What Does an Arborist Do?
Arborists are tree care specialists who plant, maintain, diagnose, and remove trees and woody plants. They assess tree health, perform pruning operations, and advise property owners on proper tree management to ensure safety and preserve urban canopy. This physically demanding profession requires knowledge of tree biology, climbing techniques, and safety protocols.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Climber, Grounds Worker, Groundsman, Laborer, Plant Health Care Technician, Tree Climber, Tree Trimmer, Trimmer.
Arborist Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of an arborist include:
- Assess tree health by inspecting for disease, pest damage, structural defects, and decay.
- Prune trees using proper arboricultural techniques to promote health, safety, and structural integrity.
- Remove hazardous or dead trees using climbing, rigging, and aerial lift equipment.
- Plant trees and advise clients on species selection, placement, and establishment care.
- Diagnose tree diseases and insect infestations and recommend appropriate treatments.
- Operate chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and other arboricultural equipment safely.
- Apply fertilizers, pesticides, and growth regulators to maintain tree health.
- Prepare written reports and proposals for tree care, removal, and planting projects.
- Climb trees using ropes, harnesses, and spurs to access work areas in the canopy.
- Ensure all work complies with ANSI Z133 safety standards and local tree protection ordinances.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as an arborist, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Tree biology and identification
- Pruning techniques and arboricultural standards
- Tree climbing and aerial rescue
- Chainsaw operation and rigging
- Disease and pest diagnosis
- Safety compliance and risk management
- Physical fitness and comfort with heights
- Customer consultation and communication
Education and Training
Arborists benefit from formal education in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, or a related natural science at the associate or bachelor's level, though many enter the field through apprenticeships and hands-on training. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential is the profession's premier certification, requiring a combination of education and experience plus passing a comprehensive exam. Additional ISA credentials in tree risk assessment, utility specialist, and municipal specialist are available. Tree Worker/Climber Specialist certification from the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) validates climbing competence. Continuing education is required to maintain certifications.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $35,000 - $65,000 per year
Arboriculture is a growing profession driven by the increasing recognition of the environmental, economic, and health benefits of urban trees. Municipalities are expanding urban forestry programs, and property owners are investing more in professional tree care. Storm damage cleanup, utility line clearance, and tree risk management create consistent demand for skilled climbers and tree care professionals. The industry faces a shortage of qualified arborists, which supports strong job security and upward wage pressure. Certified arborists with strong climbing skills and diagnostic expertise are especially sought after.
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as tree trimmers and pruners about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 100% wear safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses or a hard hat every day
- 91% work outdoors in all kinds of weather every day
- 77% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 76% spend more than half the workday on their feet
- 74% use their hands on tools, objects or controls for more than half the day
- 71% work around hazardous equipment every day
- 71% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Less than high school | 57% |
| High school diploma or GED | 37% |
Tools and Software Arborists Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors as well as organized work with data, records and clear procedures.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Speaking.
Knowledge areas used most: Customer and Personal Service, Mechanical, Public Safety and Security, Production and Processing, Transportation.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 2 of 5, which means some preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for an Arborist Job
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Sources
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 37-3013.00 (Tree Trimmers and Pruners). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.