There are many arboriculture courses out there both online and offline and you can find some of them that are free.
Arboriculture is as old as man and it is a branch of agriculture that deals with trees and how they can be of benefit to us. Now as we look at the best arboriculture courses for you, let us define arboriculture and the benefits of studying arboriculture.
Table of Contents
What is Arboriculture?
Individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants are grown, managed, and studied in arboriculture. The study of these plants’ growth and reactions to environmental factors and cultural practices is known as arboriculture.
In the field of arboriculture, tasks like planting, transplanting, pruning, fertilizing, controlling pests and diseases with pesticides, cabling and bracing, filling cavities, identifying plants, diagnosing and treating tree ailments, arranging plantings for ornamental value, and removing trees are all part of the practice.
Arborists typically maintain individual woody plants and trees for long-term landscape and amenity reasons in gardens, parks, or other populated areas for the benefit, enjoyment, and protection of humans.
In contrast, the welfare of a big group of plants as a whole is the primary concern in fields like agriculture and silviculture that are related to this. Although arboricultural issues are seen as a part of urban forestry practice, the distinctions between the two are not distinct or discrete.
Arborists are experts in the field of arboriculture. They frequently take care of trees using their expertise in horticulture, soil science, and tree biology to preserve the tree’s health and structural integrity.
11 Benefits of Studying Arboriculture
There are several reasons why it’s crucial to study arboriculture, some of which include
- Maintaining the Health and Beauty of Trees
- Providing Ecosystem Services
- Improving Air Quality
- Preserving Habitats
- Aesthetic
- Reducing Energy Use
- Promoting Physical and Mental Health
- Enhancing Property Values
- Liability
- Conflict with Other Interests
- Environmental Impact
1. Maintaining the Health and Beauty of Trees
Arborists frequently care for trees using their expertise in horticulture and tree biology to preserve their health and structural integrity. This can increase a tree’s lifespan and improve its beauty, making them a more appealing element of suburban and urban environments.
2. Providing Ecosystem Services
Numerous ecosystem services, such as oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and the provision of habitat for species, are provided by trees. Arborists may assist in maintaining and improving these services, which can have a good effect on the environment, by providing proper tree care and management.
3. Improving Air Quality
By eliminating pollutants from the air through the process of photosynthesis, trees can contribute to bettering the quality of the air. This benefit can be maximized through proper tree care and management by arborists, which can be crucial in urban areas where air pollution is a major issue.
4. Preserving Habitats
Numerous animals and plant species can be found in woodlands. Insects, birds, deer, and other animals can find food and refuge in trees and plants. By ensuring that trees are healthy, arborists are also preserving species’ habitats.
5. Aesthetic
Nobody wants to stroll through a park or forest that is overrun with dead trees, overgrown bushes, and withered vegetation. When you go for a walk in your neighborhood park or woodland, you can thank arborists for the lovely scene because they ensure that the woods look great.
6. Reducing Energy Use
By providing insulation and shade, trees can lessen the need for heating and air conditioning in the winter and summer, respectively. Maximizing these advantages through expert tree care and management may help households and businesses save money on energy.
7. Promoting Physical and Mental Health
It has been demonstrated that trees and other green areas are good for both physical and mental health. Spending time in nature can help to lower stress, enhance mental health, and increase physical activity, according to studies. These advantages can be maintained and improved with the help of expert tree care and management.
8. Enhancing Property Values
Trees have a higher property value thanks to arborists. A property’s value and aesthetic appeal can both be improved by properly maintained trees. Studies show that properly managed trees can boost a property’s value by as much as 20%.
9. Liability
Studying arboriculture is essential because, without adequate care, trees can become a problem. With this knowledge, arborists can care for trees effectively, minimizing property damage by trees.
10. Conflict with Other Interests
The upkeep and management of trees may occasionally collide with other demands or interests. For instance, a tree may need to be cut down or pruned in a way that compromises part of its aesthetic value to make room for new construction.
