If you have ever needed council approval to cut down a tree or some form of vegetation on your private property, then you’ve probably needed to reach out to an arborist in Sydney. They are sometimes referred to as “tree doctors” or “tree surgeons” and their main role is to manage the health and vitality of various forms of vegetation, including shrubs, vines and trees. While they shouldn’t be confused with foresters of loggers, tree doctors have an important role when it comes to maintaining natural environments. Often, council approval for the removal of a tree will hinge on their opinion and professional recommendation.
How to become a tree surgeon
If you want to become an arborist in Sydney, you need to fulfil certain educational requirements. One thing you need to do is complete a traineeship in a subject known as Horticulture, which can be defined as the study of plants for material use, consumption, beauty and decoration. You can easily pick up a TAFE course in New South Wales and entry requirements are usually very relaxed. If you are unsure about the different professional qualifications needed, the AQF, broadly known as the Australian Qualifications Framework, can provide you with all the necessary information you need about training and educational opportunities. Many employers will take candidates who have completed Year 10, so completing your Higher School Certificate (HSC) isn’t strictly necessary, although it is advised.
Responsibilities
A normal arborist in Sydney will possess a series of key responsibilities throughout the working day. Tree doctors need to be able to closely assess different species of tress and be able to identify common and rare diseases. This will involve checking the colour of the leaves, strength of the bark and overall texture of the vegetation. Here are a couple of common tree diseases:
Root rot
As the name infers, root rot occurs when fungus infects the roots through the soil. A trained arborist in Sydney will notice the tell-tale signs of this disease. Indeed, the leaves of the tree will often wilt in the warmer months and a close inspection of the roots will confirm the presence of root rot.
Cypress canker
Cypress canker is one of the most damaging tree diseases at the moment, running rampant through a lot of Australia’s natural environments. This tress disease causes the bark to turn a dark red, often causing the branch to die overnight. Ask any arborist in Sydney and they’ll tell you that this is one of the most aggressive tree diseases going around. While there are no cures or means of prevention, treatment can salvage the life of the tree, albeit only if acted upon quickly.
Necessary skills
So, what type of skills does an arborist in Sydney require? Well, one thing they need to be able to do is solve complex problems. When presented with a scenario in which several trees have been afflicted with something like root rot, the most obvious or straightforward remedy may not necessarily be the most effective. You also need to be able to work independently and be able to make decisions punctually. If a tree has contracted a serious, aggressive infection, like cypress canker, delaying treatment for a few days is simply non-negotiable.
You also need to be able to communicate clearly, especially if you are required to give your opinion about whether a tree needs to be removed from a property (often for safety reasons). Therefore, having a strong and clear sense of judgment is also very important. Often, these skills come from experience in the field, so starting early is a great option if you want to be an arborist in Sydney.