How Does an Arborist Spend a Workday?

Arborists are trained professionals that have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in tree maintenance and care. Some arborists may work to keep public parks safe, while some work to keep power lines free of the danger of broken limbs. Some also maintain trees for aesthetic appeal.

Some of an arborist's work is quite dangerous, such as felling trees for safety in a public park.  Other work is simpler, such as hand pruning young seedlings to encourage the right growth in the right places. Some arborists must be certified to do a certain type of arborist work.

Tree Care

Arborists are most concerned about the health and condition of trees. They must know how to identify tree diseases and problems and how to address those issues effectively. Tree care involves observing for those diseases, insect infestations and devising treatments that pertain to keeping trees healthy and strong. Treatments arborists may perform are spraying for insects, cutting away diseased and dead tissue and broken limbs, and eradication of an invasive species.

Tree Maintenance

Arborists understand how to shape and cut trees back to encourage new growth and to control growth. They understand that shaping a tree correctly also permits for healthy air circulation and penetration of sunshine.

If an arborist is a Certified Line Clearance Trimmer, which is necessary for our arborists who work around power lines, they generally work on keeping our power lines safe from falling or breaking tree limbs. Only arborists and who work around power lines need that certification.

Tools Arborists May Use:

• Chainsaws


• Hand Pruners


• Long-Handled Pruners


• Sprayers


• Safety Equipment


• Heavy Equipment