These disputes can be challenging to settle, so it may be necessary to consult arborists who are knowledgeable about the tree’s effects and how to control the development without uprooting the tree.
11. Environmental Impact
The upkeep and maintenance of trees occasionally have unforeseen environmental effects. The removal of trees and the application of pesticides or fertilizers, for instance, may have detrimental effects on the ecosystem.
Arborists must take into account any potential environmental effects of their work and take precautions to lessen any unfavorable effects.
8 Best Arboriculture Courses for You
- Certificate in Arboriculture Co-op by Fleming College
- A.S. in Arboriculture and Community Forest Management by the University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Associate of Science in Arboriculture by the Peralta Community College District
- College Certificate in Urban Forestry – Arboriculture by Algonquin College
- New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Arboriculture) (Level 4) by Otago Polytechnic
- New Zealand Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 6) by Wintec
- Arboriculture and Urban Forestry HNC by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
- Arboriculture and Tree Management FdSc by University Centre Myerscough
1. Certificate in Arboriculture Co-op by Fleming College
This course lasts for three semesters and has an estimated domestic cost of $2931.32 per semester and an estimated foreign tuition of $9261.06 per semester.
The program offers theoretical knowledge for all aspects of urban tree care, as well as practical skills like safe tree climbing techniques, aerial rescue, pruning techniques, tree removal, power line clearing, and the operation and maintenance of relevant equipment.
As an arboriculture graduate, you’ll maintain and preserve trees and shrubs in the urban landscape and green spaces of our communities, providing cleaner air and much-needed “green” relief from the concrete jungle.
You will be able to recognize about 140 different tree and shrub species in both summer and winter weather, as well as diagnose and treat serious pests, disease, and tree diseases using the most up-to-date integrated management techniques to improve plant health.
You can take the Arborist and Utility Arborist exemption exams in the second semester to meet the requirements for the in-school element of these MAESD apprenticeships; your first attempt at writing these exams won’t cost you anything extra.
Students at Fleming College pick our program because of its standing in the arboriculture sector. Employers turn to our arboriculture program for graduates who have received quality training.
The School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences has a well-established reputation among companies and professional associations in the industry. The International Society of Arboriculture, Ontario Chapter presented the program with an Award of Merit in 2007 for “advancing the principles, ideas, and practice of Arboriculture in Ontario.”
A second certificate or diploma can often be obtained with just one or two more semesters of study through many of our programs. Utilize this exceptional opportunity to broaden your skill set and improve your job prospects.
Experience at Work
The entire Arboriculture program is practical; in addition to your classroom time, you’ll spend a lot of time outside working with trees and plants.
Between May and September, there is a required paid co-op semester.
- Students pay a co-op fee (about $558.00) in addition to their tuition and fees for the two semesters of study to cover the administrative costs of the co-op placement.
Pathway Options
Graduates of the arboriculture field have advanced standing to continue their education in the Urban Forestry Technician (UFT) program. They can start the program’s second semester in January. Here is the study period:
- December: completion of the Arboriculture program;
- January–April: second semester of the Urban Forestry Technician program
- Exempt from semesters three and four from May to August.
- September through December: semester 4 courses plus the addition of two courses from semester 1; January through April: semester 5 courses; April graduation.
Mature Students
You can take the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to see if you qualify for admission if you are 19 years or older before classes begin and do not have an OSSD.
2. A.S. in Arboriculture and Community Forest Management by the University of Massachusetts Amherst
The program in arboriculture and community forest management trains students for jobs in urban tree services, community forestry, and park management.
They study the theories and methods of planting trees, mechanical damage to trees, identifying and controlling insect pests that attack trees, fertilizing, pruning, repairing trees that have been damaged by storms or other events, removing unwanted or dead trees, and managing recreational property.
The 1,450-acre university campus acts as a training ground for real-world skills. The tree care industry organizations, the Massachusetts Tree Wardens, and the Massachusetts Arborists have all given their approval.
