Any advice very welcome!

[alastair_bay]

Hello there,

 

i'm very new to this site, but have kept a close eye on it in recent months.

 

I am a recently graduated landscape architect. I'm 23 years old and have been a freelance gardener for 4 years. I have, however, always wanted to become a tree surgeon. I understand all the work involved and am very keen on getting started in the business.

 

I'm based in berkshire and have recently been looking for courses in the local area. I was wandering whether anybody could give me some advice on how to get into the business, and whether the best route is to get started in a company immediately, and/or know of any relevant jobs for someone interested in on-the-job training.

 

Many thanks,

 

Alastair Bay, Cookham, Berkshire

[Paul Barton]

Hi Alastair,

 

and welcome to the forum. Hope you will find lots of info here. If you have a bit of a search though some old threads you will see quite a few that have addressed your question in terms of advice of how to start out.

 

Firstly, are you sure you want to neglect your degree in Landscape architecture? I would say there is more money in that than tree work.

 

...but it is probably less fun!

 

I would advise you to get your basic NPTC tickets CS30 and CS31 and then you can approach some local companies for work as a trainee groundsman. Then if you are still keen on tree work you can add your climbing tickets later.

 

The college courses (such as NC Arb) are good but you will learn far more on site if you are with a good team.

 

cheers,

Paul

[Frank]

I would agree. Ring round a few local tree surgeons, offer your services on a saturday, for free if you have to, and get a feel for the job. Then if you want to pursue it then working for an experienced team for a good while is the only way to do it. College and training can only teach you so much, but without some sort of mentor you wont get anywhere.

[Ian150482]

why not get your training, sub contract to a local firm whilst keeping your own work going, and as you get experience, incorparate, tree work with your gardening.

 

Just an idea. Good luck.

[Bundle 2]

rfs cert Arb....good basic knowledge base & nptc units to boot....there is increasingly pressure on folk to use qualified staff...you need to think about what this means to you.....bonne chance!!