How to Be Arborist/Climber - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 30, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Climbing trees as an arborist can be a dangerous job, requiring special safety precautions to be taken. If proper safety equipment is not used, climbers can face serious injuries, including broken bones and even death. The use of ropes, harnesses and other climbing equipment can help protect climbers from falls and other potential risks.

Furthermore, the use of proper technique when climbing is also essential to ensuring a safe work environment. Proper training on tree climbing can help arborists learn the proper techniques for safely working in a high-risk environment, and can help them avoid accidents and injuries. investing in the proper safety equipment, taking the necessary safety precautions, and training on the proper tree climbing technique can help arborists protect themselves while working at heights.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer to hire Arborists/Climbers with a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain training or certification in Arboriculture. Training in Arboriculture is available from a variety of sources including technical schools, community colleges, and universities.
Gain experience in the field. Most employers require Arborists/Climbers to have at least one year of experience in the field.
Obtain certification as an Arborist/Climber from a professional organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This certification is recognized by employers and demonstrates a commitment to professional standards and knowledge of the industry.
Obtain a commercial drivers license (CDL) if required by the employer. Many employers require Arborists/Climbers to have a CDL in order to drive large trucks or heavy equipment to job sites.
Obtain additional certifications such as First Aid/CPR, Certified Tree Worker, or Certified Utility Specialist (CUS). These certifications demonstrate a commitment to safety and professionalism and may be required by some employers.
Stay current on industry trends and developments by reading trade publications and attending conferences and seminars.

Climbing and arboriculture require a high level of skill, physical fitness, and knowledge. To become an ideal and competent arborist or climber, one must develop specialized skills and knowledge in the areas of safely climbing trees, pruning and removal techniques, tree identification and health, and the use of specialized tools. they must also have strong physical abilities such as good balance, a strong core, and good upper body strength.

Once these skills and abilities are developed, they must be regularly practiced and maintained in order to ensure safety and competence in the field. By maintaining these skills, arborists and climbers can ensure that they are providing quality tree care services and protecting their clients property.

You may want to check Roof Climber, Rock Climber, and Ladder Climber for alternative.

Job Description

Inspect trees for health and safety hazards, such as decay, disease, or pest infestations.
Prune trees to improve their health and appearance.
Remove dead or dangerous branches.
Cut down trees using chainsaws and other tools, if necessary.
Secure tree limbs and branches to prevent them from falling and causing damage.
Rig and establish climbing systems on trees for safe access and use of power equipment.
Perform routine maintenance and repair of climbing gear, rigging equipment, and power tools.
Install cabling and bracing to support weak branches or trees that are in danger of falling.
Assist in the installation of lightning protection systems.
Set up and operate aerial lift trucks and other vehicles used to access trees and provide support during trimming or removal activities.
Dispose of tree debris according to local regulations.
Provide emergency tree removal services in the event of storms, floods, or other disasters.
Work with the arborist team to develop plans for tree maintenance and care.
Train and supervise other employees or volunteers in the use of climbing and rigging equipment.
Provide advice to homeowners, utility companies, and other organizations regarding the care and removal of trees.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of proper pruning techniques
Ability to identify and care for a variety of tree species
Knowledge of safety procedures for climbing and working with large trees
Understanding of local, state and federal regulations governing tree care
Ability to use and maintain a variety of tools and equipment related to arboriculture
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Ability to read and interpret maps, diagrams, drawings and other documents related to tree care
Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute complex tree-related projects
Ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other members of the public
Understanding of basic business principles and customer service
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Physical strength and agility to climb, lift, and maneuver heavy objects
Ability to work in adverse weather conditions
Knowledge of first-aid procedures and safety protocols

Being an arborist/climber requires a wide range of skills, the most important of which is safety. It is essential for arborists/climbers to know how to safely secure themselves to the tree and properly use climbing equipment, such as ropes, harnesses, and carabiners. They also need to be familiar with the various techniques of pruning, trimming and removal to ensure the health of the tree.