Students who enroll in the UMass Arboriculture and Community Forest Management program love being outside, using their hands and minds to create things, and improving the earth.
Students’ academic preparation helps them pass an exam for arborist certification. This program features outstanding employment options and a 100% job placement rate.
What You’ll Learn
A strong biological basis, as well as common sense and critical thinking abilities, are necessary for arboriculture. Students acquire the necessary skills and education in the following fields:
- Botany
- Tree and shrub identification
- Soil science
- Entomology
- Plant pathology
- Arboricultural Field Techniques and Safety
- Sustainable management
Criteria for International Students to Enter
First-year class entry is competitive and based upon passing all necessary high school courses at a level that meets the university’s admissions standards.
TOEFL: no subscores lower than 20; a minimum composite score of 80. Only the iBT Home Edition or the in-person version of the test are accepted by us. TOEFL MyBest scores are not accepted here.
IELTS: We will not accept paper IELTS test report forms. The minimum academic exam composite score is 6.5, with no subscore below 6.0.
A minimum aggregate score of 176 is required for Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency, with no subscore below 169.
Use the same email address that you used for the Common Application to take the Duolingo English Test (DET), where a minimum score of 105 is required.
English education: The entire secondary education (four years) is completed at a school that uses English as the main language of instruction and adheres to a British or American curriculum.
All international students have the option to submit an unscripted interview from a third party, while it is not necessary for admission.
3. Associate of Science in Arboriculture by the Peralta Community College District
The 41 units needed for the degree’s major are the same as those needed for the certificate program for tree climbers. For the Associate Degree in Arboriculture, students must also fulfill the 19–22 unit General Education requirements.
Students may earn credit for coursework taken at other institutions instead of having to finish General Education at Merritt College. Additionally, students may use courses from other institutions that are in the same major. The tuition fee is US$7,950.00 per year.
Course Titles
- LH1 or LH1E Introduction to Landscape Horticulture (Day w/lab) OR Introduction to Landscape Horticulture (Eve)
- LH10 Insects
- LH11 Plant Diseases
- LH13 or 13E Arboriculture
- LH16 Soil Management
- LH23 Plant Terminology
- LH26 Pruning
- LH80 Urban & Community Forestry
- LH81 Arborist Equipment Fundamentals
- LH82 Tree Health Care
Entry Requirements
For Students from Nigeria
Transcripts from the student’s high school or secondary school must be completed. The applicant must have an IELTS score of 6 or a TOEFL score of 61 ibt.
For International Students
The requirement for enrollment is a high school or secondary school diploma. The applicant’s TOEFL score must be 61 bit or 6 on the IELTS test.
4. College Certificate in Urban Forestry – Arboriculture by Algonquin College
With a profession in urban forestry, you can improve the environment, society, and economy. You receive a practical education while studying arboriculture science and developing tree care techniques in the one-year Urban Forestry – Arboriculture Ontario College Certificate program. Tuition fees are CAD$17,657.00 (US$ 13,073) per year.
You learn the abilities and information necessary for a variety of tree care services offered by qualified arborists, such as:
- Tree climbing
- Tree identification
- Tree pruning
- Tree removal
- Tree care
- Tree planting
- Identification of common tree wildlife
- Identification, diagnoses, and management of tree diseases
You’ll spend the majority of the program outside, in various weather conditions and altitudes. Working on actual trees will allow you to hone your climbing skills and gain proficiency with tools used by arborists, such as chainsaws, chippers, and basics for pruning.
Through theoretical, laboratory, and practical study, develop fundamental tree identification and safe tree climbing abilities. In classroom and lab settings, examine tree science and arboriculture practices, such as planting, pruning, and removal.
Participate in workplace simulations that accurately represent the challenges that arborists face daily.
Success Factors Students who enjoy working outside and being active are a good fit for this program.
- Are prepared to work in hazardous weather.
- Feel at ease working at heights more than 25M (80 ft).
- Are capable of carrying their weight.
- Enjoy dealing with plants like trees and shrubs.
