Tree surgeon

Trees are vital to the wellbeing of the planet, its humans and its wildlife. As a tree surgeon you'll keep trees healthy by planting, pruning, thinning and inspecting them for problems. You'll make sure that people and buildings are safe from nearby falling trees or branches.

You'll fell (cut down) trees if they're diseased or they pose a risk to their surroundings. You'll also protect the wildlife that lives in or around them. You might have to check if trees have a Tree Preservation Order, or TPO, that protects them by law.

Your main tasks might include:

• doing risk assessments, for example checking the weather forecast and the area around the tree

• pruning, felling and planting trees in streets or parks

• checking for potential dangers from trees, for example to houses or roads

• controlling pests and diseases

• helping trees live for longer so they can continue to purify the air around us 

• removing dead trees, allowing the wood to be recycled 

You'll usually work from a rope and harness. You might also use elevated work platforms known as ‘cherry-pickers’, or large machinery such as cranes and wood-chippers.

It's very important to work safely, as you'll be handling power tools and working at heights. If you work for an employer, they'll provide training, equipment and protective clothing.

You could also work as a self-employed tree surgeon and run your own business.

Green job 

In this job, you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs. 

• Institute of Chartered Foresters – get careers information from the chartered body for forestry and arboricultural professionals

• Arboricultural Association – check out this membership organisation for people working in arboriculture

• Lantra Scotland – find information about becoming a tree surgeon from this organisation for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental sector

• Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers – learn more about working with hardwood and get training resources