Being an arborist involves the cultivation, management and study of all kinds of trees. Many people work to take care of trees, to climb, prune and remove branches, or the whole tree where necessary. They tend to have a vast knowledge of the different diseases and issues that might afflict your garden and any plants on your property, a doctor of sorts striving to keep each tree healthy.
If you are considering becoming an arborist, here are a few frequently asked questions to help you decide if it is something you might want to do yourself, and why it is such an important job.
Is being an arborist a good career?
Being an arborist is essentially being a tree doctor, caring for, shaping, and maintaining trees for individuals or companies alike. It is absolutely a good career as you are helping both the people and flora on the planet at the same time.
Trees are essential to our way of life. They provide oxygen, shelter and shade from the sun, they brighten up our streets, provide us with fruit to eat, and hold up our swings and tree houses. A healthy and well-looked-after tree is a fantastic addition to any garden or land.
However, if it starts to become ill, a sick tree can infect others around it, can become rotten and unstable, and is a danger to you and others. They can become a home for pests that you really don’t want moving in on your land, such as termites, beetles and moths.
You may also find that your tree is posing a danger in other ways. If left untended, trees can grow too large and in certain weather conditions can threaten to fall on power lines and even your home. If your tree is sick, and in need of care, an arborist is who you should call.
While there is no shortage of trees, there will always be a need for qualified tree doctors to take care of them. Experienced and reputable companies like A B Trees in Perth hire the best arborists to fell or heal trees and help keep your garden safe and looking beautiful.
Is being an arborist a difficult job?
There are many tricky aspects to being an arborist, and it is absolutely not something you should try out for yourself without the proper training and instruction. It is a very physical job, requiring you to be able to work in all kinds of conditions. You have to have strength, agility, and the ability to work at great heights.
Those who enjoy working outside and in challenging conditions would find this a less difficult job than those that prefer working in an office, so whether it is the right job for you depends very much on the sort of worker that you are.
The training to begin your journey to become an arborist can be the most difficult part for those not used to working at great heights, with the tools you need, and doing jobs that you haven’t done before. If you are working with professionals who can guide you and ease your way then it will be a lot easier than if you try and get by without the right help.
At the start of your career, you have to be very fit, strong and hands-on with your work. Working with trees requires a lot of arm strength, and core muscles, and often spending a lot of time in strange positions.
You also have to use your brain. Being an arborist demands quick thinking, experience and knowledge of trees and what can be wrong with them. If you are not sure you have the physical skills, the ability to work with heights, and the desire to learn more and more as you go along, then being an arborist may be a little too difficult for you.
Where do arborists make the most money?
Exactly how much an arborist gets paid depends on where they are working, what skills and knowledge they have, and the kind of work they will be put to. If an arborist is simply asked to look over an area, and perhaps make some recommendations for future care, they may charge less than those that carry out the actions.
Now we will take a look at how much arborists earn in many countries around the world to get a better understanding of the range of pay.
How much do arborists get paid in the UK?
In the UK the average yearly wage for an arborist is £30,259. While this is slightly less than the national average salary, it is a stand-out industry and the salary is actually increasing at 7.5% each year while many others remain the same.
How much do arborists get paid in Australia?
In Australia, the average salary for an arborist is AU$59,743, which is around 15% lower than the national average salary.
How much do arborists make in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, there is a sliding scale with new arborists receiving minimum wage, and this amount increases along with years of experience. Yearly, arborists can earn between NZ$45,000 and $68,000.
How much do arborists get paid in the USA?
In the United States of America, the number is around $41,881, though there is a large difference in pay depending on which state you are in. California has the highest wages at $54,109.
How much do arborists make in Canada?
Canada is one of the best places in the world to work as an arborist with an average salary of $60,317 per year. Perhaps this is unsurprising when you think of Canada and its beautiful forests of trees.
Final thoughts
All in all, arborists earn a reasonably similar wage wherever they work around the world. It is a tough job, requiring plenty of skill, bravery, and hard work, but it is definitely a fantastic job that needs to be done.
If you think your trees might be diseased or need tending to, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified arborist today
