Are you looking for a career that is both rewarding and challenging? If so, then becoming an arborist may be the perfect fit for you. An arborist is a professional who takes care of trees and other woody plants. This includes planting, cultivating, maintaining, and removing trees. It is a great opportunity for those who love to work independently in the open air, enjoy problem-solving, and don't mind physical exertion in different weather conditions.
On average, arborists earn less than foresters but more than nursery workers in California. However, many arborists start out as climbers and then move to other positions after five to ten years. Those with good communication skills can become team leaders or supervisors. To advance to managerial or landscape hiring positions, some formal education and significant work experience may be required.
Experienced workers may even become owners of landscaping companies. An arborist is responsible for the welfare of trees. They use and maintain a variety of equipment on a daily basis, including trucks, tractors, chippers, power saws, sprayers and other tools. They cut dead or renegade branches from trees and shrubs that pose a hazard to utility lines, roads, and sidewalks.
Arborists also serve as the point of contact for the sale of trees. Mark Chisholm is an example of an arborist who climbs hundreds of meters into the air with a chainsaw. He is the City Arborist and oversees all aspects of the City's tree programs, including maintenance, planting, inventory, risk management, emergency response, preservation, and community relations and education. Those who work on tools may move to an arborist representative position as their career progresses.
This is often a less physically demanding role. It is important for arborists to wear appropriate protective equipment such as helmets, goggles and earplugs when climbing trees. Climbing arborists are often rewarded with the most fulfilling job experiences. Arborists can work with job titles such as tree trimmer, tree climber, land worker or line cleaning foreman. They may also travel abroad as there is always a demand for good arborists all over the world.
Mark Chisholm has been sharing advice with his fellow arborists and spreading awareness about the value of trees and the need to care for them properly for 15 years.
