Trees are an important part of urban and natural landscapes, providing shade, cleaning the air, and supporting ecosystems. The health and safety of these trees are managed by specialized professionals known as arborists. Often called “tree surgeons,” these individuals blend scientific knowledge with physical skill for the art and science of tree care. The field involves a deep understanding of biology to maintain the vitality of trees and preserve their value in our communities.
What Is an Arborist?
An arborist is a professional specializing in arboriculture—the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, and other woody plants. Their work is grounded in tree biology, focused on promoting the health, longevity, and safety of trees. This expertise allows them to provide comprehensive care that considers a tree’s entire life cycle, from planting to removal.
The role is distinct from that of a landscaper or logger. While a landscaper’s work involves broader garden design, an arborist’s focus is exclusively on trees. Unlike a logger, whose goal is harvesting timber, an arborist’s main objective is preservation and health management.
Common Arborist Responsibilities
Pruning and Trimming
A primary part of an arborist’s job involves pruning to improve a tree’s structure and health. By selectively removing branches, an arborist can increase light penetration and air circulation through the canopy, reducing disease risk. Pruning also involves removing dead, damaged, or weakly attached branches to prevent them from becoming a hazard. This work often requires clearing limbs away from utility lines or structures to ensure public safety.
Tree Removal
While arborists are focused on preservation, tree removal is sometimes the necessary course of action. This step is considered a last resort when a tree is dead, dying, in an advanced state of decay, or poses an unavoidable risk. Removing a large tree, especially in a confined urban space, is a complex task that requires meticulous planning, precision cutting, and specialized rigging equipment to safely lower large sections of wood.
Tree Health Management
Arborists act as tree doctors, diagnosing and treating a wide array of health issues. This includes identifying and managing pest infestations and treating diseases caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens. Their work extends below the ground to soil analysis to determine if a tree is suffering from nutrient deficiencies that may require fertilization. They develop and implement plant health care plans to address these issues and proactively monitor trees.
Planting and Establishment
The work of an arborist also includes the beginning of a tree’s life. They are involved in selecting the appropriate tree species for a specific location, considering factors like soil type, climate, and available space. Proper planting techniques are fundamental to ensuring a tree’s long-term survival and health, which involves providing the necessary care to help it establish a strong root system.
Emergency Services and Risk Assessment
Arborists are often first responders for trees after a storm, dealing with broken limbs and uprooted trees that pose immediate dangers. They are trained to work safely and efficiently to mitigate these hazards. Beyond emergency response, a key responsibility is conducting proactive risk assessments by inspecting a tree’s structure to identify potential weaknesses that could lead to failure.
Essential Skills and Tools
An arborist must have a firm understanding of tree biology, soil science, and physics to make informed decisions about tree care. The job is physically demanding, requiring strength, stamina, and comfort working at considerable heights in various weather conditions.
Arborists rely on specialized equipment to perform their duties. This includes chainsaws for pruning and removal, and complex rigging systems of ropes and pulleys for safely lowering limbs. For climbing, they use harnesses and ropes, while ground tools include wood chippers and stump grinders.
How to Become an Arborist
There are several pathways into arboriculture, including formal education or on-the-job training. Some pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fields like forestry or horticulture, which provides a strong scientific foundation. Many others enter the field through apprenticeships, developing skills by working with experienced professionals.
Professional certification is a widely recognized standard. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential is the most common, requiring at least three years of full-time experience and passing a comprehensive exam. This certification demonstrates a verified level of knowledge and often leads to better employment opportunities.
Arborist Salary and Job Outlook
Compensation for arborists varies based on location, experience, and certifications. In the United States, the median annual salary was around $48,584 in late 2021. Entry-level positions start lower, while experienced, certified arborists who own their own business can earn significantly more.
The job outlook for skilled arborists is positive. Growing environmental awareness and urban development create a steady demand for professionals to manage city trees. The need to manage aging tree populations and respond to damage from severe weather also ensures their expertise remains in demand.