How to become a tree surgeon
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can study for a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.
Relevant courses include:
- forestry
- arboriculture
- countryside management
- forest management
- woodland ecology and conservation
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could do a college course to get some of the skills and knowledge you need as a tree surgeon.
Relevant subjects include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Arboriculture
- Level 2 Work-based Trees and Timber
- Level 2 Felling and Processing Trees
- Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
- T Level in Agriculture, Land Management and Production
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
You might be able to get into this job through an arborist or a forest operative intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Work
You might be able to start as a ground worker, supporting a qualified tree surgeon. You could then complete further training to use chainsaws, ropes, ladders and harnesses.
You can find these types of courses from private training providers and further education colleges.
Volunteering
You might find it useful to get some experience of tree work before applying for jobs.
You can contact conservation organisations like The Tree Council, the National Trust and the Woodland Trust about volunteering opportunities.
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Professional and industry bodies
You can join the The Arboricultural Association for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find more details about working with trees through The Arboricultural Association and the Royal Forestry Society.