Furthermore, they need to be able to identify different types of plants and trees, their growth patterns, and potential risks associated with them. Finally, they must have the physical strength and agility to climb and work in the trees. All these skills are necessary for arborists/climbers to perform their job safely and effectively.

If any of these skills are lacking, then it could lead to serious accidents or even death.

Rope Climber, Rope Access Climber, and Utility Pole Climber are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as an arborist/climber?
How do you handle working with large and/or hazardous trees?
Describe a challenging pruning project you have completed.
What type of equipment do you use to trim and prune trees?
What safety measures do you take when working in a tree?
How do you identify potential hazards or risks when climbing or operating equipment in the tree?
Describe your experience with tree removal.
How do you evaluate a trees structural integrity before attempting to climb it?
How do you approach working with a customer to discuss their tree needs?
What methods do you use to reduce tree stress and improve health?

Common Tools in Industry

Climbing Harness. Safety apparatus worn by tree climbers to support themselves while ascending and descending a tree. (eg: Petzl Harness)
Throw Line. A lightweight rope with a weight attached to one end used to throw a line over a branch in order to set up a climbing system. (eg: Teufelberger Throw Line)
Pruner. A tool used to trim or cut branches of a tree. (eg: Fiskars Pruner)
Chainsaw. A power tool used to cut through thick tree branches and trunks. (eg: Husqvarna Chainsaw)
Rope Saw. A tool used to cut through branches from the ground using a two-handed sawing motion. (eg: Edelrid Rope Saw)
Chipper. A machine used to chip away at larger branches and reduce them into mulch. (eg: Vermeer Chipper)
Rigging Block. A pulley system used to redirect the pull of a rope to lift or lower heavy branches. (eg: DMM Rigging Block)
Helmet. A safety device worn to protect the head from falling debris or other potential hazards. (eg: Petzl Vertex Helmet)
Flipline. A short length of rope with a handle used to keep the climber safely in place while ascending or descending a tree. (eg: Edelrid Flipline)
Pole Saw. A long pole with a saw blade on one end used to reach higher branches from the ground. (eg: Silky Pole Saw)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)
Tree Care Professionals Network (TCPN)
Arboricultural Association (AA)
Professional Climbers Association (PCA)
American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)
National Arborist Association (NAA)
Tree Work Now (TWN)
The Association of Commercial Arborists (ACA)
American Tree Climbing Association (ATCA)

We also have Tower Climber, Ice Climber, and Building Climber jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pruning. The process of removing or trimming dead, damaged, or diseased branches from a tree.
Tree Removal. The process of removing an entire tree from a given area.
Stump Grinding. The process of grinding down or removing the stump of a tree that has been removed.
Tree Support Systems. A system of cables, braces, and other materials used to support a tree, preventing it from falling over or splitting in extreme weather.
Aerial Lift. A device used to elevate a worker to a higher level when working on a tree canopy.
Arborist. A professional who is knowledgeable in the care and maintenance of trees.
Climber. A person who specializes in the safe and efficient climbing of trees to perform various tasks such as pruning and removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do you need to become an arborist/climber?

To become an arborist/climber, you must typically have a minimum of two years of experience in tree-climbing and a minimum of three years of experience in arboriculture or forestry. Additionally, certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or other related organizations may be required to work in certain areas.

What type of equipment do arborists/climbers need?

Arborists/climbers typically need a variety of specialized equipment such as climbing harnesses, rope, carabiners, lanyards, pulleys, chain saws, pruners, and pruning shears.

How often should an arborist/climber inspect trees?

Arborists/climbers should inspect trees at least twice a year as part of a comprehensive tree care program. During inspections, they should look for signs of disease or decay, structural weaknesses, insect damage, and other potential hazards.

What safety precautions should arborists/climbers take when working in a tree?

Arborists/climbers should always use the proper safety equipment such as harnesses, helmets, gloves, and eye protection when working in a tree. They should also be aware of their surroundings and any potential hazards such as power lines, unstable branches, and hazardous weather conditions.

What is the average salary for an arborist/climber?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for an arborist/climber is $37,860 as of May 2020. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.