- Perform well in a collaborative setting.
- You like fixing problems.
- Have effective communication abilities
Entry Requirements
For International Students
College Eligibility
- An equal to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). To determine an applicant’s eligibility for admission, a test will be administered; applicants with an OSSD demonstrating senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate
- Mature student status (19 years of age or older at the start of the program and without a high school certificate). Academic achievement assessment, which may be used to establish eligibility, will cost $50 (subject to change).
Program Qualifications
- English, grade of 60 percent or above in Grade 12 (ENG4C) or the equivalent.
- Candidates with international transcripts must show verification of the subject-specific standards listed above, and they may also need to show evidence of their language ability. Domestic applicants who have international transcripts must have them examined by the World Education Services (WES) or the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS).
- International English Language Testing System (Academic) 6.5 overall bands with a minimum of 6.0 in each band, OR 88 on the TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT), with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading: 22; Listening: 22; Speaking: 22; Writing: 22.
If there are more suitable applications than there are openings, candidates will be chosen based on how well they speak English.
5. New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Arboriculture) (Level 3) and New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Arboriculture) (Level 4) by Otago Polytechnic
Studying arboriculture, a specific area that involves pruning, felling, transplanting, and preserving the health of trees and shrubs, will help you become a tree surgeon.
Due to the various and thriving horticulture and allied businesses in New Zealand, which have seen steady growth in recent years, qualified and experienced arborists are in high demand both domestically and internationally.
You will gain knowledge of the “how” and “why” of doing arboriculture duties during this study, with a focus on practical instruction in parks and gardens near Dunedin. Field visits and job experience are crucial components of the curriculum that enable you to network with people already employed in this vibrant sector.
You will acquire the work-ready skills necessary to enter the arboriculture business through this Dunedin-based study. There are job openings in city or district council parks and gardens, private businesses, and contract climbing. If you’re motivated and get more experience, you might even choose opportunities in self-employment or consulting for tree care.
Both the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 3) (Arboriculture) and the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Level 4) (Arboriculture) will be awarded to program graduates.
Fitness for physical activity, organization and planning skills, good teamwork and communication skills, an excellent work ethic, and attention to detail are among the skills needed for this course.
You will typically spend three days a week receiving practical instruction and one day a week receiving theoretical instruction. Additionally, you will conduct an independent study on your own. Throughout your program, it is anticipated that you will take part in a four-week work experience. The tuition fee is NZ$27,843.00 (US$ 17,409) per year.
Entry Requirements
For International Students
Academic: NCEA Level 1 or equivalent
Candidates must possess the physical and mental capabilities necessary for working at heights and climbing trees. To verify a person’s eligibility to enroll in the program, a medical certificate may be required.
Special admission: In extraordinary cases, any applicant who does not meet the academic entry standards may be admitted to the program if they provide the program’s learning leader with proof of their aptitude for success.
The current Drug and Alcohol Policy for the Arboriculture Programme must be followed if you are admitted. Each student must complete the National Adult Literacy and Numeracy Assessment instrument both when they start their program and when it is over.
IELTS: General or academic score of 5.5 with no band lower than 5, TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) score of 500 (with an essay score of 4 TWE), TOEFL internet-based test (IBT) score of 35 (with a writing score of 20); FCE or FCE for schools obtaining a score of 154 on the Cambridge English examination.
in all subtests, no less than 154 in each skill OET at Grade C; 36 on the PToE (Academic) version of the Pearson Test of English; City & Guilds IESOL B1 Communicator with a score of 43; Language Certificate: B1 Communicator IESOL (LRWS) with PASS.
6. New Zealand Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 6) by Wintec
For students to progress their project work skills into more specific areas and to improve their process, contract, and independent assessment skills, this degree offers additional project work.
Through job integration, students can fully immerse themselves in the workplace while obtaining useful interpersonal skills and guidance from working professionals.
As the students’ entryway into the arboriculture profession, tutors take on the role of facilitators, challenging students’ cognitive processes and fostering their ideas.
