Trade guide
How to Become a Tree Surgeon in the UK
Overview
Tree surgeons, also known as arborists, specialise in the care and maintenance of trees.
Next steps
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What Tree Surgeons Do
Tree Maintenance:
• Crown reduction and pruning to improve tree health
• Deadwood removal and crown cleaning
• Tree shaping and formative pruning
• Cable bracing and support system installation
Tree Removal:
• Safe felling of dangerous or unwanted trees
• Sectional dismantling in confined spaces
• Stump grinding and removal
• Emergency tree removal after storm damage
Tree Health and Treatment:
• Disease diagnosis and treatment
• Pest control and preventive treatments
• Soil improvement and root zone management
• Tree risk assessment and reporting
Specialized Services:
• Aerial rescue — Emergency services and training
• Utility arboriculture — Power line clearance
• Urban forestry — Street tree and park management
• Conservation work — Ancient and heritage tree care
• Consultancy — Tree surveys, reports, and planning applications
Training and Qualifications
• CS30 — Chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting
• CS31 — Felling and processing trees up to 380mm
• CS38 — Climbing and aerial rescue
• CS39 — Chainsaw use from a rope and harness
• First Aid — Workplace emergency first aid
City & Guilds NPTC Certificates:
• Level 2 Diploma in Arboriculture and Forestry
• Level 3 Diploma in Arboriculture
• Combination of units covering different aspects of tree work
• Assessment includes written tests and practical demonstrations
Professional Development:
• Arboricultural Association — Professional membership and CPD
• ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) — Certified Arborist qualifications
• Lantra Awards — Industry training and assessment
Specialized Training:
• Aerial rescue techniques — Emergency response and safety
• MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) — Cherry picker operation
• Pesticide application — PA1 and PA6a certificates
• Rigging and advanced tree climbing — Complex tree removal techniques
Equipment and Safety
• Chainsaws — Various sizes for different applications
• Climbing equipment — Ropes, harnesses, and hardware
• PPE — Helmets, eye protection, chainsaw clothing
• Rigging equipment — Pulleys, lowering devices, and ropes
• Hand tools — Pruning saws, loppers, and pole saws
Vehicle and Transport:
• Pickup truck or van — Equipment transport
• Trailer — Chipper and larger equipment
• Crane or MEWP — Access for complex jobs
• Waste removal — Tipping arrangements or own disposal
Safety Considerations:
• Tree surgery is a high-risk occupation requiring constant vigilance
• Weather conditions significantly affect safety and working practices
• Risk assessment and method statements essential for all work
• Regular equipment inspection and maintenance critical
• Insurance essential — public liability and professional indemnity
Health and Safety Regulations:
• PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations)
• LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations)
• Working at Height Regulations
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
Career Opportunities and Progression
• Tree surgery contractors — Local and national companies
• Local authorities — Council tree officers and maintenance teams
• Utility companies — Power line clearance and vegetation management
• Golf courses and estates — Grounds maintenance and landscape management
• Conservation organisations — National Trust, forestry, and wildlife charities
Self-Employment Opportunities:
• Starting own tree surgery business with low initial investment
• Domestic market — homeowner tree services
• Commercial contracts — schools, businesses, and institutions
• Specialist services — consultancy, surveys, and expert witness work
• Seasonal work — storm damage and emergency tree services
Career Progression:
• Ground worker → Climber → Team leader → Contracts manager
• Tree surgeon → Arboricultural consultant → Tree officer
• Specialisation in urban forestry, conservation, or utility arboriculture
• Teaching and training roles in colleges and training organisations
Business Development:
• Building relationships with local landscapers and gardeners
• Insurance work following storm damage
• Local authority and commercial maintenance contracts
• Tree preservation order (TPO) and planning application work
Step-by-Step Career Path
Get Basic Chainsaw Training
Complete CS30 and CS31 chainsaw certificates to learn safe chainsaw use and basic tree felling techniques.
Learn Tree Climbing
Complete CS38 and CS39 qualifications to work safely at height using ropes and climbing techniques.
Gain Practical Experience
Work with experienced tree surgeons to develop skills, speed, and understanding of different tree species and conditions.
Build Professional Knowledge
Study tree biology, diseases, and arboricultural practices through Level 2/3 qualifications and Arboricultural Association membership.
Develop Business Skills
Learn customer relations, pricing, and business management if planning self-employment or career progression.
Qualifications Needed
- ✓CS30 (Chainsaw maintenance)
- ✓CS31 (Tree felling)
- ✓CS38 (Tree climbing)
- ✓CS39 (Aerial chainsaw work)
- ✓First Aid certificate
- ✓Full driving licence
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Outdoor work in beautiful environments
- Physical and mentally challenging work
- Good job security — trees always need maintenance
- Self-employment opportunities with low start-up costs
- Contributing to environmental conservation
- Variety of work from small pruning to large removals
Cons
- High-risk occupation requiring constant vigilance
- Weather-dependent work affecting earning potential
- Physical demands and potential for injury
- Seasonal variation in workload and income
- Investment in expensive equipment and insurance
- Early starts and weekend emergency work
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tree surgeons earn in the UK?▼
Starting tree surgeons earn £18,000-£25,000. Experienced climbers earn £25,000-£35,000. Self-employed tree surgeons can earn £30,000-£50,000+ depending on client base and specialization. Emergency and hazardous work commands premium rates.
Is tree surgery dangerous work?▼
Tree surgery is statistically one of the more dangerous occupations, but proper training, equipment, and procedures significantly reduce risk. Most accidents are preventable through good practice, risk assessment, and maintaining equipment properly.
Do I need to be very fit to be a tree surgeon?▼
Yes, tree surgery is physically demanding work involving climbing, lifting, and using power tools at height. Good cardiovascular fitness, strength, and agility are essential. Many tree surgeons maintain fitness through the physical nature of their work.
Can I start my own tree surgery business?▼
Yes, many tree surgeons are self-employed. Start-up costs are relatively low (chainsaw, climbing gear, vehicle) compared to other trades. Building a local customer base takes time, but tree work has good repeat business and referrals.
What's the difference between a tree surgeon and a gardener?▼
Tree surgeons specialize specifically in tree care, climbing, and using chainsaws and specialized equipment. They have formal qualifications in arboriculture, tree biology, and aerial work. General gardeners may do basic tree work but aren't qualified for complex or hazardous tree operations.
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