Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Assess, manage, and maintain trees in urban and rural environments — carrying out pruning, felling, and specialist work that requires physical ability, technical skill, and ecological knowledge.
Canonical page: /careers/arboristHigh
Moderate
2–3 years via apprenticeship or college; NPTC certifications required for chainsaw and aerial work
What you do
Arborists manage trees in gardens, parks, streets, woodlands, and on construction sites. Work includes crown lifting and reduction pruning, tree removal and dismantling in confined spaces, stump grinding, planting, and writing tree survey reports. Specialist aerial work using ropes and harnesses (often called tree surgery) requires significant physical strength and composure at height. Many arborists carry out tree risk assessments and consultancy for local authorities, developers, and private clients.
Why this career is resilient
Tree management is entirely site-specific and physically demanding — the judgement required to safely dismantle a large tree in a residential garden is not replicable by machines beyond basic equipment. Climate change is increasing tree stress and storm damage, creating sustained demand. A Level 3 qualification and NPTC chainsaw certificates are essential for most roles, creating barriers to entry that support career stability.
Routes in
Apprenticeship
Earn while you learn: work with an employer and study part-time, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. Typically funded by the government and your employer.
Duration: 1–4 years depending on tradeFull-time college course
Study full-time at a further education college, usually for 1–2 years. You will need to fund yourself or apply for a student loan (available for Level 4+ courses).
Duration: 1–2 yearsExplore more EverCraft careers
Find more hands-on trades and crafts with real training routes.