What is an arborist?
An arborist is a professional who has the technical competence gained through experience and related training to provide for or supervise the management of trees and other woody plants in residential, commercial, and public landscapes.
What can an arborist do?
A tree care professional has experience in different types of trees in different regions with varying climates helps them develop their knowledge and improve their skills. Working with different types of plants in different soils is vital to be a good arborist.
An arborist can do so many different things, but they are not loggers or landscapers. Yes, arborists do need to remove trees when they pose a risk to the public and arborists also plant trees. An arborists’ focus is to save existing trees and help the environment. There are so many different things that arborists can do, whether on the ground or aloft, in the field or at the office. The opportunities are endless because there really is something for everyone!
These are so many things to love about being an arborist – working outdoors, doing something different every day, and giving back to your community are just a few of the many reasons to love this job and make it a rewarding career.
Where does an arborist work?
There are several areas of practice:
- Residential/Commercial arborists either own or work for businesses that provide tree care on a fee basis. They can be hired to do work for individuals or public agencies.
- Municipal arborists manage public-owned trees in cities and towns and are usually employed by cities, counties, or other public agencies.
- Utility arborists manage trees along utility rights-of-way. They can be employed by the utility or contracted to do tree clearance.
- Arboricultural consultants are technical experts who diagnose tree problems, perform tree appraisals, expert witness reports or testimony, and provide management programs for individuals, businesses, or public agencies.
The International Society of Arboriculture created a career paths flowchart that provides great information. View their flowchart and detailed job description on the ISA website.
Jobs
To post a job opening please send a link to the posting on your site or detailed information on how to apply to info@OhioChapterISA.org.
Other great resources include:
Academic Programs
Find a College or Vocational Training Program
- Cincinnati State Technical & Community College – Landscape Horticulture
- Clark State Community College – Landscape Design, Nursery Operations, Parks & Recreation, Turf & Landscape Operations
- Columbus State Community College – Landscape Design/Build
- Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) – Plant Science and Landscape Technology
- Kent State University – Landscape Architecture, Horticulture
- Hocking College – Forest Management, Landscape Management, Tree Care Certificate
- Miami University – Botany
- Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) – Environment & Natural Resources, Horticultural Science, Landscape Horticulture
- The Ohio State University – Forestry, Landscape Architecture
- Owens Community College – Landscape & Turfgrass Management
- Zane State College – Parks, Recreation, Wildlife
Visit the ISA website for programs in other states.
Scholarships
The purpose of the Ohio Chapter ISA Scholarship Program is to promote professional arboriculture in Ohio. Thanks to the generous financial support of Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation, PennLine Tree Service, and Townsend Tree Service, the Chapter may award up to five $500 Professional Development Scholarships and two $1,000 Traditional Student Scholarships.
If you are currently enrolled in a post-secondary academic institution or plan on taking your career to the next level with a certification or qualification, we encourage you to apply. Application Deadline January 1, 2025
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- Identifying a Career Ladder in Urban Forestry
- Skills Needed in Entry-Level Urban Forestry
- Urban Forestry Jobs Analysis
- Other Scholarship Opportunities
Find an Arborist
Continuing Education
