It will come as no surprise that tree surgeons work on trees. They plant, care, maintain and assess the tree for hazards. On a daily basis, you could be climbing, chopping, surveying trees for your job. You can learn about tree health and treatment and how to service specialist tree equipment, like chainsaws. You will chip and cut branches, grind stumps, plant vegetation and identify hazardous trees. Tree surgeons carry out all kinds of tasks, and they get to do it in the great outdoors.
Follow this quick guide to become a tree surgeon.
Start training
You can become a tree surgeon through numerous education routes. You could go to university, start an apprenticeship or gain experience through relevant work. You could study forestry, countryside management, woodland ecology or arboriculture. Equally, you could do a college course to learn about trees, timber and forestry. Find the right training route for you, and learn as much as possible. Your education forms the foundation for your potential career as a tree surgeon.
Skills
You need a strong set of personal skills to succeed as a tree surgeon. You need to be physically capable of climbing trees and carrying heavy items. You need to work well with your hands and be able to repair and maintain machines. You also need to communicate with others and have the patience to remain calm in hazardous situations. Health and safety should always be prioritised on site. You can develop these skills as you learn and work with different surgeons in the industry. Everyone has to start somewhere, right?
Earning potential
On average, a tree surgeon earns between £16,000 and £25,000 in the UK. A junior tree surgeon will often start on £16,000 and gradually earn more as they become more experienced. After a few years, you could extend into other areas of the forestry and agriculture sector. Or, you could start your own tree surgery business and train new surgeons. You can go from working for someone to running your own company.
Tools and equipment
High-quality tools and machinery are needed to do the job. If you start your own business, you will need your own collection of tools, such as an SDS plug drill, power saw and axes. Equipment can be expensive, and you need to invest in high-quality models. Once you have started your collection, make sure to clean and maintain it thoroughly after every use. Your power tools will last for much longer when they have been properly maintained.
You can start a career in tree surgery – whether you have just finished high school or your 20-year career in corporate law. Tree surgery is a fantastic opportunity to learn something new and work in the great outdoors.