If you loved climbing trees as a kid and consider yourself an outdoor adventurer, a career as an arborist may be right for you.
Of course, arboriculture is in my blood. I am a third generation arborist at American Tree Experts in New Berlin. I went to college to earn a bachelor’s degree in Urban Forestry and Business Administration at UW-Stevens Point, one of the best schools in the state to learn the industry.
But, even if you didn’t grow up in the profession, think about this: as an arborist you will have fun on the job and get paid to do it. The job involves climbing trees, so I can tell you the view from the top of the branches is incredible. Where else can you truly enjoy the outdoors, stay in great physical shape from climbing and walking around properties all day, and help the environment by offering sound advice on proper tree care? No boring cubicles here.
If you need additional evidence, check out the March issue of Backpacker magazine, which named professional arborists one of the “Best Jobs in the Outdoors.” The demand for arborists is growing because more communities are realizing the value of trees and “greening up” their city spaces. Skilled and trained tree experts are needed to prune and care for those trees in the safest manner possible.
As an arborist, there are ways to improve and challenge yourself on the job. I earned and maintain my ISA Certified Arborist® title. Many commercial tree care companies, municipalities and utilities seek to hire someone with an ISA credential.
Not only can an ISA Certified Arborist® enjoy a higher income, but more customers are recognizing the value of certification and asking for it. Developers and landscape architects also write specifications for an ISA Certified Arborist® to complete a job, and an ISA Certified Arborist® is even required in many municipal, state and federal contracts.
So what are you waiting for? Come and join me in the trees. Have a question? Reach out to me, deanz@atetreecare.com.
