Learn about arborists, where they work, and how a person can become an arborist.
Teaching Objectives:
- Students will be able to explain what an arborist is and what kinds of activities an arborist might do.
- Students will be able to list several places where an arborist might work.
- Students will be able to define the terms arboretum, botanical gardens and arboriculture.
- Students will be able to explain how a person can become an arborist.
Suggested Grade Level
5th – 8th Grade
Lesson Excerpt:
Arborists are sometimes called tree doctors. Their job is to care for trees and other woody plants. Arborists know how to keep trees healthy and what makes them sick. Their work includes fertilizing and trimming trees, as well as watching them for signs of insect infestation or diseases. Arborists make sure that trees look good and stay healthy. By caring for trees, they are also helping the environment because trees provide people with valuable oxygen. They also provide a wide variety of fruits and nuts, which are very nutritious foods.
Arborists work in forests, parks and public gardens. They take care of trees in people’s yards and in communities. Many arborists work for city governments, caring for the trees you might see on your street or in front of your school. One of the biggest employers of arborists is a company called Asplundh Tree Expert Company. Thousands of arborists work for this organization, which serves utility companies and governments in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
