An arborist is a trained professional who cares for trees, shrubs and other woody plants. Their services improve tree appearance and health, reduce diseases and pests, and improve public safety by safely removing at-risk branches and trees. These activities improve quality of life for the community by creating safe, green spaces.

What Does an Arborist Do?

Arborists ensure the health and longevity of trees. They use several techniques to maintain and care for trees, shrubs and woody plants of all sizes and ages. This includes pruning, plant health care (PHC) and removal.

Pruning 

Pruning improves tree health and reduces hazards. It requires the use of specialized climbing techniques and equipment, including chainsaws, handsaws and aerial lifts to gain access to taller trees. Brush is often reduced by using chippers.

PHC

PHC treatments enhance the health and stability of trees. More specifically, cabling and bracing for support, nutrition and fertilization applications, and monitoring for pests. These treatments are also applied to younger and smaller trees and shrubs to ensure future stability and growth.

Tree Removal

Removal is a last resort when a tree becomes a safety issue for people and infrastructure. Tree removals may be simple enough to require the use of just a chainsaw. Additionally, it can require the use of specialized rigging techniques with ropes, pulleys and engineering concepts. Also, equipment such as grapple trucks and cranes, to eliminate damage to nearby structures and dangers to people. Chippers are then used after removals.

Simply put, arborists love trees and want to make sure they’re healthy and happy (kind of like a doctor for trees!). The work is physically demanding, but has so many benefits. Benefits such as, working outdoors, giving back to the community and not to mention the ability to climb in your career!

Arborist man wearing hard hat and neon green shirt, wearing harness and ropes

What Is Arboriculture?

Arborists practice… you guessed it… arboriculture. This is the care and maintenance of trees of all sizes.

The tasks involved in arboriculture are many and varied. Tasks include tree climbing, pruning, removal, tree planting, application of pest controls and nutrition. As well as tree appraisal for property value. From the lone backyard to tree, to trees lining streets and small woodlots. All and all, any tree that is maintained for longevity and not lumber quality is affected by arboriculture.

Where Does an Arborist Work?

On Every Street, USA and in Every Yard, USA.

No, really, where does an arborist work? Anywhere there are trees that affect people is where you could find an arborist who would care for them. Arborists can find good-paying opportunities to work on trees in yards, along streets, in city parks, on school grounds, in business complexes and more.

Arborists often work for:

  • commercial tree care companies
  • municipal
  • government agencies (think parks & rec departments)
  • utility companies
  • landscape companies
  • botanical gardens
  • colleges
  • universities