How To Become An Arborist: Job Outlook And Specializations

If you love nature and enjoy working outdoors, you may consider an arboriculture career path. Arborists, also known as tree surgeons, plant and prune trees to ensure the safety of the trees and the surrounding environment.

Arboriculture offers several subfields, including tree climbing, pruning and risk assessment. If you want to convert your passion for the environment into a fulfilling career, this article covers the steps to becoming a certified arborist, including the necessary education and credentials necessary for positions in the field.

What Is an Arborist?

Arboriculture is a subfield of horticulture related to the study, cultivation, health and maintenance of ornamental shrubs and trees in rural and urban areas.

Arborists, informally called “tree surgeons,” ensure the well-being and aesthetic quality of trees in residential and commercial settings. These professionals also make decisions about trees and how they impact human safety, including trimming or uprooting trees to protect power lines and sidewalks.

Arborists’ day-to-day duties include:

• Diagnosing tree conditions
• Pruning trees to improve tree structure and ensure longevity
• Analyzing and improving soil health
• Combatting tree diseases and pest infestations
• Predicting and monitoring trees’ progress over time
• Making landscaping recommendations

Arborists generally work outdoors to survey the trees and surrounding land. They also work in offices, where they conduct research and visualize landscaping projects.

How To Become an Arborist

Earn a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree

Earning a bachelor’s degree in arboriculture, horticulture or plant science is the first step to becoming an arborist. Most schools offer arboriculture as a minor or a concentration within a broader field.

Gain Experience

In the arboriculture field, technique matters just as much as theory. Through internships and entry-level jobs, you can learn basic tree care techniques and safety procedures. Arboriculture internships cover an array of tasks and instruction on tree climbing, pruning and planting.

Some schools list internship opportunities for prospective arborists on their websites’ career section. Depending on your program requirements, you can complete an arboriculture internship while in college or immediately after.

Obtain licensure

Several states, including Maine, Louisiana and Rhode Island, require licensure for arborists to provide tree care services. The licensing process typically involves passing a licensure exam, providing proof of liability insurance and paying a license fee to the state’s department of agriculture or natural resources.

Depending on the state, prospective arborists can apply for a standard arborist license or a utility arborist license. The former is for candidates who work in all areas of arboriculture, while the latter is only for workers who maintain trees near power lines and utility infrastructure.

Consider Certifications

Professional certifications are typically not required for arborists. However, these credentials can verify arborists’ expertise in their specialty areas.

Arboriculture certifications typically require passing an exam about topics like soil science or tree biology, diagnosis, pruning and safety protocols. Credentials from organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) require continuing education credits to maintain. This helps arborists stay abreast of new research and techniques.

Arborist Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which categorizes arborists within the “tree trimmers and pruners” career category, these workers made a median salary of $49,070 in 2023.

Projections Central data reveals there were 66,000 tree trimmers and pruners working in the U.S. in 2022. The organization projects a 2.4% increase in employment for this field from 2022 to 2032.

Arborist Specializations

Arborists can specialize their knowledge in areas like disease diagnosis and treatment, tree pruning, hazard assessment and tree climbing. Some arborists may specialize in utility arboriculture, which prioritizes the maintenance of trees near power lines to prevent power outage or property damage. Professionals in this field can also specialize in consultancy and arboricultural research.

Certifications for Arborists

ISA Certified Arborist

The ISA Certified Arborist credential requires candidates to pass the certified arborist exam, which covers ten knowledge areas such as tree biology, soil management and safe work practices. To be eligible for this credential, you must have an associate degree with two arboriculture-related courses and two years of arborist experience, or a bachelor’s degree with four arboriculture courses and one year of field experience.

Applicants can access the organization’s preparatory course, which features self-paced instruction and interactive exercises that prepare test-takers for the exam. Registration for the certified arborist exam costs $170 for ISA members and $280 for nonmembers. Taking the exam via computer requires an additional $125 fee for all applicants.

Registered Consulting Arborist® (RCA)

The RCA certification from the American Society of Consulting Arborists® (ASCA) verifies expertise for arborists who provide specialized services like tree appraisals and advice on tree management.

Before you can earn your RCA credential, you must complete 420 continuing education units, which can come from college degrees, ASCA workshops and ISA certifications. Once you satisfy this requirement, you begin the certification process by paying a $100 fee, submitting a résumé and sending official college transcripts.

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

The ISA TRAQ certification is ideal for arborists who want to specialize in identifying and mitigating tree hazards. To earn this credential, you must complete a training course and complete two assessments. Eligibility for this credential requires applicants to hold a prior certification from ISA or similar organizations, an arboriculture-related degree or a state-issued arboriculture license.

Professional Organizations for Arborists

International Society of Arboriculture

Founded in 1924, ISA’s mission is promoting the professional practice of arboriculture and creating awareness of the benefits of trees through research, technology and education. The organization offers credentials like ISA Certified Arborist, Board Certified Master Arborist and the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. ISA members can access a global network of tree care professionals and resources for career advancement.

American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)

ASCA was founded in 1967 to support and represent the interests of consulting arborists. Through its Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) certification, annual conferences and research, ASCA helps shape its members into tree experts.

Urban and Community Forestry Society (UCFS)

Formerly known as the Society of Municipal Arborists, UCFS helps tree care professionals build competence and professional networks. The organization runs projects such as the Urban Forestry Foundation, the arborist exchange program and the Municipal Forestry Institute, all of which aim to advance tree management in urban areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Become an Arborist