Is being a tree arborist hard?
Is being a tree arborist hard?
If you’re considering becoming a tree arborist, it is probably because you are intrigued by the prospect of getting paid and spending every day in nature. However, being an arborist is not a job for everyone. Arborists must be able to work at great heights, have a high level of physical endurance, be comfortable climbing trees and vertical ladders, and have precision with tools. But if you think these are the only things you need to become an arborist - think again! Working as an arborist is hard work! You will spend your days crawling through heavy brush, dangling from branches over ravines or walking along cliff edges. It’s not something that everyone can do - here’s why...
What does a tree arborist do?
A tree arborist is a person who climbs trees to perform various tasks, such as pruning, planting, cabling and harvesting. Although the terms “arborist” and “tree trimmer” are often used interchangeably, most arborists have a wide variety of skills in addition to tree trimming, such as tree identification, disease and decay diagnosis, and project management. The requirements for becoming an arborist vary by employer and location, but most employers require that their arborists have at least a high school education and be able to pass a physical fitness test that shows they are able to work at great heights.
Physical requirements of being an arborist
In order to be a successful arborist, you need to be in good physical shape. As an arborist, you will be working in all types of weather, so you need to be prepared to be outside in the heat of summer or the bitter cold of winter. You will be lugging around heavy tree climbing gear, climbing trees, ladders and other types of equipment, so you need to be strong and fit. You will also need to be comfortable working at great heights and be able to lift heavy objects. If you can’t go up a ladder without feeling nervous, then tree work may not be the job for you. Depending on which type of arborist you become, you may spend a lot of time kneeling in heavy brush, crawling on your belly or slithering under barbed wire. You may need to be able to squeeze through tight spaces and work in cramped conditions - and all the while be able to keep your cool.
Why is being a tree arborist so hard?
As we discussed above, being a tree arborist requires a high level of physical fitness and strength. However, there are other challenges that come with being a tree arborist - and some of these will definitely challenge even the most physically fit person. The job can be both mentally and emotionally demanding, and arborists are exposed to many dangers and stresses in the field. - Working conditions are often very bad. Arborists work in all types of weather conditions, sometimes with inadequate protection against the weather. - Arborists often work long hours, including weekends and holidays. Working long hours can be physically and mentally demanding and can lead to fatigue. - Arborists work in remote areas, which can make it hard to get emergency medical aid in case of injury. - Arborists work in high places, which can be psychologically demanding because of the risk of falling. - Arborists often work with people who are suffering from depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
Tips for becoming a tree arborist
If you are thinking about becoming an arborist, make sure you have a good understanding of what the job entails. Talk to arborists in your area or read arborist blogs to get an idea of what the job is like. Research the qualifications and skills needed to become a tree arborist in your area. Many cities have arborist associations that can provide information about requirements. Carefully consider your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to arborist qualifications. Do you have the physical strength required for the job? Are you comfortable working at great heights? Consider the benefits and drawbacks of different types of tree arborist jobs. For example, you can work as a private arborist, in a public works department, or for an arborist certification organization.
Conclusion
Being a tree arborist is a physically demanding job that requires a high level of endurance, strength and a good amount of fearlessness. You will spend most days climbing trees to prune branches, moving heavy equipment, and working in bad weather conditions. However, if you love being surrounded by nature and find comfort in heights, then there is no better job out there than being an arborist. It is a job that few people are able to do and a job that will bring you closer to nature. Being a tree arborist is hard work, but for those who do it, it is rewarding in every sense of the word!









