Tree Surgeons carry out tree work, including planting, cutting down trees and shrubs, maintenance, and hazard assessments, sometimes using heavy equipment.
Ground Workers ensure a site is safe by keeping people and vehicles away, assisting Tree Surgeons by passing tools, refuelling and chainsaw maintenance, and clearing dead branches and debris.
Tree surgery is often performed to improve a tree’s health, appearance, or safety. A Tree Surgeon will know trees as living organisms and understand when, how, and why specialist care is needed.
Tree surgeons work in towns and the countryside, assessing tree health, removing branches, planting new stock and felling unsafe trees.
Embarking on a career as an arboriculturist (tree surgeon) means stepping into a world filled with adventure, challenges, and the opportunity to work outdoors surrounded by nature.
From climbing tall trees to pruning branches and diagnosing tree health, a tree surgeon’s day is never dull.
This hands-on profession requires a strong work ethic, physical stamina, and a love for the outdoors.
With the potential to work for tree care companies and local councils or even start your own business, a career as a tree surgeon is a rewarding and fulfilling path for those passionate about preserving and caring for trees.
There are various job opportunities and career paths to explore in forestry and arboriculture.
As a tree surgeon, you could work for local councils and private companies or even start your own business. Roles within this field can range from climbing specialist to groundskeeper, with opportunities for advancement into management positions.
The work can be physically demanding but incredibly rewarding for those passionate about the outdoors and environmental conservation. In addition to job stability, tree surgery offers the chance to develop technical skills and expertise in arboriculture, paving the way for a fulfilling career in a growing industry.
To become a tree surgeon, you must have the relevant entry requirements, qualifications and certifications to ensure your proficiency and safety in your work.
This typically includes obtaining a Level 3 diploma in arboriculture, basic tree survey or forestry and relevant chainsaw and climbing certifications.
Additionally, having practical experience and a good understanding of tree biology and care is essential for a successful career in this field.
Further qualifications and training may be required depending on your specific role and responsibilities as a tree surgeon, so it’s important to continuously enhance your skills and knowledge to excel in the arboriculture industry.
A range of tree surgeon courses and apprenticeships are available in the UK in colleges to help you gain the skills and knowledge required to become a qualified tree surgeon.
These courses cover various topics, starting with a City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture Skills. They include tree biology, tree health and maintenance, tree climbing and aerial rescue techniques, and tree pruning and felling. Additionally, the courses address relevant health and safety regulations.
There are also many independent training providers available if this is a career you are interested in and can afford to pay for the necessary training. Some of these providers include Arbsystem and Groundup training
This specialised training programme provides a unique opportunity to learn the skills and techniques needed to care for and maintain trees in urban and rural environments. The apprenticeship combines classroom learning with practical experience, allowing you to develop a deep understanding of arboriculture and forestry.
By becoming a tree surgeon apprentice, you can kickstart a rewarding career in an industry that plays a crucial role in maintaining our natural environment.
Volunteering with local conservation organisations or tree care charities is one way to start.
This will allow you to work alongside experienced professionals, learn about tree maintenance techniques, and gain practical hands-on experience and further training.
Consider enrolling in tree surgery courses or apprenticeships to develop the necessary skills and knowledge. Remember, practice makes perfect, so make the most of every opportunity to work with trees and continue to expand your expertise.
One crucial skill is good physical fitness, as tree surgery often involves climbing trees, using heavy equipment, and working outdoors with ladders and harnesses in various weather conditions.
Attention to detail is also essential in this field, as precision is required when pruning, shaping, or removing trees to ensure the safety of both the tree surgeon and the surrounding environment.
Additionally, being able to think critically and problem-solve is crucial when assessing the health of trees, identifying potential hazards, and determining the best course of action.
Effective communication skills are important for liaising with clients and colleagues and providing guidance on tree care and maintenance. Physical prowess, attention to detail, critical thinking, and communication skills are key to excelling as a tree surgeon.
You might be pleased to know that the salary range for professionals in this field can be quite lucrative.
As with many professions, the salary for Tree Surgeons can vary depending on location, level of experience, and the size of the company they work for.
However, on average, Tree Surgeons in the UK earn between £18,000 and £35,000 per year.
For those with more experience and expertise, salaries can exceed £40,000 per year.
If you have a passion for working outdoors and love trees, a career as a Tree Surgeon could be financially rewarding.
£18,000 - £32,000
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