Tree Surgeon

Tree surgeons, also known as arborists, work with individual trees, hedgerows and shrubs in cities, the countryside and conservation areas. They are trained and equipped to tend trees by preserving, planting, protecting, pruning and felling. A tree surgeon will have knowledge of trees as living organisms and understand when, how and why specialist tree care is needed.

Their main tasks may include:

• planting trees and shrubs
• pruning or thinning, removing trees, removing diseased or weakened branches
• removal of trees as a whole or in sections
• using a range of specialist equipment and climbing techniques
• undertaking groundwork using a chainsaw and chipper.

Tree surgeons usually work standard full-time hours, Monday to Friday. There may be overtime, including evening and weekend work. Most of the work is outdoors in all weathers in a wide range of locations. The work can be very noisy, and they might be exposed to sawdust and fumes from tools, pesticides and fertilisers. Tree surgeons wear protective clothing, such as helmets, ear protectors and protective boots.

Salaries may range from around £12,000 to £30,000 a year.

A tree surgeon should:

• be practical and good at working with their hands
• be able to work safely
• have good communication skills
• enjoy working outdoors and as part of a team.

In some areas of the UK there is a shortage of tree surgeons. Tree surgeons work for local government, organisations such as The National Trust, specialist contractors, private landowners and businesses.

Although there are no set academic entry requirements, some employers may prefer entrants with GCSE grades. It also helps to get some voluntary experience with local or national organisations. There are also a range of useful qualifications such as BTEC National Awards and NVQs.

It may also be possible to enter through an Apprenticeship programme. The Diploma in environmental and land-based studies may also be an advantageous qualification to have achieved prior to further study or employment.

Tree surgeons usually train on the job under the supervision of a manager or another experienced colleague. New workers and tree surgeons must gain competency certificates before being able to work with machinery or on their own. NVQs are available in forestry and arboriculture.

Some tree surgeons become self-employed and run their own business. They may also progress to supervisory or management level. There are sometimes opportunities to work overseas.

Further details