Becoming an Arborist – What Do You Need to Become a Certified Arborist?
An arborist, treeologist, or arboriculturists, is an expert in the field of arbovirology, which is the study, treatment, and maintenance of woody plants, shrubs, trees, and other flowering woody plants including fruit trees and ornamental grasses. He may also provide information on the plant life in a particular region or forest. The term “arborist” may have various spellings, such as “archy,” “arched,” “arc,” “arrowhead,” “ashy,” “behind the tree,” and “beech tree.” Usually the word “arborist” refers only to those who specialize in or manage arbors, but in some areas “arboreal” is used to refer to anyone who cares for trees. Others who are not arborists are called “tree surgeons” or “forest doctors.”
Some arborists are certified by the North American Society of Arborists, Inc. Other arborists are members of an organization called the Southern Association of Arborists. Basically, arborists belong to one of several organizations that promote common tree care practices. One of these is the Western Association of Arborists. Another is the North American Society of Arborists.
The most important work of an arborist is tree removal. In most places, it’s illegal to cut down trees without their permission. In arboriculture the phrase “trimming trees without permission” refers to a dangerous act that can endanger a person, property, or animal. It’s also a violation of the law to perform power lines or telephone lines on the property of someone who doesn’t have the proper authority to do so.
For example, arborist must always secure approval from the local government before trimming trees on private land. Likewise, tree professionals need to get a license from the state to do power line work. Sometimes these professionals are required to have an apprenticeship, sometimes they’re not (depending on where they work). Regardless, there are strict rules governing what arborists can and cannot do on certain properties.
There are some cases where arborists work for contractors. In those situations, they are responsible for finding and removing dead and dying power lines. In addition, arborists work with people on their properties who have control over shrubs and trees. For example, a landscape contractor might employ an arborist to trim trees on his property.
Becoming certified as an arborist takes about 2 years of college courses and training. During the course, students will learn about building codes, how to inspect structures for compliance and more. They may also learn about the importance of tree care certification and the arborist trade organization. Some states require that students obtain formal education and training before working as an arborist. However, most states only require a high school diploma or its equivalent to become certified.