What does an Arborist do?

By performing their job duties, Arborists improve the appearance and functionality of outdoor spaces. When they match trees to clients’ needs and environmental conditions, they help to ensure sites receive adequate shade and new trees can grow with a limited number of interventions. Because they consider things like soil quality and temperature when choosing trees, they reduce the risk of growth failure and save customers money.

An Arborist’s trimming, pruning and tree removal services can contribute to public safety by eliminating dead growth that could fall unexpectedly and preventing limbs from interfering with structures and power lines. This tree professional can also help limit the spread of pests and diseases by quickly treating ailing trees with the correct products.

Arborist skills and qualifications

Successful Arborists often possess certain skills and qualifications that allow them to perform their duties proficiently. The following are some desirable characteristics to include in an Arborist job description:

• Extensive knowledge of tree biology and soil science

• Ability to identify tree and plant species

• Ability to climb up and down trees using safety harnesses and climbing equipment

• Experience using aerial hydraulic lifts, rigging and and chainsaws

• Understanding of safety protocols for climbing trees and applying fertilizers and pesticides

• Ability to utilize tools used for planting, trimming, applying chemicals and removing limbs, trees and stumps

• Observation skills to spot signs of poor growth, pests, diseases and other issues

• Problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat problems

• Communication skills to discuss client needs and to share tips on how to care for trees with them

• Attentiveness to detail to properly prepare chemical solutions, keep accurate records and more

Arborist experience requirements

The desired level of experience that you should specify in an Arborist job description depends upon working conditions. If you have a team of Arborists who work side by side, you may wish to consider candidates with limited experience, such as recent college graduates or individuals who have one or two years of working in landscaping or a related field. If you employ only one Arborist, require your new hire to work independently or need to fill a senior or supervisory role, you may prefer candidates with three or more years of full-time work experience as Arborists.

Arborist education and training requirements

Post-secondary education in arboriculture, biology or related topics, like horticulture, forestry, or plant/soil science, is generally necessary to work as an Arborist. College programs may award certificates, associate degrees or bachelor’s degrees. Some states require Arborists to become licensed prior to working in the field. If yours is one of them, you may want to add holding a valid license as a requirement in an Arborist job description. Licensing requirements vary but typically include completing an educational program and passing an exam.

For senior positions and Arborist jobs that involve working independently, you may want to prioritize candidates who hold industry certification. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) grants the most well-known Arborist certification, the ISA Certified Arborist credential. To receive ISA certification, Arborists must meet work history and education requirements and successfully complete an examination. In addition to its basic certification, the ISA awards the Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) designation to Arborists who meet advanced education and experience requirements.

Arborist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Arborist is $76,149 per year. Salaries vary based on geographic location, work experience, education level and certification status.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Arborist job description doesn’t fully reflect your business needs, explore these related jobs:

• Landscaper

• Environmental Scientist

• Forestry Technician

Arborist job description FAQs

What’s the difference between an Arborist and a Tree Trimmer?

A Tree Trimmer is a laborer who specializes in trimming and pruning trees. Unlike Arborists, they usually don’t have post-secondary education in tree biology and soil science, and they usually don’t provide additional services such as selecting and planting trees or caring for trees with pest infestations and diseases.

What’s the difference between an Arborist and a Forestry Technician?

Arborists work primarily in suburban and urban settings, planting and caring for individual trees. Forestry Technicians are responsible for managing whole forests. They monitor tree health, conduct soil quality tests, treat pest and disease outbreaks, and perform other tasks to help woodland areas remain in good condition.

What’s the difference between an Arborist and a Tree Climber?

A Tree Climber job description may list some of the same duties and responsibilities as one written for an Arborist position, but the jobs aren’t completely the same. Tree Climbers use specialized gear to climb trees for the purpose of pruning, tree removal, rescuing wildlife and providing other services. Because they usually lack the formal education of Arborists, Tree Climbers normally don’t advise people on what trees to plant or diagnose and treat pests and diseases.