How to Become an Arborist
Are you interested in becoming an arborist, but you’re not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn about what arborists do, how to become an arborist, and the benefits of working at Joseph Tree.
We’re currently hiring! If you’ve already decided you want to become an arborist, visit our Careers Page to check out our current openings. No experience or training necessary. We’re looking for people who are passionate about trees and working outdoors. Apply today if you want to learn exciting new skills and join a hard-working team.
What Do Arborists Do?
An arborist is an expert in the cultivation and management of trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. In other words, we help our clients keep their urban forests safe and healthy. This can include:
Tree Removal
As arborists, we prefer to nurture trees back to health, but sometimes removal is necessary. Removal is the best option when a tree is dead, diseased beyond repair, or endangering public safety and electrical lines. We remove trees safely and efficiently by using cranes and other tree management equipment.
Stump Grinding
Stump grinding seems like a simple task, but proper technique is required to prevent regrowth. If stump grinding isn’t done right, proper root separation might not be achieved. Arborists are trained to safely and efficiently remove surface roots.
Tree Trimming
Trees are constantly growing and changing. When limbs are dead, grow too long, or cause a safety hazard, they need to be removed. Arborists climb trees and use advanced rigging techniques to prune branches. Pruning keeps trees safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing.
Preventative Tree & Plant Care
Arborists can also diagnose plant diseases and insect infestations. We’re experts at treatments that can keep trees healthy and help diseased trees recover. Arborists use soil treatments, stem injections, insect sprays, and other techniques to improve tree health.
Arborists vs. Foresters, Loggers, and Landscapers… What’s the Difference
We know what you’re thinking: “What’s the difference between arborists and other plant care professionals?” The answer is that arborists focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees. We perform tree removal services, but we prefer to maintain urban forests. An arborist’s passion is to give urban forests the care they need to thrive while making our clients’ properties safer in the process. Proper tree care can extend a tree’s life and prevent costly removal fees or property damage in the future
Becoming An Arborist: The Path to Becoming a Tree Jedi
Becoming an arborist requires training, but you don’t need an advanced degree or any certifications to get started. A certified arborist can teach you everything you need to know on the job, from tree treatments to equipment operation. If you’re interested in becoming an arborist, you’ll want to find an accredited tree service company with great benefits. Speaking of great benefits…
Arborists vs. Foresters, Loggers, and Landscapers…What’s the Difference
We know what you’re thinking: “What’s the difference between arborists and other plant care professionals?” The answer is that arborists focus on the health and safety of individual plants and trees. We perform tree removal services, but we prefer to maintain urban forests. An arborist’s passion is to give urban forests the care they need to thrive while making our clients’ properties safer in the process. Proper tree care can extend a tree’s life and prevent costly removal fees or property damage in the future
Benefits of Working for Joseph Tree
We’re currently expanding our team! Joseph Tree is proud to train aspiring arborists and provide them with opportunities for advancement. We’d love to hear from you whether you’re a recent high school graduate or someone who wants to change careers. Here are some of the best reasons to join our team:
Great Pay and Bonuses
We offer all of our new recruits $15/hour. As you progress through our Jedi training program, you will eventually earn $23/hour with additional raises after that based on performance. Joseph Tree also offers $500 bonuses every month if our team goals are met.
Potential for Growth
In addition to your initial training, we can help you become a Certified Arborist if you decide arboriculture is for you. Getting certified is a years-long process, but it can be well worth it if you want to make a career out of tree care. Joseph Tree is a family business, and we’re invested in our employees’ growth and success.
Full Benefits
Joseph Tree is a small company that has big company benefits. Here are all the perks you’ll receive as a member of our team:
- Paid time off (75+ hours a year)
- Paid holidays (75+ hours a year)
- Health insurance and vision plan (premiums paid for by company, and children covered)
- 401K matching (after first fiscal year)
- Short and long-term disability plan
- Work four 10 hour days, off three days every week
As you can see, our benefits package is hard to beat. So what are you waiting for? Check out the jobs on our Careers Page and apply today!
Joseph Tree: A Family Culture
Joseph Tree was founded by firefighter brothers Michael and David Joseph in 2004. Since then, the company has grown into an entire team of passionate and hard-working arborists who love what they do. We currently have a team of 15 employees—including our canine shop supervisor, Cooper.
It’s important to have a team that trusts each other, especially when you’re a tree care company. Arborists work with heavy tree care equipment and perform cooperative tasks like climbing every day. That’s why we’re always looking for good, honest, and genuine people to grow the team with.
We strive to maintain a fun, trusting, and down-to-earth work environment where our employees can be themselves while providing excellent tree management services to the Columbus, Ohio area. We’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in arboriculture. We’ll introduce you to the team to see if you’d be a good fit.
More Benefits to Becoming an Arborist
There are plenty of other reasons to become an arborist besides our awesome Joseph Tree perks. Tree care is a rewarding career with low barriers to entry. Here are just a few reasons why we love being tree care professionals:
- The great outdoors. If you love working outside, this is the career for you. As an arborist, you will have no shortage of sunlight and fresh air. You also get to experience the changing of the seasons firsthand every year.
- Exciting work. An arborist’s work is never dull or repetitive. This job gives you an opportunity to perform different tasks every day. Planting, climbing, pruning, applying tree treatments, and operating heavy equipment are all part of the job. Being an arborist will keep you on your toes…sometimes literally.
- Staying fit. Becoming an arborist is also a great way to stay in shape. If you’re a young or middle-aged professional who values their health, this job will keep you moving. You might even put on some muscle! At the very least, your back health will probably be better than someone who hunches over a desk every day.
How to Become an ISA Certified Arborist
Are you a tree professional looking to advance your career? Or maybe you’re a newbie who wants to learn more about the arboriculture career path. Either way, here are some frequently asked questions about becoming an ISA Certified Arborist:
Why Should I Become an ISA Certified Arborist?
Becoming an ISA Certified Arborist makes you more attractive to employers and potential clients. The ISA Certification makes you stand out from the crowd whether you’re looking for a new job or trying to land new clients for the tree care company you currently work for.
Do I Need the ISA Certification to Become an Arborist?
No. You can work under a certified arborist without a certification. The ISA certification is a way to show your clients that you’re dedicated to the profession and that you understand the importance of continued education. It’s a way to increase your expertise and credibility as a professional arborist.
What Is the ISA Certification?
ISA stands for the International Society of Arboriculture. Becoming an ISA Certified Arborist demonstrates that you have all the skills and knowledge to properly care for trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants.
How Do I Get ISA Certified?
To become an ISA Certified Arborist, you must pass an exam and have three years of full-time experience in professional tree care. The exam covers topics like:
- Pruning
- Safe work practices
- Tree risk management
- Soil management
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Tree biology
- Identification and selection
- Urban Forestry
- Installation and Establishment
- Tree protection
- And more
How Do I Study for the Test?
If you’re interested in getting certified, Joseph Tree will help you study for the exam on the job. Sometimes the best way to study for the ISA exam is to apply your knowledge with hands-on experience. There are also plenty of online study resources you can use to make sure you’re ready:
Are There Any Other Certifications I Can Get?
Yes. The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) is another significant organization in the field of arboriculture. In addition to accrediting tree management companies for safety and adherence to arboriculture industry standards, the TCIA also offers a “Tree Care Academy” for individuals. You can become a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP) through the Tree Care Industry Association.
Contact Us Today to Learn More About Becoming an Arborist
Do you have more questions about Joseph Tree or arboriculture careers in general? Call (614) 313-8138 today to speak to a Joseph Tree team member. You can also fill out the contact form on our Contact Page or apply for the open positions on our Careers Page.