Tree surgeon
Tree surgeons work in towns and the countryside, assessing tree health, removing branches, planting new stock and felling unsafe trees.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a tree surgeon, you'll:
- identify hazards caused by trees
- climb trees to cut back or remove branches
- cut down and remove trees and stumps
- plant trees and assess their health
- work with clients to produce tree survey reports
We've identified this as a green job
As a tree surgeon, you'll manage the health of trees so that they can grow and flourish. This can have a positive impact on the environment.
Find out more about green careers
Working environment
You could work in parks and gardens, on the streets, in woodland or on rail tracks.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, dusty and physically demanding.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Career path and progression
With experience you could:
- become a supervisor or manager
- train to be an arboricultural officer
- start your own business
- move into recreational tree climbing and take people into treetops as an outdoor activity
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- physical skills like movement and co-ordination
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- concentration skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- knowledge of public safety and security
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- be able to cope with working at height
- have a Certificate of Competence, if you carry out hazardous tasks using a chainsaw
You may need a driving licence and access to a vehicle to travel to jobs.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You can study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- forestry
- arboriculture
- countryside management
- forest management
- woodland ecology and conservation
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
You could do a college course to get some of the skills and knowledge you need as a tree surgeon.
Relevant subjects include:
- arboriculture
- forestry and arboriculture
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You could begin your career by doing an apprenticeship.
For example:
- Arborist Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These usually take a minimum of 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with learning off site
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
You may be able to start as a forest labourer or groundworker, helping a qualified tree surgeon. You could then complete further training on the job in the use of chainsaws, ropes, ladders and harnesses.
These types of courses are offered by private training providers and further education colleges.
You might find it useful to get some experience of tree work before applying for jobs.
You can contact organisations like The Tree Council, Forestry England and the Woodland Trust about volunteering opportunities.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the The Arboricultural Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find more details about working with trees through The Arboricultural Association and the Royal Forestry Society.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.