What Is An

Arborist

An arborist is a person who is specializes in planting and taking

care of trees. Arborists are well-trained and have wide knowledge

to provide proper care for trees. They identify specific types of

trees, plant or prune them depending on trees’ condition and

their location. In most cases, they deal with trees that are near

power lines and may cause hazards. In addition, they clear fallen

branches or damaged trees especially after storms or

earthquakes. They liaise with local authorities and members of

the public about removal or maintenance of specific trees.

What is a certified arborist?

Certified arborist like independenttreeservice.com.au is an

individual with knowledge in the art and science of tree care.

They are given certification based on experience and passing a

mandatory examination administered by some of the leading tree

care experts in the country. As a matter of fact, Certified arborist

must further their education in order to maintain the certification

and abide by the rules and regulations of the industry. Therefore,

with further education, arborists are most likely to stay updated

on the latest techniques in the field.

To become an ISA certified arborist, individuals undergo a

voluntary process in which they test their competence in tree

care. The international society of arborist (ISA) is a non-

governmental body that provides ISA certification to tree care

professionals as a way to demonstrate commitment to the

industry. However, it is important to note that certification is a

not a measure of expertise. Certification can demonstrate the

tree knowledge but does not guarantee quality performance.

Why you need to hire an Arborist? Read here

Arborist degree training program

There are limited certificate or degree options available to

arborists. In most cases, arborists receive training on the job.

These training usually take a month up to three years. However,

a number of schools offer professional courses for aspiring

arborists.

To know more about the training programs that is needed for an

Arborist, visit this link

This program addresses the care and cultivation of individual

trees and other woody plants. In addition, training program

covers:

Removal of invasive pests

Identification and prevention of diseases

Protection from predation

Transplanting

Pruning

Structural support

In addition, trainees learn to use ropes, harnesses and other

climbing equipment. Candidates may take up to one year to

complete this training program.

Program coursework

These training programs cover multiple disciplines over few

months. These topics include:

Tree biology basics

Tree identification

Soil quality management

Tree trimming methods

Urban tree care

Climbing, bracing, and cabling

Tree diseases and diagnosis

Plant care

Utility arborist training program

Utility arborists specialize in removal and maintenance of trees

and vegetation near the power lines. Removal of vegetation

around the power lines is vital in avoiding the interference of

electric power lines.

Educations requirements

Students who wish to pursue their career as utility arborists must

earn an associate degree in arboriculture. This degree program

involves studying of woody plants and trees, pest affecting trees,

common pathologies, and pruning techniques. The coursework

done in this program includes commercial arboriculture, skills like

using rope, rigging, and chain saws to remove branches and trim

trees. Moreover, students may undergo internships where these

skills are applied.

However, some individuals may prefer to earn bachelor’s degree

in forestry or related field and major in urban forestry. This

program usually offers coursework in soil study, ecology,

arboriculture, pest management, geospatial analysis, public policy

and law, and urban tree management. However, some classes

require students to do lab work.

Certification requirements

With bachelor’s degree that leads utility arborists requires a

minimum of three years’ work experience to earn an ISA certified

arborist’s certification. However, individuals with associate’s

degree in arboriculture may require shorter work experience.

Earning ISA certified arborist certification is a necessity for

testing candidate on topics like tree and vegetation management,

pruning, electricity and consumer relations. Individuals wishing to

take an exam must perform vegetation management for utility

company. This certification expires after three years hence

requiring an individual to complete a number of special

educational units before recertification.

Job description

Usually, the job of utility arborists is very demanding and requires

a lot of effort. They may be required to climb trees, control aerial

lift machines, even in bad weather conditions. Operating

equipment such as power saw and axle is part of their job. Utility

arborists are required to understand the basics of electric

conduction, basic inspections in order to perform their job

effectively.

To work near power lines, arborists are given additional training

or they should be qualified line clearance arborists. There is a

minimum distance that arborist should keep from power line

depending on the voltage level. Usually, this distance should 10

feet in urban environment.

Arborists who climb trees, uses various techniques to accomplish

their job. The most popular technique is to ascend on a tree using

a rope. Arborists may also use spikes attached to their boots in

situations where personal safety is a major concern. However,

spikes wound the trees and leave holes on each step.

Besides working for utility companies, utility arborists may also

provide consulting services to home owners, architects, insurance

firms, and legal professionals.

Legal issues

There are a number of legal issues which surround the practice of

arborists. These issues include public safety issues, boundary

issues, impact of roots crossing boundaries, insect quarantines,

nuisance problems, and safety of nearby trees.

In most cases, arborists are consulted on disputes involving

trees. In the process of insurance claim, arborists may be asked

to make valuation of trees damaged from vandalism or tree theft.

In cities observing tree preservation laws, arborists are required

to evaluate the tree hazard before a tree is removed by a

property owner. In such situation, an arborist play a vital role in

ensuring the protection of treed during construction operations.

Working on protected trees is illegal without written permission

from relevant authorities, and the lawbreaker may face legal

actions that include fines.

In an event of a dispute, arborist may do forensic investigations

to determine factual information about the tree. Therefore,

arborists are reliable for providing unbiased scientific information

in a court case.

In conclusion, arborists training program is an excellent career

especially for individuals who are in touch with nature. Becoming

arborists, gives you a unique experience which will help in

conserving environment.