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Tree Trimmer and Pruner

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Plant Systems pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

No standard requirement

Grounds maintenance workers typically do not need a formal educational credential and are trained on the job. States may require licensing for workers who apply pesticides or fertilizers.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Certified arborists know their trees and woody plants! A degree in plant sciences or horticulture is desirable, and you must be physically fit and unafraid of heights. You must also be willing to study and do research when necessary.

Some colleges and universities offer two- or four-year programs in arboriculture. They also offer related programs that are horticulture-based, which can be an asset for arborists. The National Arborist Association (NAA) offers a comprehensive home study course in arboriculture.

You don't have to have a college degree in order to call yourself an arborist. Students with a high school diploma can start at entry-level positions as a groundsperson, for example, the NAA says. Interested students can contact the NAA to get a complete list of colleges that offer training in arboriculture.

The Student Society of Arboriculture (SSA) is one of five recognized professional affiliates of the International Society of Arboriculture. Branches within the SSA represent specific schools or universities.

To become certified, you must pass a three-hour exam given by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Prior to taking the exam, a candidate must have five years of experience, or have a degree and two years of experience working with plants and trees.

Once you become certified through the ISA, you take the exam every three years or maintain a certain level of education by taking additional courses or workshops.

Extra Requirements

Although professional certification is not required, it demonstrates competency and reliability for prospective clients and employers. For example, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offer certifications for tree care workers.

For additional information, visit these websites: