Tree surgeons are highly skilled professionals who work in the tree care industry. They are responsible for providing safe and appropriate care for trees, shrubs, and other plants in both urban and rural settings. Tree surgeons in Australia play an important role in maintaining the safety and health of trees and have extensive knowledge in other areas such as conservation and biodiversity.
If you have never quite grown out of climbing trees and want to have a physically demanding job that will keep you fit and healthy, life as a tree surgeon comes highly recommended.
In this article, we’re going to look at how to become a tree surgeon in Australia and whether or not it’s a hard job. Read on if you’d like to learn more…
How do I become a tree surgeon?
So, how do you become a tree surgeon in Australia like Lakeside Trees and Stumps in Perth for example? You’ll be pleased to learn that qualifying as a tree surgeon isn’t overly complicated. All it takes is some dedication and a little patience. Here’s what you need to know…
What qualifications do you need to be a tree surgeon in Australia?
In order to become a tree surgeon in Australia, you must have at least a Certificate III in Arboriculture or a relevant qualification in horticulture. Having a Certificate IV in Arboriculture (AHC41916) or a Diploma in Arboriculture (AHC50616) is highly recommended. You must also obtain a Chainsaw Licence, which requires completing a Chainsaw Safety Course and passing a Chainsaw Practical Test.
That said, there are alternate paths you can take. Some arboriculture companies provide apprenticeships where new recruits can learn everything they need to know about being a tree surgeon while they are on the job.
One of the most attractive benefits of being a tree surgeon is the fact that there are no minimum educational requirements to start learning the trade.
If you are almost ready to leave school and you are hungry to get straight into a well-paid job with promising career advancement opportunities, this might just be the trade you’ve been looking for.
Is it hard to become a tree surgeon?
Becoming a tree surgeon does require dedication and hard work. You must complete the necessary qualifications and obtain the required certifications. You must also have a good knowledge of forestry, arboriculture and safety procedures. Additionally, you must have good physical fitness as the job often involves working with heavy machinery and climbing trees.
So, while the learning curve will be steep and you’ll certainly get a few splinters along the way, tree surgery is a fairly accessible career path and can be obtained by you with a little patience and perseverance.
Is tree surgery a hard job?
Tree surgery is a very challenging job and requires a great deal of skill, knowledge and experience. Of course, once you have gained the necessary experience on the job, it does get easier, however, you will be required to remain alert and follow the relevant safety precautions at all times.
While it is a physically demanding job, it is also one of the biggest perks of being a tree surgeon. The nature of the work keeps your body active and fit and in doing so, you can maintain excellent physical and mental health.
Not only that but being immersed in nature every single day also has its benefits!
What is the average pay for a tree surgeon in Australia?
Tree surgeons in Australia are typically paid an hourly rate of between $25 and $35 per hour. Most tree surgeons will also receive additional bonuses such as a travel allowance, and in some cases, work-related expenses can also be claimed.
The average annual salary for a tree surgeon in Australia is approximately $50,000 to $60,000. Tree surgeons with more experience can earn beyond $60,000 – particularly if they start an arboriculture business of their own.
Tree surgeons’ earnings are highly competitive and as you can see, there’s great potential for further growth and development in the future.
Not only that but being a tree surgeon is a highly rewarding job. You get to spend your days outdoors in the sunshine, relying on your body to carry out physically demanding tasks that keep your mind and body in excellent shape.
All in all, if you are looking for an enjoyable ‘outdoorsy’ job that will keep you in excellent health and provide you with a decent salary, being a tree surgeon in Australia is highly recommended.
Responsibilities of a Tree Surgeon
Tree surgeons are responsible for a range of tasks which may include:
- pruning
- trimming
- removing dead or damaged branches
- removing trees and stumps
- assessing trees for health and safety
- applying treatments to protect against pests and diseases
- planting and maintaining trees
Tree surgeons must also be knowledgeable about the local environment and regulations and must adhere to safety procedures to protect their own health and the safety of others.
Conclusion
Let’s recap:
- Starting a career as a tree surgeon isn’t impossible – in fact, with the right course or apprenticeship, coupled with patience and dedication, it can be yours!
- Tree surgery is a difficult and demanding job that gets easier with experience – it’s also a very highly rewarding career.
- On average, tree surgeons in Australia earn between $50,000 to $60,000 per year!
All in all, life as a tree surgeon in Australia is highly attractive. If you want an active lifestyle with excellent pay and benefits, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better trade.