing and treating tree problems, planting and fertilizing trees, offering advice on tree care, protecting trees during construction, removing trees from tight spaces, appraising trees' monetary value, planning and budgeting for tree work, providing information to the public, supervising tree crews or contractors, and inspecting work to ensure quality standards. In addition, they might also offer consulting services such as tree inventory, appraisal, or determining whether human negligence contributed to tree damage.

Arborist Duties and Responsibilities

Arborists can be climbing or ground-based consultants. Ground-based arborists undertake similar duties but do not engage in climbing. They may evaluate tree risks, appraise trees' value, conduct tree inventories, assess the health of urban forests, assist in planning tree protection measures for urban forests, and write reports.

Arborist Skills and Qualifications

To be a successful arborist, you should possess steady nerves, a deep interest in arboriculture, physical strength, stamina, agility, coordination, manual dexterity, mechanical aptitude, and effective communication skills. Enjoyment in operating equipment, analyzing information, and directing the work of others is also beneficial. Fear of heights is a trait that may hinder one's ability to thrive in this profession.

Arborist Jobs and Opportunities

If you're considering a career as an arborist, keep in mind that some relevant National Occupational Classification codes include 2006 NOC: Arborists and Tree Service Technicians (2225.1), 2006 NOC-S: Landscape and Horticultural Technicians and Specialists (C125), 2011 NOC: Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists (2225), 2016 NOC: Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists (2225), and 2021 NOC: Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists (22114).

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