I would like to learn the skills of a arborist.

Arborist Forum

Help Support Arborist Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
stihlgreenman

stihlgreenman

ArboristSite Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2013
Messages
67
Location
Pennsylvania
Hello, my name is Dylan I am from Pa im only 18 so i still have time to learn. Sitting behind a desk or being inside all day is not for me at all. I would like to get in to tree care. Should I get a job working for someone or what? I want to be able to start my own tree care service someday. How should I go about this? Please help. Thanks!
 
Gologit

Gologit

Completely retired...life is good.
. AS Supporting Member.
Joined
May 19, 2005
Messages
16,410
Location
In the Redwoods.
It never ends,,:dizzy:
Jeff

Be nice! Just for a change. :msp_biggrin:

I'll move this to 101 and, if you don't want the newbies, greenies, winos, dinos, dingbats, and other assorted unskilled miscreants to give this kid bad information you ought to just truck on down there and help out. :msp_biggrin:



Note O.P.....if Jeff tells you something, listen.
 
Last edited:
Juliano

Juliano

ArboristSite Lurker
Joined
Nov 30, 2008
Messages
40
Location
Ontario
You have to have a strong determination and desire, work for a certified , reputable company and follow the winners, read the right books, the ISA cert arborist study guide and jeff Jepsoms books to fell a tree and a climbers companion are among them, there are many things that can kill you, and formal training and skill are the best ppe (personal protective equipment). purchase the best ppe you can, If you knew what you must do to get to be a production climber, and be a talented Arborist you would pick another career, cos it means intense concentration, long days, continuous training, and an out right dedication...its a purpose driven life, you will lie awake at night strategizing next days complicated rigging. If you stay the course which few can , and you say want to own a tree service you stand to command $175 per hr.

you really gotta be your own drill seargent
 
stihlgreenman

stihlgreenman

ArboristSite Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2013
Messages
67
Location
Pennsylvania
You have to have a strong determination and desire, work for a certified , reputable company and follow the winners, read the right books, the ISA cert arborist study guide and jeff Jepsoms books to fell a tree and a climbers companion are among them, there are many things that can kill you, and formal training and skill are the best ppe (personal protective equipment). purchase the best ppe you can, If you knew what you must do to get to be a production climber, and be a talented Arborist you would pick another career, cos it means intense concentration, long days, continuous training, and an out right dedication...its a purpose driven life, you will lie awake at night strategizing next days complicated rigging. If you stay the course which few can , and you say want to own a tree service you stand to command $175 per hr.

you really gotta be your own drill seargent

I think if its what I want ill get it... I went from being the fat little kid in middle school to becoming a state medalist in high school for track in both the 800m (half mile) and 1600m (full mile) I won gold in the 800m with a time of 1:51.36. I run about 40 miles a week while going 2 school.
 
jefflovstrom

jefflovstrom

It was a beautiful day!
. AS Supporting Member.
Joined
Jul 11, 2003
Messages
9,913
Location
san diego, calif.
I think if its what I want ill get it... I went from being the fat little kid in middle school to becoming a state medalist in high school for track in both the 800m (half mile) and 1600m (full mile) I won gold in the 800m with a time of 1:51.36. I run about 40 miles a week while going 2 school.

Not to make you upset, but what does this have to do with tree work?
You are thinking way too far ahead. You can search this topic in the search box and save a lot of restrained light jabbing.
Otherwise, if you got time, come out to San Diego and fill out an application. :msp_wink:
Jeff
 
Gologit

Gologit

Completely retired...life is good.
. AS Supporting Member.
Joined
May 19, 2005
Messages
16,410
Location
In the Redwoods.
I think if its what I want ill get it... I went from being the fat little kid in middle school to becoming a state medalist in high school for track in both the 800m (half mile) and 1600m (full mile) I won gold in the 800m with a time of 1:51.36. I run about 40 miles a week while going 2 school.


That's impressive and you should be proud...but it means absolutely zip to a prospective employer, other than the fact that you're probably in fair shape. If you mention your track times to a crew boss he'll probably just nod and say...'well good, trot yourself over to the drop zone and start dragging brush'

It's more a willingness to work and the ability to listen to direction that makes a new guy stand out.
 
Pelorus

Pelorus

Uva uvam vivendo varia fit
Joined
Jul 2, 2011
Messages
2,052
Location
Ontario
I think if its what I want ill get it...

Many people your age (and older) have no idea what job they want, so you're a step ahead of them.
Do your homework (learn knots and the basics: buy "Tree Climber's Companion" from one of this site's sponsors).
Get a tree ID book. Embrace Shigo. Bend with the Force.
 
Toddppm

Toddppm

Addicted to ArboristSite
Joined
Jan 17, 2001
Messages
3,113
Location
No.Va.
You guys are so nice .....it makes me want to puke!:laugh:

18 and knows what he wants to do? When I got into tree work I just wanted a job doing something outside? I still don't know what I want to do.
 
KenJax Tree

KenJax Tree

Terraphobic
Joined
Feb 17, 2012
Messages
11,593
Location
Over there
When i first went to Asplundh they were gonna hire 8 people and out of 8 of us 4 didn't pass the drug test and 2 couldn't get a CDL so only me and another guy got hired out of that group.
 
Jed1124

Jed1124

Addicted to ArboristSite
. AS Supporting Member.
Joined
Dec 2, 2009
Messages
5,478
Location
NW,CT
Be willing to learn. Be willing to work hard. Be willing to keep your trap shut and listen to the guys that have been on the crew. 18 year old kid that has been on our crew for a year has earned our respect. I think he's one in a million. Read as much as you can. Get a subscription to TCIA mag. It's a great trade until your body breaks down. Then you can do PHC!
 
formationrx

formationrx

ArboristSite Guru
Joined
Dec 28, 2011
Messages
559
Location
bellingham
2 cents

hope it works out for you... most dont make it... listen to these guys... they will help you out... stay focused... hang your pole saw away from you... look up... and check your balls for ticks.....
 
Top