Being an Arborist or tree surgeon like many jobs can be hard. It’s a very physically demanding job working in all weather conditions in often isolated environments. These elements together can be difficult. If you are the type of person looking for an ‘easy’ job then doing any role in tree work is probably not for you.
There are many elements to being an arborist and some are ‘harder’ than others. It’s also worth remembering that something you find ‘hard’ might be easier for one of your colleagues and vice versa.
Arborist training
It’s important to remember when asking “is the job hard?” that every job has its ‘hard’ parts. What you need to decide is whether you would find them challenging or real barriers to employment. I would personally say the training and development to being a climbing arborist was the hardest thing I have ever done. I only recognised this after reflecting on the first few years in the industry.
This time was manageable and highly enjoyable. There were many challenges for me from theory to fitness to pushing myself and being comfortable working at height on any given day. I would not say any of these were or still are easy but you develop as an individual becoming more comfortable and efficient through experience. For example, I would imagine finishing a marathon is hard for any runner regardless of whether you have a sub three hour time or not.
Training to be an arborist was the hardest part for me. It’s all new with what feels like a lot to take in. Many mistakes are made early on and without the right support and guidance those mistakes could be very costly. At first I felt that I was making everything hard for myself, all the while watching tutors and other climbers making it look easy. There were a few times where I thought I might not be able to do a certain task but with a bit of encouragement I soon got through.
Fitness/ conditioning
A day as an arborist is often a very physical day regardless if you are climbing a tree, dragging brash or felling trees. This tends to be the most challenging part for new workers as the body adjusts to the physical demands each day. I have found that staff working on the ground will do an average of 15,000 steps just at work. With the vast majority of these steps carrying or dragging something. Climbers spend the day in uncomfortable positions, making explosive movements and using a lot of arm and core strength to work the tree.
If you’re willing to put the work in you will soon develop the strength and conditioning required to carry out the job. I know some younger people getting into the industry worry that they will not be strong enough but this is generally not the case. You lift and move what you can – everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.
Not all arborists work on the tools however and after years of climbing many will work the ground and eventually some work somewhat of a desk job. Typically, towards the end of their career, tree surgeons on the tools tend to slow down the physical aspect and adopt more of an office based role. Although bringing less demand on the body, it brings its own challenges with the stress of managing jobs, people and liaising with customers, clients and the public.
Other roles in arb and forestry may involve teaching, coaching, surveying and consulting. These roles focus more on the academic knowledge of arboriculture and less on the practical skills. That being said, there are long days lone working on your feet.
Working at height
The best part of being a climbing arborist for me is being up in trees. It’s a brilliant experience, keeps you on your toes and always feels pretty special when you’re looking down on everyone going about their daily lives. I think most people could give a good answer as to whether or not this would be for them. If you can look up and see a climber stood at the top of a skinny pole and think “I would love to give that a go”. Mentally, you’re half way there.
If you are the type of person who would love a try then maybe working at height could be for you. Again, there are many daily challenges climbing trees with lots to consider. Some climbs can be very straightforward with others being high risk. These challenges, for me, get me excited to go to work. The risk factor on some jobs gets the adrenaline going too which is something I actually thrive on.
Academic ability
I don’t think it would be unfair to say that all good arborists do have some matter between the ears. You can push your arboricultural knowledge as far as you like. From NVQ to degree level and beyond. Most tree surgeons in the UK study for a couple of years at college and acquire ‘tickets’ as a minimum.
Further specialised roles do require further and higher education qualifications. I have found being a practical arborist that the majority is learned on site working with experienced peers. Due to the practical nature of arboriculture, I feel that If you are keen to work in the industry the theory side will not be an aspect that will hold you back. There are naturally some minimum requirements for each task/ role and it’s encouraging to say that these generally have a very good pass rate.
In A Nutshell
You may be asking if the job is so hard why would you do it? The job is very varied and no tree is ever the same. Each day brings new challenges, opportunities to learn and a day getting out amongst it doing something active.
The same reasons that can make the job hard also make it enjoyable and fulfilling. In each of the aspects you work at both ends of the scale, where one day you may be working on a very physical oak removal the next day could be some light pruning. The same can be said with the weather conditions: winter time is cold and wet whereas in summer everyone stuck in an office is royally envious of arborists who are topping up their t-shirt tan.
Being a practical arborist is hard which takes graft, a ‘can do’ attitude and daily problem solving. If you enjoy the individual elements, an active lifestyle, being outdoors and being challenged everyday you will find that being an arborist is a very fulfilling career. The people you meet, the experiences you have and the places it can take you far outweigh the hardships. In my opinion, I would say being an arborist is hard but I know I would find it much harder sat at home staring at four walls.