How to Become a Tree Surgeon

Arboriculture is a great career choice for people who enjoy being outdoors and who have a genuine interest in trees. As a tree surgeon, you’ll be protecting, maintaining and nurturing trees and shrubs – not just chopping them down.  You will be handling heavy-duty machinery, will need to have a good head for heights and be happy working outside in all weather conditions.

Think you’ve got what it takes? This article will explain everything you need to know about getting started, including how you can train with Artemis Tree Services through our Academy.

What are the responsibilities of a tree surgeon?

Before you apply to become a tree surgeon, you need to make sure you’re up for the job. Tree surgeons offer a wide range of services, meaning day-to-day tasks can vary dramatically. 

Here are just a few of the responsibilities of a tree surgeon:

  • Inspection and surveys of trees and surrounding areas
  • Carrying out health assessments on trees
  • Trimming and pruning trees, hedges and shrubs
  • Felling and removing trees
  • Grinding out stumps
  • Competent use of machinery
  • Site clearance and tidying

You will need to have a good basic level of fitness, be excellent at working as part of a team and be able to follow procedures. 

Do you need qualifications to become an Arborist?

Tree surgery can be a dangerous job and requires training to ensure you can perform your job safely. 

Your first step to becoming a tree surgeon will be to attain the initial basic qualifications to allow you to work as a groundsman and gain important experience working on the ground assisting a climber. You can then progress and complete further training to become a fully qualified climber. You can do this by taking a relevant university or college qualification or enrolling on an apprenticeship.

Some courses you might choose to take at a college or university include:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture
  • Level 2 Work-based Trees and Timber
  • Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture

Apprenticeships are often a great choice, as they allow you to take an NVQ qualification during your placement. You’ll learn on the job and gain valuable qualifications along the way. 

The Artemis Academy offers a 2-year apprenticeship scheme that has been carefully crafted to generate some of the best newly qualified arborists in the business.

With the Artemis Academy you’ll get:

  • A real job with a salary
  • Hands-on experience
  • An experienced workplace mentor
  • Full qualification on completion
  • Transferable skills that open up long-term career prospects
  • Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture

What qualities do you need to succeed?

Not everyone is suited to being a tree surgeon. Ideally, you’ll need these qualities to succeed in the role:

  • Attention to detail
  • Good team player 
  • Calm in stressful situations
  • Willing to adjust your work schedule as necessary
  • Basic level of strength and overall fitness
  • Able to follow instructions from a team leader
  • Adaptable and keen to take on whatever a job requires, large or small
  • Good communication skills for coordinating with team members and liaising with clients
  • Awareness of health and safety issues
  • Good with machinery
  • Patient and polite with the general public

Are you interested in becoming a tree surgeon? Come along for a trial to see if being an arborist is for you before you sign up for the Artemis Academy and see just how high you can climb. Everything you need to jumpstart your career is available as part of the apprenticeship. 

Fill out the application form here to get started. Or get in touch with the Artemis Tree Services team for more information.

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586 reviews

Excellent

Michael Quy

A prompt professional team. I have used Artemis before and recommend them highly....

1 day ago

Gordon Trievnor

Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Arte... Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Artemis. Highly recommended.

2 weeks ago

Keith

Very efficient customer service. Did the job when they said they would. Met all our expectations. Would recommend....

1 month ago

Francis Xavier Emmanuel

This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see th... This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see the two young lads genuinely enjoying their work! 57 Bow Lane, Finchley, N12 0JL.

1 month ago

Enthusiastic of Eastcote

My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and i... My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and industrious manner. These young men were friendly and helpful, completing the job to our exact requirements, and tidying up thoroughly afterwards. In addition, they approached their work in full compliance with health and safety regulations. All in all, they were splendid ambassadors for their company!

2 months ago

Mrs S. Beattie

This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the pri... This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the price is fair. I wouldn't use anyone else.

2 months ago

Anonymous

We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly pr... We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly priced. If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable tree services look no further!

2 months ago

Derek Welch, Chalfont St Peter

Very professional, work hard, friendly and cooperative. Very highly recommended - they know what they are doing!...

2 months ago

Peter

Always friendly helpful staff, very knowledgable, prune/trim trees very well leaving a good shape and tidy up afterwards....

3 months ago

M Pearce

Polite, efficient, helpful - highly reccomended...

4 months ago

Brian (Pinner)

Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.... Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.

4 months ago

Michelle Hyer

Excellent service, tidy, efficient, on-time and someone at the end of the phone for queries! I would highly recemmend x...

5 months ago

Barbara M Grant, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis con... Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis continues to uphold and deliver the professional status of this important skill. They offer a a high quality service from the very first contact through to delivery of a clean and crafted conclusion. I have no hesitation in recommending their outstanding service. Many thanks to all involved.

6 months ago

Blake Lewis

The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.... The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.

6 months ago

Jo

Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the ar... Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the area tidy. Work carried out: Removal of deadwood

8 months ago

Savas Sivetidis

Good service all round, polite and efficient....

9 months ago

Declan McManus

Efficient, tidy and courteous service - I have used Artemis on a number of occasions and cannot think of any reason to change....

10 months ago

Gaby

Excellent service with polite considerate operators...

10 months ago

Anonymous

very professional, knowledgeable company. where able to provide advice and options as to needed to be done. Clean, tidy and polite...

10 months ago

John

Very professional We have used them a few times and would not go anywhere else...

10 months ago

Francis Emmanuel

This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with ... This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with what was suitable, scheduling of the work, the tree work itself, the disposal of the felled tree and invoicing. Very pleasant, smart, tidy and courteous.

10 months ago