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How to Become a Tree Surgeon
Ace Tree Surgeons • Mar 17, 2020
If you’ve got a passion for the outdoors (and aren’t afraid of heights!), then a career as a tree surgeon could be the perfect fit. Also known professionally as an arborist, tree surgeons are responsible for the planting, pruning, felling, and general care and maintenance of trees and hedges.
Tree surgery can be a demanding and dangerous profession, but with the right skills and training, it’s also an exciting and rewarding role too. If you’ve always wanted to know more about tree surgery and the skills and qualifications needed to become a tree surgeon, see our brief guide below.
What qualifications do you need?
You don’t need to have any specific qualifications to begin training as a tree surgeon, but there are official courses which can help. You will need qualifications to become a recognised arborist, however, in the form of a National Certificate in Arboriculture, or a higher-level qualification.
If you plan on studying for a degree in arboriculture or tree surgery, you’ll usually need two or three A levels with the relevant passing grades for your course. You’ll also need a Certificate of Competence if carrying out any work using a chainsaw.
Required skills and knowledge
Tree surgery is very physically demanding, so it’s important that you have a good level of fitness and are reasonably physically strong. Good communication and teamwork are also essential for the safety of everyone working on the job and you’ll need the ability to keep calm under pressure or when working at great heights.
A good grasp of maths is useful when it comes to measuring lengths and working out prices and an interest and passion for science helps any budding tree surgeons better understand the processes behind things like photosynthesis.
Potential career routes
There are several ways to get your foot in the door if you’re interested in becoming a tree surgeon, including a university course, college course, apprenticeship or working in a relevant role and training on the job. Relevant university courses include forestry, arboriculture or forest management, or you could take a college course like Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture or Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture.
You’ll usually need at least two GCSE’s at A*-D grades for a Level 2 course and at least four GCSE’s at A*-C grades for Level 3. At least two GCSE’s (including maths and English) are also needed for an apprenticeship or you could begin to gain work experience by volunteering with an organisation like The Tree Council or National Trust.
As you can see, a lot of skills and training are required to become a tree surgeon, so if you’re looking for a highly-qualified professional you can trust, get in touch with the team at Ace Tree Surgeons. We’re proud to offer a range of specialist tree surgeon services, including tree felling, hedge trimming, stump grinding, crown thinning and more. To book an appointment or find out more about any of our services, give us a call today or visit our website.
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