Agricultural Careers Tree Surgeon By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Trisha Rae Stephens Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

Job Duties & Responsibilities Inspect trees and estimate work costs. Trim, shape, prune, and remove trees. Thin trees for sunlight or view. Top trees to control growth characteristics and to prevent interference with utility wires. May apply herbicides to kill brush and weeds. Supervise the work of personnel performing tree surgery and tree trimming. Operate hand and power tools and equipment.

Qualities and Skills Ability to climb tall trees by means of ropes, safety belts, and other climbing apparatus Good eyesight and manual dexterity Good physical condition is required Ability to handle extreme weather conditions

Salary The starting salary is about $25,000 per year and this may go to as much as $38,000 for supervisors, or higher for those who are self employed or run their own business.

Work Environment The majority of the work is done outside Weather conditions may not always be pleasant A typical work week is 40 hours a week

Becoming a Tree Surgeon In high school take classes such as math, English, and as many sciences as possible. Forestry classes offered through agricultural education may also be helpful. Work a summer job as a ground worker for a tree surgeon. Become knowledgeable of trees and the environment.

Career Resources International Society of Arboriculture P.O. Box 3129 Champaign, IL Internet: Tree Care Industry Association 3 Perimeter Road, Unit 1 Manchester, NH Internet: