There are lots of things to take into consideration when thinking of taking up a career as a tree surgeon. Like you should have a genuine interest in the conservation and care of trees as you are guaranteed to be called out in all weathers, sometimes a long distance from home. There are also many things you need to train in before being able to complete the work such as the legal issues some examples are;

Boundaries - There are boundaries between different people properties and if there are trees between that boundary and one wants the trees and the other wants them removed it is up to you to look at the land maps to see which owner has rights over the trees.

Conservation - In certain areas there may be restrictions on certain types of trees being removed or even pruned and you must ask for permission of the local authorities before the work can be carried out.

There are many more besides but starting out in the business you will be required to complete certain courses qualifying you for using the tools and carrying the work out. arboriculture

These requirements (from basic to most advance) will consist of;

  • Level 1 in NPTC or SSTS this shows your capability to work with the tools you will be using so you can then start work for a company.
  • Level 2 qualifications are aimed at people wanting to become self employed or climb the trees to carry out work. These different qualifications consist of ISA making you a certified arborist of the same level are RFS or NVQ in arboriculture. Once completed you can either set up your own company or start work for a company.
  • Level 3 these courses may be suitable for supervisors and if you want to become a foreman. The courses available at this level are an NVQ in tree work and a technicians certificate in arboriculture, when completed you can run your own company completely by your self or work at a higher level with in a company.

As well as these higher education qualifications there are also paths into this form of work for those with little or no education a main form being the apprenticeships that are available and also starting at a lower level job such as grounds man or arborist assistant and working your way up through the company whilst gaining experience.