Most people have heard of arborists, but few know what they actually do or what the different levels are. Arborists are professionals who work with trees, and they come in many different shapes and sizes. In this blog post, we will explore the different levels of arborists and what they entail. From tree surgeons to groundskeepers and more, read on to learn about the many different types of arborists and what they do.
The Different Levels of an Arborist
An arborist is someone who is trained and experienced in the care of trees. There are different levels of an arborist, based on their training and experience. Here are the different levels of an arborist:
-Level 1: This is the entry-level position for an arborist. They have completed a basic training program and have some experience working with trees.
-Level 2: This is the next level up from Level 1. Arborists at this level have completed a more advanced training program and have more experience working with trees.
-Level 3-5: This is the higher level of an arborist with a professional degree and training. They have extensive training and experience in all aspects of tree care, including tree removal, pruning, and stump grinding.
Types Of Arborists
There are three main types of arborists: residential, commercial, and municipal.
Residential arborists are those who work on private property, such as in people’s yards or gardens. They may also work in parks or other public spaces, but their primary focus is on private property.
Commercial arborists are those who work for businesses, such as landscaping companies or tree removal services. Municipal arborists are those who work for government entities, such as cities or counties.
Each type of arborist has different training and experience requirements. Residential arborists may only need a high school diploma, while commercial and municipal arborists may need to have a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field.
Arborists may also become certified by completing a training program and passing an exam.
The Training and Certification Required for Each Level
There are generally three levels of arborist certification: entry, journeyman, and master. Certification at each level requires the completion of a certain amount of training and passing an exam.
Entry-level arborists typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a short training program, which may be offered by their employer. They must also pass an exam administered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Journeyman arborists usually have several years of experience working in the field and completing additional training, beyond what is required for entry-level certification. They must also pass a more difficult ISA exam.
Master arborists have extensive experience and training in all aspects of arboriculture. They must pass a rigorous ISA exam and meet other requirements set forth by the ISA.
The Duties and Responsibilities of Each Level
Each level of an arborist has different duties and responsibilities.
The entry-level is the ground worker. They are responsible for all the manual labor tasks associated with tree care, such as planting, watering, pruning, and removal.
The next level up is the climber. Climbers are responsible for using ropes and other equipment to access trees that need to be pruned or removed. They also provide support to ground workers when necessary.
The final level is the supervisor. Supervisors are responsible for planning and coordinating tree care operations, as well as training and supervising ground workers and climbers. They also develop relationships with clients and handle customer service inquiries.
The Salary Range for Each Level
The salary range for each level of an arborist is as follows:
– Apprentice: $15,000 – $30,000
– Journeyman: $30,000 – $50,000
– Master: $50,000 – $70,000
– Grand Master: $70,000 – $100,000
What Is a Level 1 Arborist?
A level 1 arborist is the most entry-level position in the arborist field. Individuals in this position are responsible for tasks such as tree trimming, pruning, and other general tree maintenance tasks. This position does not require as much training or experience as higher-level positions, making it a good entry point for those interested in pursuing a career in arboriculture.
What Is a Level 2 Arborist?
A Level 2 Arborist is a professional who has completed a minimum of two years of full-time, on-the-job training and has passed a comprehensive examination. This examination covers all aspects of arboriculture, including tree identification, selection, planting, care, and removal. A Level 2 Arborist is also required to have current First Aid and CPR certification.
What Is a Level 3 Arborist?
A level 3 arborist is an arborist who has completed a bachelor’s degree or higher in arboriculture or a related field, and has at least five years of experience working as an arborist. Level 3 arborists are the most qualified to provide advice on the care and management of trees, and are able to perform the most complex tree work.
What Is a Level 4 Arborist?
A level 4 arborist is the highest level of an arborist. They have extensive knowledge and experience in tree care. They are able to provide expert advice on tree care and removal. They are also able to perform complex tree surgery.
What Is a Level 5 Arborist?
A Level 5 Arborist is the highest level of arborist certification. This certification is reserved for those who have demonstrated a mastery of the art and science of tree care. To achieve this level, an arborist must have a minimum of five years of experience working in the tree industry and pass a rigorous exam.
Those who achieve this level are highly sought after by employers and are typically the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the tree industry.
How Do You Know If Someone Is An Arborist?
If you’re not sure whether or not someone is an arborist, there are a few things you can look for to help you make a determination.
First, arborists typically have a deep knowledge of trees and their care. They know the science behind how trees grow and what they need to stay healthy. They also have experience working with trees, which means they know how to safely trim and remove them.
Second, arborists usually have specialized equipment that helps them do their job safely and efficiently. This equipment includes things like chainsaws, stump grinders, and chippers. If someone doesn’t have this kind of equipment, they’re probably not an arborist.
Finally, most arborists are certified by organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). To become certified, arborists must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of tree care. If someone is certified by the ISA, they’ll typically have a certification card or certificate that they can show you.
What State Pays Arborists The Most?
Arborists in the state of California earn an average salary of $54,000-$62,000 per year. This is the highest average salary for arborists in any state in the United States. California is followed by Oregon, Washington, and Colorado, which have average salaries of $58,000, $57,000, and $56,000 per year respectively.
10 Best States for Arborists In 2022
California
Average Annual Salary: $54,109
Rhode Island
Average Annual Salary: $47,531
New Hampshire
Average Annual Salary: $44,760
Massachusetts
Average Annual Salary: $46,656
Connecticut
Average Annual Salary: $43,722
Vermont
Average Annual Salary: $43,294
Montana
Average Annual Salary: $45,227
Nevada
Average Annual Salary: $46,491
Minnesota
Average Annual Salary: $44,590
New Jersey
Average Annual Salary: $45,142
Oregon
Average Annual Salary: $44,311
North Dakota
Average Annual Salary: $43,454
Difference Between An Arborist And A Master Arborist
An arborist is someone who studies, practices, and/or works in the field of arboriculture. The term can apply to anyone from a tree surgeon who removes diseased trees to a scientist who studies the effects of pollution on trees.
A master arborist is someone who has met certain educational and/or experience requirements and has passed an examination administered by a professional organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
There are three main levels of arborists: certified, registered, and licensed. Each level requires different levels of education and/or experience.
Certified arborists have completed at least three years of full-time, equivalent work experience in the field of arboriculture AND have passed an examination administered by the ISA.
Registered arborists have completed at least five years of full-time, equivalent work experience in the field of arboriculture AND have passed an examination administered by the ISA.
Licensed arborists have met all requirements for certification and registration AND have been licensed by their state or provincial government.
Is Being An Arborist A Hard Job?
An arborist is a professional who cares for trees. They are trained in the science of arboriculture and are knowledgeable in the care of trees. Arborists are employed by tree care companies, landscape contractors, municipalities, and utility companies. The job of an arborist is physically demanding and can be dangerous.
Arborists must be able to identify different species of trees and know how to properly care for them. They must be able to safely climb trees and use equipment such as chainsaws. Arborists also need to know how to remove trees that are dead or diseased.
The job of an arborist can be very rewarding. It is a great way to get outside and work with nature. Arborists help to keep our environment healthy by caring for trees.
Conclusion
There are three primary levels of arborists: certified, professional, and master. A certified arborist has completed a certain level of education and has passed an exam administered by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). A professional arborist has at least three years of experience working in the field. And a master arborist is someone who has been recognized by the ISA for their exceptional skills and knowledge.