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Tree Trimmer and Pruner

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AVG. SALARY

$33,260

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EDUCATION

No standard requirement

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Plant Systems pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

No standard requirement

Although most grounds maintenance jobs have no education requirements, some employers may require formal education or certification in areas such as landscape design, horticulture, or arboriculture. Most states require workers who apply pesticides and fertilizers to be licensed.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Certified arborists know their trees and woody plants! A degree in plant sciences or horticulture is desirable, and you must be physically fit and unafraid of heights. You must also be willing to study and do research when necessary.

Some colleges and universities offer two- or four-year programs in arboriculture. They also offer related programs that are horticulture-based, which can be an asset for arborists.

You don't have to have a college degree in order to call yourself an arborist. Students with a high school diploma can start at entry-level positions as a groundsperson, for example.

To become certified, you must pass a 3.5-hour exam given by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Prior to taking the exam, a candidate must have three years of experience, or a combination of education and experience.

Once you become certified through the ISA, you take the exam every three years or maintain a certain level of education by taking additional courses or workshops.

Extra Requirements

Although professional certification is not required, it can demonstrate competency and reliability for prospective clients and employers. The National Association of Landscape Professionals offers seven certifications in landscaping and grounds maintenance for workers at various experience levels. The Tree Care Industry Association offers certification for tree care safety professionals. The International Society of Arboriculture offers six certifications for workers at various experience levels. The Professional Grounds Management Society offers certification for workers at various experience levels.

For additional information, visit these websites: