Provide environmental, social and economic benefits in today`s society with a career in urban forestry.

In the one-year Urban Forestry - Arboriculture Ontario College Certificate program, you experience a hands-on education exploring arboriculture science with tree care skills.

You acquire the skills and knowledge related to a range of tree care services provided by professional arborists, including:

• tree climbing
• tree identification
• tree pruning
• tree removal
• tree care
• tree planting
• identification of common tree wildlife
• identification, diagnosis and management of tree diseases

Spend much of your classroom time outside, practising tree-climbing techniques, and using chainsaws, chippers and other arborist equipment. Become proficient working at heights and in all weather conditions. Practice your skills on real trees in both simulated and urban work environments.

Develop foundational tree identification and safe tree-climbing skills through theoretical, laboratory and hands-on learning.

Participate in workplace scenarios that replicate actual challenges faced by arborists. In classroom and labs settings, examine tree science and arboriculture practises, such as planting, pruning and removal.

Graduates may find a career as a(n):

• certified arborist
• consulting arborist
• lead climber
• secondary climber
• manager
• crew lead
• groundsperson

There are employment opportunities in a wide variety of areas such as:

• commercial tree service companies
• public utility companies
• city, county, and other government agencies
• landscape maintenance firms
• nurseries
• garden centres
• industrial complexes
• private estates
• theme parks and resorts
• arboretums
• botanical gardens
• tree research centres
• golf courses

Graduates may be eligible to write the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are physically active.
• Enjoy working outdoors and are willing to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Are comfortable workings at heights exceeding 25M (80 feet).
• Have an affinity to working with trees and shrubs.
• Possess good communication skills.

Careers

Graduates of the program may find employment as head arborist, crew leader, arborist, ground crew, lead climber, climber, and consulting arborist.

Pathways

Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Explain principles and procedures relating to urban forests and ecosystems to inform clients` decision-making when selecting tree sites, species and planting procedures.
2. Assess trees to determine their condition, potential hazards, and service requirements, in urban contexts.
3. Recommend and apply integrated treatments and preventative care to promote healthy trees.
4. Use complex climbing systems to ascend and descend trees for arboriculture tasks.
5. Plan and perform tree maintenance and removal procedures inaccordance with industry standards, policies, and legislation.
6. Operate and maintain arborist-related tools and equipment in accordance with legislation and manufacturer guidelines.
7. Prepare reports and field records in compliance with industry standards and established policies and procedures.
8. Use industry related personal protective equipment and safe working practices, in compliance with industry standards and manufacturer guidelines, to optimize health and safety on a worksite.
9. Conduct fundamental hazardous tree assessments to determine risk and support decision making.
Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

URBAN FORESTRY - ARBORICULTURE
Program Code 1214X01FPM

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
1 College Way
Pembroke, ON K8A0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Toll-free 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 1-866-620-3845
Fax: 613-735-4739
https://algonquincollege.com/pembroke

Program Resources

First Aid and CPR:
A current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate is preferred prior to registration. Otherwise, the student must obtain the certificate within the first two months of the first semester.

Advanced Standing:
Algonquin College graduates of the Ontario College Certificate `Urban Forestry - Arboriculture` program may be eligible for admission with Advanced Standing for a maximum of 8 courses in the Forestry Technician Diploma program. On the basis of the review/evaluation, a program of study will be prescribed, identifying the entry point within the program and the courses that must be successfully achieved to attain graduation status in the Forestry Technician Diploma.

Transportation:
Transportation to and from off-campus work sites, within the vicinity of the city of Pembroke, is not included in the programs costs and is the responsibility of the student. Most city training sites are within walking distance of the campus. Transportation to remote locations will be provided and when provided, college transportation must be used by students.