What is an Arborist? The Expertise of Trees Explained
So, what is an arborist? You may already know that arborists are tree care experts. But, what does an arborist do to keep your neighborhood trees looking their best? While you may have seen an arborist trimming a tree before, a lot more goes into the job! The certified arborists at Monster Tree Service are here to give you the inside scoop on what an arborist does. Plus, we share how to become an arborist and the benefits of joining a licensed and insured team of tree care experts.
What is an Arborist?
An arborist works in arboriculture — studying, cultivating, and managing trees, shrubs, and other plants. In addition to learning the art of tree trimming and pruning, arborists research the best methods for helping plants thrive in their environments.
What Does an Arborist Do?
Arborists are kind of like tree doctors. When something doesn’t look quite right with a tree, homeowners call in an arborist to assess its condition and recommend a plan of action. Given an arborist’s extensive study of tree health and the local region, they will be able to recommend the right services.
An arborist may provide any of the following services — all in a day’s work!
Plant health care services are like health checkups for trees. They include fertilization, insect & pest management, and soil testing.
Tree trimming and pruning are some of the main job duties of an arborist. The pruning process begins with a tree inspection. From there, an arborist will take the best action to remove any dead branches affecting the tree’s health.
Tree removal is a big job for arborists and is typically the last resort when a tree cannot be revived or poses a safety threat. An arborist will finish the job by removing the remnants of the tree and grinding the stump.
The job duties of an arborist take knowledge, skill, and stamina. An arborist needs to be well versed in the regional flora and climate. In addition, they need to know how to safely handle trees, which involves heavy lifting, working at great heights, and managing dangerous machinery. Tree pruning is no easy feat and needs to be done with expert care to ensure the safety of both the tree and the residents of the property. As you can imagine, becoming an arborist takes lots of training and dedication. But, the rewards of the job are well worth it!
How to Become an Arborist
How do you become an arborist, and what qualifications do you need? To start, you need to invest in your education or earn on-the-job experience. Most entry-level arborist jobs require a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, it’s beneficial for candidates to hold associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in arboriculture, horticulture, landscaping, forestry, or other related fields.
Many states require licensing to become an arborist, and licensing matters when it comes to professionalism in the field. At Monster Tree Service, many of our arborists are ISA licensed. Licensing ensures an arborist is certified to operate the latest tree care technologies and knows the best tree trimming and pruning techniques. To become a certified arborist, the ISA requires a minimum of three years of full-time experience in arboriculture or a combination of education and practical experience. In addition to licensing, arborists must become familiar with tree work safety standards and best practices.
Once you’ve gained experience in an arborist internship or entry-level position, you can apply for licensure and move up in your career — literally up into the trees! At Monster Tree Service, we provide our arborists with continuing education and career development training to advance their careers.
The Benefits of Becoming an Arborist
Arborists play a vital role in the health of trees and the environment, and the job can be gratifying. Here are some of the top benefits of becoming an arborist.
Arborists get to work outside in the fresh air.
Arborists get to serve their community and preserve nature.
Arborists often get health care and paid vacation time.
Arborists have the opportunity to advance and grow their careers.
Joining a Team of Trusted Arborists
When searching for arborist jobs, look for tree care companies that are licensed, insured, and committed to the safety and growth of their employees. At Monster Tree Service, our locally owned and operated locations are dedicated to helping our communities, caring for trees, and developing the careers of our arborists. Monster Tree Service employees have the chance to work with state-of-the-art equipment, gain continuing education, and work in a growth-focused environment. Learn more about becoming an arborist with Monster Tree Service today!