Arborist

Working Schedule

• Most Arborists work full-time, with some part-time opportunities. Schedules may shift seasonally, with additional hours needed in spring and summer. Arborists often travel locally within a specific area to provide services.  

Typical Duties

• Review tasks and prepare equipment and vehicles for tree care operations.  
• Discuss job specifics, costs, and scheduling with clients. 
• Inspect sites for hazards. Set up signs to warn pedestrians, vehicles, etc.  
• Diagnose tree health issues, including diseases, pests, and damage.  
• Use climbing gear or bucket trucks to access high branches safely.  
• Hoist tools up to climbers.
• Use saws, shears, and pole pruners to trim branches and shape trees.  
• Trim or prune branches near structures or power lines to reduce safety risks.  
• Prune broken or diseased tree limbs.  
• Secure cut branches with ropes to safely lower down.  
• Apply protective treatments to exposed areas on trees.  
• Process branches and debris through shredders or chippers.  
• Clear worksites of debris using trucks for transport and disposal.  
• Apply soil amendments, water, and nutrients to promote tree health. 
• Perform root injections to strengthen trees and enrich soil.  
• Mix and apply pesticides to control pests and prevent damage.  

Additional Responsibilities

• Use cables, braces, and stakes to stabilize trees.  
• Transplant small trees and shrubs carefully to protect roots. 
• Grind or remove stumps, as needed for landscaping purposes.
• Remove decayed wood from tree cavities and seal openings.  
• Operate and maintain equipment like boom trucks, stump grinders, and chippers.  
• Inspect, clean, and maintain tools, performing minor repairs as needed.  
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow safety guidelines.
• Train new hires on safety protocols and arboricultural techniques.  
• Keep work areas safe by monitoring for potential hazards.

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail  
• Clear communications  
• Decision-making  
• Focus
• Goal orientation 
• Hand-eye coordination  
• Initiative
• Methodical  
• Observant
• Organized  
• Patient
• Safety-focused  
• Sound judgment
• Time management

Technical Skills

• Ability to lift and carry up to 70 lbs  
• Physical endurance and stamina  
• Operation and maintenance of arboricultural vehicles (such as boom trucks), equipment (such as loaders and chippers), and tools (such as chainsaws, pruners, and other tree-trimming tools)
• First aid and CPR 
• Soil properties and tree nutrients  
• Tree support systems (braces, cables, stakes) 
• Personal protective equipment (helmets, gloves, hearing protection, etc.)  

• Botanical gardens and arboretums  
• Government agencies (federal, state, local)  
• Landscaping and lawn care companies

Arborists are expected to maintain a high level of physical fitness and stamina since the work demands strength, endurance, and agility. The physical strain of climbing trees, handling heavy equipment, and working long hours outdoors can lead to sore muscles and potential repetitive strain injuries.

Arborist work can be dangerous due to risks of falling or slipping, cuts from sharp tools and chainsaws, and dropping tree branches and limbs. There’s also exposure to inclement weather, noise, pests, and chemicals.

Additionally, Arborists must stay adaptable because weather conditions and job plans can change in a hurry. For example, if the wind picks up and they’re working at an elevated height, they may have to come down and postpone the rest of the day’s work. Another challenge is the potential for unpredictable hours, such as during an emergency storm damage cleanup! 

The arboriculture field is experiencing significant advancements in technology and a shift toward environmental sustainability!

Many Arborists now use advanced software tools for tree mapping, allowing them to digitally monitor tree health and track growth patterns over time.

GPS and GIS systems are frequently employed to map and manage tree locations, enhancing the precision and efficiency of tree care.

Additionally, tree care companies are leveraging data analytics to predict pest infestations and proactively address potential issues, helping them resolve problems before they escalate.

Environmentally conscious practices are also becoming mainstream in arboriculture. Many Arborists are adopting biodegradable oils for chainsaws and exploring electric-powered equipment to reduce their carbon footprint.

There is also a growing shift towards organic pest control methods and soil health management techniques, which promote biodiversity and minimize the need for synthetic chemicals. These eco-friendly approaches reflect an industry-wide commitment to sustainable practices that benefit both tree health and the broader ecosystem.

Arborists are typically physically active people who like working outdoors with their hands. They’re comfortable with hand tools and powered equipment and might have taken shop classes in high school.

They may have grown up in rural areas, perhaps taking jobs helping out on farms. Strong verbal communication skills and teamwork are also essential, and these may have been developed from extracurricular activities like playing sports.