What skills does a tree surgeon need?

A tree surgeon needs 10 essential skills including tree preservation and conservation, advise on tree issues, minimize risks in tree operations, perform tree thinning, carry out aerial tree rigging. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace tree surgeon jobs?

The AI disruption score for tree surgeon is 11/100 (very low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Agriculture & EnvironmentMarket-oriented skilled agricultural workersISCO 6113

tree surgeon

Tree surgeons maintain trees. They use heavy machinery to prune and cut trees. Tree surgeons are often required to climb the trees to perform maintenance.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (10)

tree preservation and conservationtree preservation and conservationEnvironmental requirements for tree preservation and conservation.advise on tree issuesadvise on tree issuesAdvise organisations or private individuals on planting, caring for, pruning or removing trees.minimize risks in tree operationsminimize risks in tree operationsEvaluate risks and hazards, perform efficient actions in order to minimize risks and to restore the trees to their orginal state or to replant new ones.perform tree thinningperform tree thinningRemoving some trees from a stand in order to improve tree health, timber value and production.carry out aerial tree riggingcarry out aerial tree riggingUndertake aerial tree rigging to safely remove lower tree sections using suitable cuts, minimising shock loading in the rigging systems. Take into account the expected load and the positions of the gr...operate chainsawoperate chainsawOperate mechanical chainsaw powered by electricity, compressed air or gasoline.protect treesprotect treesPreserve trees taking into account the health and conditions of the tree(s) and plans for preservation and conservation of the area. This includes the cutting of trees or branches on trees applying kn...execute disease and pest control activitiesexecute disease and pest control activitiesExecute disease and pest control activities using conventional or biological methods taking into account the climate, plant or crop type, health and safety and environmental regulations. Store and han...climb treesclimb treesAscend and descend from trees in a safely manner.follow safety procedures when working at heightsfollow safety procedures when working at heightsTake necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures...

Optional (15)

forest ecologyforest ecologyThe ecosystems existing in a forest, starting from bacteria to trees and soil types.control tree diseasescontrol tree diseasesIdentify diseased or undesirable trees. Remove them using power saws or hand saws.measure treesmeasure treesTake all relevant measurements of a tree: use a clinometer to gauge the height, tape to measure the circumference, and increment borers and bark gauges to estimate the growth rate.monitor tree healthmonitor tree healthMonitor trees for pests and diseases, aiming to improve their health.identify trees to fellidentify trees to fellIdentify trees to fell and position machine to fell trees in the required direction, in both clear-fell and thinning.inspect treesinspect treesCarry out tree inspections and surveys.conserve forestsconserve forestsStrive to conserve and restore forest structures, biodiversity and ecological functions.maintain forestry equipmentmaintain forestry equipmentCheck forestry equipment to make sure that it is in working order.fell treesfell treesFell trees safely and effectively to specification.estimate damageestimate damageEstimate damage in case of accidents or natural disasters.select tree felling methodsselect tree felling methodsSelect the appropriate felling method for the tree size and condition. Adhere to the given specification.nurse treesnurse treesPlant, fertilise and trim trees, shrubs and hedges. Examine trees to assess their condition and determine treatment. Work to eradicate insects, fungus and diseases which are harmful to trees, assist w...assist tree identificationassist tree identificationAssist in the development and improvement of techniques for measuring and identifying trees. Obtain and use various sources of information to accurately identify and name trees, use tree characteristi...analyse tree populationanalyse tree populationCollect information on tree populations in the forest. Look out for disease and insect destruction, mortality, and fire hazards.operate forestry equipmentoperate forestry equipmentOperate various forest instruments such as skidders, bulldozers to pull scarification or site preparation equipment over forest areas to be regenerated.