An arborist is an individual who is skilled and trained in the science and art of arboriculture. They are the who loves nature and are responsible in maintaining the plants health, researching, keeping us safe from falling branches and trees during storms and many more. This is why many people are now becoming interested in becoming an arborist. Though, there are many ways of becoming one and be certified, a person must still follow steps and be knowledgeable in what job they do.
Steps to become certified
To be a certified arborist, there are certain steps needed to take which can take some time to do. Always keep in mind that dedication and patience is important in going this path. Taylors Trees arborists are a certified tree care organization.
Below are some steps:
- Be a degree holder
Though not required by most, some employers seek a degree for arborist. This is also the beginning or start to be a certified so that an individual is aware and knowledgeable of the background and studies of what they will do in their future jobs. Some courses include forestry, soil fertility, and pathology.
- Have experience
They say “experience is the best teacher” which is true especially when a job requires you to be always on the field. Some companies offer on-the-job training to them to gain experience. Some of these tasks are identifying trees, using tree maintenance tools, pruning, clearing debris and many more.
- Acquire a certification
The International Society of Arboriculture or ISA are the ones responsible in giving certifications for arborist. They offer credential exams that requires a certain degree and experience to take for example an arborist with an associate’s degree requires at least two years of experience and a bachelor degree holder needs one year of experience. The ISA also give other certifications on similar field and provide Master Arborist designation. It must also be renewed every 3 years.
Arborist Tasks
In order to be a certified arborist, an individual must be aware of its task and jobs. It is essential to know this so that a person can be skilful on each task that will be assigned and done. Here are some of their tasks:
- Pruning
This is one of the main tasks an arborist does. It is also the most important as pruning helps in maintain a trees health. It removes dead and weak branches that can affect a plant. It is also done for landscaping which makes it beautiful by reshaping its leaves.
- Research
An arborist often do research about the tree’s welfare such as how and where it is best to plant it, how long it will thrive, type of care it requires, etc. they also are often needed to do research in how much budget will be needed in having a plant.
- Safety
One of the jobs they do is to keep the neighbourhood safe during storms and fierce weathers. They cut weak trees that could fall and also its branches. They use cables and braces to secure it from strong winds
- Tree care
Tree maintenance and care are also done by arborist. They identify weak and dying trees and find a way to bring it back to shape. They also do preventive measure to make the plants healthy and thrive longer.