All Job Categories
Tree surgeon
Tree climber, arborist
Tree surgeons work in towns and the countryside, assessing tree health, removing branches, planting new stock and felling unsafe trees.
Average salary (a year)
£21000
Starter
£34000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
41.0 to 43.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
weekends
at short notice
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role
University
You can study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in
forestry, arboriculture, countryside management, forest management, woodland ecology and conservation
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You could do a college course to get some of the skills and knowledge you need as a tree surgeon.
Relevant subjects include
Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture, Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture, T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could begin your career by doing an apprenticeship.
For example
Arborist Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, Forest Craftsperson Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These usually take a minimum of 2 years to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You may be able to start as a forest labourer or groundworker, helping a qualified tree surgeon. You could then complete further training on the job in the use of chainsaws, ropes, ladders and harnesses.
These types of courses are offered by private training providers and further education colleges.
Volunteering
You might find it useful to get some experience of tree work before applying for jobs.
You can contact organisations like The Tree Council, Forestry England and the Woodland Trust about volunteering opportunities.
More Information
Professional And Industry Bodies
You can join the The Arboricultural Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further Information
You can find more details about working with trees through The Arboricultural Association and the Royal Forestry Society.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    The ability to work well with others
    Concentration skills
    The ability to work well with your hands
    Knowledge of public safety and security
    The ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
    Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Other Requirements
You may need a driving licence and access to a vehicle to travel to jobs.
Related Restrictions
be able to cope with working at height
have a Certificate of Competence, if you carry out hazardous tasks using a chainsaw
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As a tree surgeon, you'll
identify hazards caused by trees, climb trees to cut back or remove branches, cut down and remove trees and stumps, plant trees and assess their health, work with clients to produce tree survey reports
Working environment
You could work in parks and gardens, on the streets, in woodland or on rail tracks.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, at height, dusty and physically demanding.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience you could
become a supervisor or manager, train to be an arboricultural officer, start your own business, move into recreational tree climbing and take people into treetops as an outdoor activity
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
Powered by
Claim your school or college profile