For established tree care or landscaping companies, learning how to become an arborist isn’t just about personal career growth; it’s about expanding your service offerings, increasing revenue, and managing larger teams efficiently.
Whether you're adding tree care to an existing business or scaling a dedicated arborist division, this guide will help you:
Arborists, often called “tree surgeons,” are trained professionals in planting, maintaining, and diagnosing trees, shrubs, and other woody plants. For growing companies, certified arborists on staff allow you to expand service offerings and justify higher rates.
Offering these services positions your company as a full-service, professional tree care provider, which can help capture larger contracts and repeat business.
Companies with certified arborists can charge premium rates, win commercial contracts, and reduce liability by following industry best practices. Traits and skills of a successful team include:
The average arborist earns approximately $25.50 per hour, but that can vary significantly based on location, experience level, and professional certifications. That said, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a 3% growth rate through 2034, reflecting steady demand for trained professionals.
Require a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent; consider higher education for leadership roles.
While not mandatory, encourage courses in arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, environmental science, or urban forestry.
Remember, higher education directly correlates with job quality, safety, and client trust.
Licensing requirements for arborists vary by state, with some requiring specific credentials for professional tree work. Build practical skills through structured training programs for crews
Ensure all team members are trained in:
Safety Note: Tree care involves significant physical risks, including falls, equipment injuries, and potential exposure to hazardous chemicals. Proper training and safety protocols are of the highest importance for your crews.
ISA certification is the gold standard; having certified arborists boosts your company’s reputation and allows bidding on commercial projects. Certification requires either experience or a combination of education and experience.
The ISA considers 1,795 hours equivalent to one year of professional experience.
Certification requires passing a comprehensive exam with these specifications:
ISA requires 30 CEUs every 3 years, plus a recertification fee to maintain active status. Maintain your team’s credentials with continuing education to stay competitive.
4. Networking and Industry Involvement
Join professional associations and attend industry conferences to stay current and connect with suppliers, clients, and partners. Plus, leverage these networks to win large contracts and source top talent.
Offer specialized roles within your company to retain top talent and increase service quality:
Each specialization enables higher billing rates and operational efficiency.
Scaling tree care services requires field service software that can manage multiple crews, clients, and jobs efficiently.
Service Autopilot simplifies:
This lets your company focus on high-value services while maintaining operational efficiency, crucial for next-level growth.
Instant invoicing
Better scheduling
Manage your clients and employees all in one system
Next Steps on How to Become an Arborist
Now, you have the complete roadmap for how to become an arborist and build a profitable tree care team.
Your next steps to arborist success at scale:
By professionalizing your team and scaling services, your company can command higher rates, attract larger contracts, and become a leader in the tree care industry.
Ready to scale your tree care business and streamline multi-crew operations? Service Autopilot's specialized field service software helps established service companies manage scheduling, invoicing, and client communications—so you can scale efficiently, reduce operational stress, and maximize revenue.
Related: How to Start a Tree Cutting Business
Originally published March 6, 2024 7:00 AM CT. Updated on September 23, 2025 at 6:45 AM CT.
Tags: Business Operation, Featured Post
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