Working as a tree surgeon

Blog Working as a tree surgeon

by Wilson Tree Surgery | 15th Sep 2022

Tree surgeons who also identify as Arborists have an important job of managing and preserving trees, shrubs and hedgerows. Tree surgery is usually performed for safety reasons, to change the appearance of a tree or improve its health.

Tasks of a tree surgeon include:

• Tree care following storm damage, disease or drought
• Pruning to remove diseased or dangerous branches
• Removing sections or whole trees for safety reasons
• Using specialist climbing techniques to remove branches from height
• Operating specialist equipment such as chainsaws, cranes and chippers
• Planting new trees and shrubs.

Tree surgeons usually operate in teams. Ground staff are essential in ensuring that pathways are clear to stop any falling debris from injuring people or damaging vehicles, whilst those entrusted with the chainsaw are tasked with removing or reshaping the tree.

 

How to become a tree surgeon 

You can become a tree surgeon through the following routes:

• University course
• An apprenticeship
• College course
• Working towards this role through courses and experience.

We also provide training courses to help you become a fully qualified tree surgeon.

 

What skills, knowledge and personality to become a tree surgeon

Tree surgery is not for everybody, this is a job which has dangers, but with the correct risk assessments, training and planning this is a thoroughly rewarding job role; the following characteristics will make a successful tree surgeon:

• Work well within a team
• Strong customer service skills
• A practical planner
• Strong communication skills
• Physically able
• The ability to use high powered tools.

 

Career potential 

The possibilities of career progression within tree surgery is strong; through gaining experience within the role, advancement into a supervisor or manager is attainable. In addition to this becoming self-employed and creating a business for yourself can be a beneficial career move.

 

Final thoughts

Tree surgery is a rewarding job with plenty of room for progression. At Wilson’s, we offer a wide range of courses that can help you on your career path and also have job roles within our company.