Urban Forestry – Arboriculture

Provide environmental, social and economic benefits in today`s society with a career in forestry. In the one-year Urban Forestry - Arboriculture Ontario College Certificate program, you experience a hands-on education exploring arboriculture science with tree care skills. You acquire the skills and knowledge related to a range of tree care services provided by professional arborists, including:

• tree climbing
• tree identification
• tree pruning
• tree removal
• tree fertilization
• tree planting
• diagnoses and management of tree diseases

Spend the majority of your time in the program outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions and heights. Working on real trees, practice climbing techniques and learn to become proficient in the use of arborist-related equipment including chainsaws, chippers and stump grinders. Develop foundational tree identification and safe tree climbing skills through theoretical, laboratory and hands-on learning. Participate in workplace scenarios that replicate actual challenges faced by arborists. In classroom and labs settings, examine tree science and arboriculture practises, such as planting, pruning and removal. Graduates may find a career as a(n):

• head arborist
• crew leader
• arborist
• arborist assistant
• climber
• apprentice climber
• consulting arborist
• ground staff member

There are employment opportunities in a wide variety of areas such as:

• commercial tree service companies
• public utility companies
• city, county, and other government agencies
• landscape maintenance firms
• nurseries
• garden centres
• industrial complexes
• private estates
• theme parks and resorts
• arboretums
• botanical gardens
• tree research centres
• golf courses

If you choose to pursue further education, you are ready to write the College of Trades (COT) exemption exams for some college courses.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy physical activity and working outdoors.
• Are willing to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Are comfortable workings at heights exceeding 25M (80 feet).
• Are able to lift one`s own weight.
• Have an affinity to working with trees and shrubs.
• Work well in a team environment.
• Enjoy problem solving.
• Possess good communication skills.