What Does it Take to Become a Tree Surgeon?

Tree surgeons are the people in town and countryside who take care of our trees, shrubs, hedges and other greenery. Their work includes trimming and felling trees, planting new stock, pruning, and removing unhealthy or unsafe trees. They also carry out surveys, provide advice and carry out inspections on the health of a tree and the surrounding environment.

Working as a Tree surgeon requires a high level of skill and knowledge. This is due to the nature of the job, which involves working at heights using power equipment such as chainsaws. For this reason, it is important to find a training provider that offers courses that give you the right experience and skills you need. The first step in becoming a tree surgeon is gaining some practical experience through on-the-job training with an established tree surgery firm. Some horticultural societies, charities and conservation organisations can offer you the opportunity to gain this experience by volunteering for them.

Once you have gained enough on-the-job experience, it is time to start looking for work. You can get a job with an established tree service or start your own business. Many aspiring tree surgeons are drawn to the idea of being self-employed, but this is not without its risks. Insurance premiums for personal injury and public liability are often higher for those who run their own businesses, and it is vital that you factor this into your initial business plan.

The majority of a tree surgeon’s work is carried out on private sites, although you will also occasionally be asked to work on commercial or public property. The nature of the work you will do depends on the site, but you can expect to be involved in pruning, crown reduction (where a tree’s top is trimmed back for aesthetic reasons), removing dead branches, tree felling and stump grinding. You will be required to operate machinery such as wood chippers, saws, shears and clippers, as well as climbing equipment and rigging systems. You will need to carry out inspections, maintain safety measures and liaise with clients, colleagues and external stakeholders such as highways, electricity companies, contractors and the HSE.

One of the most crucial parts of the role is identifying when and how to prune a tree. This can improve the overall health of a tree and ensure it is healthy for as long as possible. In addition to this, a tree surgeon can identify any diseases and conditions that may be present and recommend a treatment strategy.

The final part of a tree surgeon’s role is ensuring the safety of the surrounding environment and people. This is an important task, and a good tree surgeon will consider the impact that their actions could have on wildlife, the general environment and human health. This is especially important when carrying out work on trees near roads and railways where a failure to do so could cause serious damage. Taking these steps can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.

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