Climbing high into the branches, working among the leaves, and shaping the natural beauty of trees — becoming a tree surgeon is a career like no other. The first step requires people to develop a genuine connection to nature along with an enthusiastic interest in outdoor environments. Tree surgeons consist of professionals who maintain tree health and safety beyond their ability to use saws and ropes. People who want to become tree surgeons usually start their learning by observing how trees develop and get sick in parks and gardens and forests. The initial fascination with trees often transforms into a professional path which combines scientific knowledge with safety practices and manual competence. Whether it’s trimming dead branches or helping a tree recover from disease, every day is different. For those who enjoy hands-on work, fresh air, and making a real difference in the environment, the path to becoming a tree surgeon can be as rewarding as it is exciting.(Source: BBC Bitesize)
A tree surgeon is a horticulturist maintenance engineer that specializes in tree care services and cultivation. They have strong tree climbing skills and knowledge of power tools to perform tree care services. Tree surgeons use their knowledge and skills to assess the health of trees and conduct tree care services to restore health or maintain it.
Tree surgeons look after trees and try to help them to live longer. We lift, fell (cut trees down and take them away) and plant trees. We might work at people's houses, for the council, or on private contracts for other companies.(Source: CPD Online)
Tree surgery is a highly skilled occupation, and tree surgeons have many different responsibilities, which may include (this list is not exhaustive):
A tree surgeon can expect to work between 41 and 43 hours a week. However, the number of hours is seasonal and weather dependent. It is not a 9-5 job and can include unsociable hours, such as evenings, weekends and bank holidays. However, the majority of work will usually be Monday-Friday.
Some tree work may need to be carried out at short notice, e.g. in an emergency, such as a tree falling into the highway. Therefore, there may be a requirement for tree surgeons to be on call.
No two days are the same for tree surgeons, and there is an element of travel involved to get to different jobs. They should expect to travel to various locations by road and may also have to walk to places that are more difficult to access. They may also need to work away from home on occasion.
There are many different techniques involved in tree surgery. Therefore, there are plenty of opportunities for tree surgeons to specialise in various aspects of tree surgery, for example (this list is not exhaustive):
Removing some of the lower branches to increase the distance from the lowest branch to the ground, e.g. preventing them from being an obstruction or a hazard.
Shortening the branches of certain tree species to reduce the height or spread of the crown.
The careful selection and cutting of branches to enable the crown to get more air and light without affecting the shape.
Removing dead branches to improve tree health and prevent them from becoming a risk to people and property below.
Cutting down a tree from the ground.
Cutting down a tree in sections, which is usually carried out if the whole tree cannot be felled, e.g. because of obstructions and hazards.
Removal of branches within a crown (not lifting, reducing or thinning), e.g. removing a branch over a neighbouring property.
Once a tree has been completely felled, the remaining stump and roots may need to be removed.
Removing trees that have fallen naturally, e.g. due to disease, old age and high winds.
Removing the majority of limbs and branches from younger trees.
To keep hedges healthy, they need to be trimmed and sometimes reduced in height.
Cutting back the roots to encourage new root growth.
Here are five steps to become a tree surgeon:
Educational requirements for a tree surgeon position can vary depending on the company and location of the job role. The minimum educational requirement for this role is a high school diploma or equivalent, though most tree surgeons have at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, forestry, arboriculture or a field of study relevant to the job. Education courses in a bachelor's degree program may include forest protection, introduction to soil science, tree anatomy and biotic disorders.(Source: Indeed)
Tree surgeons must demonstrate sufficient background knowledge in tree care operations and forestry along with machine handling and horticultural skills to secure employment in this field. The path to becoming a certified tree care professional begins with earning a college degree followed by obtaining technical experience through internships or apprenticeships. Tree surgeon candidates can obtain practical job experience through apprenticeships that also include educational courses to help them build necessary skills and qualifications. You can gain additional experience through volunteer opportunities in environment conservation or horticulture organizations.
The Tree Care Industry Association provides a certified tree care safety professional program to prepare tree surgeons for all aspects of safety on the job. At least three years of experience in tree care and a safety job role, such as a first responder or trainer, is an eligibility requirement for candidates applying to the program without a degree. Candidates with a two or four-year degree must have experience in the field through an internship or apprenticeship. (Source: CAD Society)
The ISA offers multiple certifications and credentials for tree care professionals to provide candidates with relevant knowledge to properly conduct tree care services. You may obtain a credential as a certified arborist or certified tree worker climber specialist to help gain the expertise to be a successful tree surgeon. Gaining these credentials requires a candidate to pass arborist or tree worker specialist examinations to demonstrate and apply your knowledge of the field.
Candidates for tree surgeon positions should consider obtaining CPR and first aid certification along with tree risk assessment and machinery equipment operation training. Tree surgeon candidates who obtain additional certifications will gain competitive advantages through the knowledge each certification and qualification program provides although these qualifications remain optional. Tree care certification programs require tree surgeons to complete recertification exams while promoting continuing education for their credentials maintenance. (Source: eLearn College)
In conclusion, becoming a tree surgeon demands dedication alongside proper training and a love for tree-related work. Following this guideline will enable future arborists to start their professional journey in arboriculture. This profession demands suitable qualifications together with practical experience and dedication to safety and ongoing education for success as an essential member of the tree care community.