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Career Area: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Apprenticeship
Program Number: 50-001-0
Credit Program
Most credit programs are eligible for financial aid, while most non-credit certificates provide valuable work-related skills on a short timeline. Check with the college offering the program to determine if it is eligible for financial aid.
Arborist in tree with mask

Arborists are knowledgeable about trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to property.

Details and Requirements

Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work and should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees. Certified arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care.

Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, arborists ascend trees, cut away dead or excess branches and lower them to the ground, and spray trees and shrubs to prevent common pests and diseases.

Apprenticeship Information

Arborists work outdoors in all kinds of weather. The work is physically demanding and requires dangerous equipment such as chainsaws. Moreover, the work is often performed at heights, so arborists use fall-protection gear in addition to personal protective equipment.

Arborists strongly emphasize safety measures, because their duties have led to an occupational injury rate that is above the national average.

Wisconsin Technical College Arborist Apprenticeship Programs