If you’re considering a career in arboriculture, there are a few things you should know.
Here are sixteen things I wish I’d known before I started:
1. Don’t Underestimate The Physicality Of The Job.
It’s not just about climbing trees! There’s a lot of heavy lifting involved, as well as working in difficult and sometimes dangerous positions. Be prepared for long hours and tough conditions.
2. It’s Not Just About Tree Pruning And Removal.
There’s also a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, such as site visits, risk assessments, paperwork, and administration.
3. You Need To Be Comfortable With Heights.
This is arguably the most important aspect of the job. If you’re not comfortable working at height, then being an arborist is probably not for you.
4. You Need To Have A Head For Heights.
Not only do you need to be comfortable with heights, but you also need to have a good head for them. This means being able to think clearly and make decisions quickly, even when you’re high up in the air.
5. You Need To Be Strong And Fit.
As well as being comfortable with heights, you also need to be physically strong and fit. This is because the job involves a lot of lifting, carrying, and climbing.
6. You Need To Be Able To Work Independently.
While there is some teamwork involved in being an arborist, much of the job is done independently. This means you need to be self-motivated and able to work without close supervision.
7. You Need To Be Safety-Conscious.
Given the nature of the work, it’s important to be safety-conscious at all times. This means following all the safety procedures and protocols and using the correct safety equipment.
There are a lot of potential hazards associated with arborist work, from falling out of trees to being hit by flying debris. This means that you need to be constantly aware of your surroundings and take precautions to minimize the risks.
8. The Job Can Be Dangerous.
Working with power tools and being high off the ground are just two of the dangers associated with being an arborist. accidents can and do happen, so it’s important to be prepared for them.
9. You Need To Know Your Stuff.
Being an arborist is not just about physical labor; you also need to have a good knowledge of trees and tree care. This includes understanding how to identify different species of trees, as well as knowing the best way to care for them.
10. You Need To Be Customer Service-Oriented.
Much of the job involves dealing with customers, so it’s important to be able to deal with them professionally and courteously. This means having good communication and customer service skills.
11. The Work Is Seasonal.
In many parts of the country, arborist work is only available during the spring and summer months. This means that you need to be prepared to find other work during the off-season if you want to stay employed year-round.
12. You Need To Be Passionate About Trees.
You need to be passionate about trees! If you don’t love trees and care about their welfare, then being an arborist is probably not the right career for you.
13. You Need To Be Able To Work Long Hours.
Arborist jobs often require long days and sometimes even weekends. If you’re not able to commit to these kinds of hours, then the job might not be a good fit for you.
14. The Pay Is Not Great.
Unfortunately, arborist work is not particularly well-paid. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to make sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons.
15. There’s A Lot Of Competition For Jobs.
Since there are relatively few arborist jobs available, there’s a lot of competition for them. This means that you need to be prepared to put in the extra effort to stand out from the crow
16. It’s Not Always Glamorous.
Despite what you might see on TV, being an arborist is not always a glamorous job. There’s a lot of hard work involved, and it’s not always glamorous. But if you’re up for the challenge, it can be a rewarding career.
Go here if you are looking for tree services.
