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Arboriculture
and Arborists |
  Arboriculture
is the care of trees and shrubs, and arborists are the professionals who
practice arboriculture. Arborists improve the quality of life by
properly selecting, planting, and caring for trees and shrubs.
When properly maintained,
plants add life and color to our cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
Trees improve our environment by filtering the air we breathe and the
water we drink. They provide shade and lower heating and cooling
costs. They reduce air pollution and increase property values.
Unfortunately, the life span
of a tree in the best urban setting in only about 60 years. The
same tree species in a rural forest may live several times that
long. Trees need help to survive in our harsh urban and suburban
conditions. Without regular care, they can quickly change from a
valuable resource to a costly burden.
The skills of the
professional arborist are more valuable than ever because of the
increased recognition of the environmental, economic, and social
benefits of trees. Many career opportunities are waiting for you
in the tree care industry. If you become an arborist, you can help
improve the quality of life in our urban environment.
 Do
you like to work outdoors? Do you like to work with your
hands? Do you want to help the environment? Do you relate
well to people? Would you enjoy solving the mysteries of tree
ailments? So you like work that is physically and mentally
challenging? If you can answer "Yes" to these questions,
then you should think about a career as an arborist. You could
plant and care for trees that people will enjoy for generations to
come. You could truly help protect the environment and improve
your community.
Arboriculture involves many
types of activities. Arborists select and transplant
trees...prune, repair, brace, and fertilize them...manage pests...and
ensure that the trees in their care grow well and remain structurally
safe. Arborists protect trees on construction sites and appraise
the value of damaged or destroyed trees. They even provide expert
opinion in legal cases. Arborists combine physical skills,
technical knowledge, and a sincere interest in trees to gain personal
satisfaction and earn a good living.
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Career
Tracts in Arboriculture |
As in other professions,
arboriculture has areas of specialization. The main areas are:
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Commercial
arboriculture involves individuals, partnerships,
and companies. Commercial arborists prune, cable,
fertilize, plant, and remove trees. They treat trees
for harmful insects and diseases. Commercial arborists
work for homeowners, power companies, and government
agencies. They help planners and developers to protect
trees on construction sites, and serve as expert witnesses
in court cases.
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Municipal
arboriculture or urban forestry addresses many of
the same tree-care issues as commercial
arboriculture. However, city arborists or urban
foresters work with trees and woody plants along streets, in
parks, and on the grounds of public buildings. They
help preserve trees during construction. They develop
and enforce tree ordinances and keep detailed records of
trees on public property. Sometimes, urban foresters
manage forest stands in watersheds or public parks.
They may also educate the public, review plans for landscape
projects, hold training programs for employees, and prepare
budgets.
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Utility
arboriculture deals with the maintenance of trees
close to power lines to prevent power outages. It also
involves managing trees in railroad rights-of-way to prevent
interference with travel. Utility arborists plan
tree maintenance, award contracts, and inspect the work
performed. They continually test new line clearance
and vegetation control methods and review wildlife
management programs. Utility arborists teach customers
about the need for proper tree maintenance near utility
lines. They also advise customers on tree species that
are suitable for planting near power lines.
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Preparing
for a Career in Arboriculture |
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Arborists provide proper tree
protection advice on construction projects.
Safely removing large, dead, or
dangerous trees requires special skills and equipment.
Municipal arborists check park
and street trees and recommend treatments that will improve tree
health.
Arborists prune and remove
trees for utility companies to maintain line clearance and avoid
power interruptions.
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Employers commonly provide
on-the-job training for entry-level positions in arboriculture.
You learn tree care and the tools of the trade, which prepares you for
advancement, while you earn a living.
Home study and job-skills
training programs are also available. Specialized training is also
available at technical and vocational schools and community
colleges. Many four-year colleges and universities have programs
in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, plant science, pest
management, and natural resources.
 You
can continue your education through industry and agency-sponsored
courses, federal and state-funded training, and technical schools.
The National Arborist Association (NAA) has home study courses, safety
programs, and audio/visual programs. They describe in detain the
proper methods used in the industry. The International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA) has many educational materials. Their Arborist
Certification Study Guide helps individuals prepare for a voluntary
arborist certification exam. The Arborist
Certification program recognizes
arborists who have improved their knowledge through training and
experience. ISA chapters as well as regional and state
arborist associations conduct many workshops and seminars that provide
excellent training. More information about the programs and
publications of these organizations is available on request.
The arboriculture profession
is alive with employment opportunities! Where you start will
depend upon your education and experience, but the same opportunity for
advancement is present for everyone. Entry-level positions
provide on-the-job training. This prepares you for advancement
into positions like tree climber and crew leader.
Promotion into sales or management level positions are ready and
waiting.
With a career in
arboriculture, your advancement opportunities and potential financial
rewards are wide open! Plus, you will be helping to improve the
environment.
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Commercial tree service
companies
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Public utility companies
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City, county, and other
government agencies
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Landscape maintenance
firms, nurseries, and garden centers
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Arboriculture equipment
and chemical manufacturers
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Cooperative Extension
Service, universities, and community colleges
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Industrial complexes,
private estates, theme parks, and resorts
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Arboreta, botanical
gardens, and tree research centers
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Landscape architectural
planning and development firms
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Professional
associations and publishers of trade magazines
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Professional
Organizations |
Donald
L. Ham, Extension Forester and
Professor
Department
of Forest Resources
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