Rooted in Opportunity: Starting Your Career as an Arborist

If you love the outdoors, have a knack for adventure, and like the idea of working with your hands, becoming an arborist might just be the perfect fit. Arborists—often called tree surgeons—are the experts who care for trees and other woody plants. They’re the ones who climb high into the canopy, operate heavy equipment with precision, and keep our landscapes, parks, and neighborhoods healthy and safe. Whether you’re a recent grad looking for a hands-on career or someone switching gears from a desk job to something more active and meaningful, the world of arboriculture offers solid growth, great pay, and plenty of fresh air.

What Does an Arborist Do?

Arborists specialize in the cultivation, management, and study of trees, shrubs, and vines. Their work goes far beyond pruning branches. Depending on the role, arborists might:

• Diagnose and treat diseases or pests that affect trees

• Prune, trim, and shape trees for health and safety

• Remove hazardous or dead trees using ropes and rigging equipment

• Assess risk and stability of trees in urban or natural environments

• Operate heavy machinery like wood chippers, cranes, and bucket trucks

• Consult with landscapers, city planners, and homeowners about tree health and maintenance

There’s also a strong environmental angle. Many arborists are passionate about conservation and urban greening—helping cities manage and expand their tree canopies to improve air quality, control heat, and create more livable spaces.

Types of Jobs in Arboriculture

Like most trades, “arborist” is a broad term that covers a range of specializations. Here are a few common career paths within the field:

1. Climbing Arborist (Tree Climber)These pros handle the physically demanding work of pruning and removing trees by climbing with ropes and harnesses. It’s part adrenaline rush, part artistry.

2. Grounds Crew / Tree WorkerOften the entry-level role in the industry, grounds crew members support climbers, clean up debris, and learn the ropes—literally and figuratively.

3. Plant Health Care TechnicianThese arborists focus on diagnosing and treating pests, diseases, and nutrient issues. If you’re into plant science, this is a great fit.

4. Utility ArboristUtility arborists maintain trees near power lines and public infrastructure. It’s specialized, safety-heavy work that pays well.

5. Consulting ArboristExperienced arborists sometimes move into consulting, working with municipalities, developers, and homeowners on tree risk assessments, preservation plans, or legal cases.

6. Urban ForesterThese professionals plan and manage large-scale tree programs for cities, universities, or parks departments. It’s more of a strategic and planning role.

Why Choose a Career as an Arborist?

Let’s be honest—this isn’t your typical 9-to-5. Arborists get to combine physical work, environmental stewardship, and technical know-how in a way few jobs can match. Here’s why people love it:

• It’s an outdoor career: You spend your days working outside instead of behind a computer.

• High job demand: With increasing urbanization, tree care and maintenance are essential. Municipalities, private companies, and homeowners all need arborists.

• Strong earning potential: Entry-level arborists can expect solid starting pay, and certified arborists or specialized climbers can earn significantly more.

• Room to grow: The field offers clear pathways for advancement—from grounds worker to crew leader, manager, or consultant.

• Sustainability and purpose: Arborists directly contribute to healthier communities and ecosystems.

Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in seeing your work instantly make a difference. Pruning a massive oak or saving a diseased maple is tangible, visible progress—a pretty great feeling at the end of the day.

How to Train for a Career as an Arborist

You don’t necessarily need a college degree to become an arborist, but you do need training, experience, and certification. The path often looks like this:

1. Get hands-on experience early.

   • Start as a grounds crew member for a local tree service.

   • Volunteer with a city parks department or environmental nonprofit.

2. Attend a trade school or community college program.

   • Many offer certificates or associate degrees in arboriculture, forestry, or horticulture.

   • Look for programs that cover climbing techniques, chainsaw safety, and plant biology.

3. Get certified.

   • The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offers globally recognized certifications, including:

     • Certified Arborist

     • Tree Worker Climber Specialist

     • Utility Specialist

     • Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA)

   • Certification demonstrates your knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to safety.

4. Continue learning.

   • Attend workshops, conferences, and continuing education classes to stay up to date with new climbing gear, pruning standards, and safety regulations.

5. Stay safe.

   • This trade can be risky without proper training. Always prioritize safety certifications like first aid, CPR, and electrical hazard awareness.

     
     

Skills and Qualities That Make a Great Arborist

Not everyone is cut out for climbing 80-foot trees in the rain, but for those who are, the job can be incredibly rewarding. Here’s what makes a good fit:

• Physical fitness: Climbing, lifting, and working in all weather conditions is part of the job.

• Love of nature: You should genuinely enjoy being outdoors and working with plants.

• Problem-solving skills: Every tree and site presents a new challenge.

• Attention to detail: Tree health assessments and rigging setups require precision.

• Comfort with heights: You’ll often work high off the ground, sometimes with a chainsaw.

• Teamwork: Most arborists work as part of a tight-knit crew where communication and trust are everything.

If you like to move, think, and make things happen instead of sitting still all day, this trade checks all the boxes.

The Tools of the Trade

Arborists use an impressive mix of tools—some high-tech, some old-school. Here’s a peek at what’s in their toolbox:

• Climbing Gear: Harnesses, ropes, carabiners, and spikes for ascending and securing.

• Cutting Tools: Chainsaws, hand saws, pole pruners, and loppers.

• Rigging Equipment: Blocks, pulleys, and slings for safely lowering heavy limbs.

• Safety Gear: Helmets, ear protection, gloves, eye shields, and steel-toe boots.

• Machinery: Chippers, stump grinders, cranes, and aerial lifts.

Mastering these tools isn’t just about skill—it’s about safety, efficiency, and craftsmanship.

Education Options and Career Resources

Getting started as an arborist is easier than many think. There are plenty of training programs and resources to help you build a strong foundation:

• Community Colleges: Many offer arboriculture or forestry degrees with fieldwork components.

• Trade Schools: Focused, hands-on training that gets you job-ready quickly.

• Apprenticeships: Paid on-the-job training through local tree care companies or unions.

• Industry Associations:

  • International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

  • Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)

  • Utility Arborist Association (UAA)

These organizations often host job boards, training events, and certification programs that can help launch or advance your career.

A Day in the Life of an Arborist

One of the coolest things about this trade is that no two days are the same. One morning you might be trimming ornamental trees at a botanical garden; the next, you’re removing storm-damaged branches from a residential neighborhood.

Expect early starts, a mix of physical work and problem-solving, and a deep sense of camaraderie with your crew. It’s hard work, but it’s also work that keeps you grounded—literally and figuratively.

Growing a Career that Grows with You

Choosing a trade means choosing a skill that can’t be automated or outsourced. Trees will always need care, and communities will always need trained professionals to keep them thriving. As an arborist, you’ll have the chance to specialize, start your own business, or even transition into urban forestry or consulting as your experience grows.

It’s a career that evolves with you, offering stability, adventure, and purpose—all rolled into one.

Cultivating a Future in Arboriculture

Starting a career as an arborist isn’t just about climbing trees—it’s about planting roots in a field with real growth potential. Whether you’re just stepping out of school or stepping away from another career, arboriculture offers a future that’s active, rewarding, and environmentally meaningful.

If you’ve ever wanted a job that gets you outside, challenges your body and mind, and makes a visible impact on the world around you, this might be the trade that finally branches out your future.