Students will acquire an extensive understanding of tree health and management, and for the sake of making planning and development decisions, they will be regarded as experts in urban forest management. The tuition fee is NZ$25,000.00 (US$ 15,632) per year.
Entry Requirements
For International Students
Based on a post-secondary education that was done after school
Arboriculture Operations (Level 5) has been completed, or an accepted equivalent.
Depending on your employment history (on the job)
You will have a better chance of succeeding in the program if you can show that you have acquired the necessary knowledge, abilities, and experience through job experience.
Language Requirements in English
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores of 6 in the academic band, with no individual band score lower than 5.5, are required of applicants who speak English as a second language; or
- 60 on the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test), with a writing score of 18.
- 550 on the TOEFL Paper-based Test (PBT), with a 5 TWE on the essay.
- A score of 50 on the Pearson Test of English (Academic), with no bands scoring lower than 42.
7. Arboriculture and Urban Forestry HNC by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
You can manage trees and forests in urban settings, such as towns and parks, with the help of the HNC Arboriculture and Urban Forestry.
You will be taught by teachers and professionals with extensive knowledge in all facets of forestry at the Scottish School of Forestry, a division of Inverness College UHI, where you will pursue your studies. The tuition fees is £7,980.00 (US$ 9,914) per year
Special Attributes
- You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your personal and professional needs at the Scottish School of Forestry, a division of Inverness College UHI.
- You will get the knowledge and expertise required to work as a supervisor or independent contractor in the fields of urban forestry and arboriculture.
What can I do on completion of my course?
After completing your degree, you could want to think about a profession in arboriculture or urban forestry, like:
- Tree surgeon
- Tree officer
- Gardener
- Contractor
- Work with a community woodland
8. Arboriculture and Tree Management FdSc by University Centre Myerscough
The University of Central Lancashire awards the course, which is taught at University Centre Myerscough. It is fulfilling and fascinating to work in the field of arboriculture, which is the science and practice of planting and caring for trees.
This course is for you if you wish to advance into tree survey and inspection, start your firm, or assume a managerial role and are interested in becoming an arboriculturalist or already work in the field.
This course incorporates elements of science and technology to make sure you have the know-how needed for management-level work.
You will learn how to survey and examine trees, identify deterioration, and incorporate concepts from soil science and tree biology into tree care and management plans.
To tackle the issue of planting trees in urban areas, a focus is also placed on tree production and establishment practices, highlighting a variety of novel, cutting-edge, and cutting-edge procedures.
Additionally discussed are tree law, tree protection, safe work practices, and the social, environmental, economic, and aesthetic advantages of trees. You can hone your abilities in business and entrepreneurship or research methods and data analysis thanks to a variety of elective modules.
The Foundation Degree in Arboriculture and Tree Management includes a significant portion of the development of work-related practical skills and experiences. Important components of the course include a vocational skills module and the chance to investigate the arboriculture sector.
Real-world examples are provided in several modules so that you can put your knowledge to use. You will have good opportunities for networking within the sector to get you started on the path to a career in arboriculture and tree management through visiting speakers and excursions to locations, companies, and nurseries.
This course is made to guarantee that numerous assessment kinds are used, many of which directly reference materials and procedures used in the business. Technical reports, portfolios, exams, individual presentations, laboratory/practical reports, research posters, and extended project work will all be used as assessment tools.
Study Options
Full-time (2 years) physical learning and £14,500.00 (US$ 18,013) per year Online/Distance (3 years) is £1,250.00 (US$ 1,553) Module.
Conclusion
If you have gone through these arboriculture degree programs, you will have known that these programs are sufficient to make you confident entering the field as an arborist. However, it would still be better if you add to your degree professional certifications to increase your proficiency.
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A passion-driven environmentalist by heart. Lead content writer at EnvironmentGo.
I strive to educate the public about the environment and its problems.
It has always been about nature, we ought to protect not destroy.