What will you do?
You climb into the crown with ropes and climbing gear, prune at height and prepare the felling of trees or branches. You carry out visual tree inspections, treat damaged trees and place crown anchors where needed. Maintaining your machines and keeping work records are part of the job too, and sometimes you advise clients on tree care.
- Prune trees at height and prepare felling work
- Climb into trees and guide other climbers
- Carry out visual tree inspections
- Treat damaged trees and place crown anchors
- Plant trees and cut felled trees to length
- Maintain your machines and keep work records
Skills to develop
- A head for heights and a solid physical condition
- Safe handling of chainsaws and climbing equipment
- Knowledge of tree species and tree diseases
- Disciplined work according to safety and environmental rules
Your foundation for this occupation
Arboriculture combines tree knowledge, observation and execution. Climbing is a tool, not the entire role. Ask about supervised practice, equipment checks and height training. Machinery and crown work require specific preparation and an organised team.
From preparation to your first day
Develop the practical skills
Assess the tree and surroundings. Record visible findings and questions requiring investigation. Practise ground support before complex independent work. Discuss intervention and sequence; a customer's pruning wish is not automatically appropriate.
Check your work
Check work against the agreement and document findings. Report unexpected damage or uncertainty. Do not guarantee safety beyond the evidence. A portfolio can show assessment, purpose and outcome.
How can you grow?
Specialise in planting, maintenance, inspection or advice with further knowledge. Compare climbing, platforms and ground duties. Ask about travel, seasons and physical demands.
Frequently asked questions
Is tree care mainly cutting branches?
No. Understand why an intervention is needed and its effects. Observation, planning and follow-up matter as much as execution.