I've been working with computer networks for the past 8 years or so. I've been successful and make decent money. However, I have trouble seeing myself sitting in front of a computer for another 8 years. Have you seen the movie 'office space?'...think of me.

I want to become an arborist and work outside. How do I do that? I figured the best way would be to get a job as a groudsman and start studying for my arborist certification. Once I get certified and have a few years experience. Start my own gig. That's the plan atleast. What do you folks in the business have to say about that?

I'm in the northwest (conifer world). Is most of the work takedowns here...or is there alot of pruning and other work? I don't think I'd be happy just doing takedowns.

Hello Coonrad,
If you don't get enough response here you'll find a bunch of treeworkers who will be glad to talk about getting into the biz on either of the these websites:
TreeBuzz
Arboristsite

Being that you're in the northwest, check out Tim Kovar's rec climbing courses on the New Tribe site. It's a great way to get foundation training in tree climbing practices and safety.
Tim's courses

By your posts it looks like you're doing a good job of teaching yourself to climb trees but there's nothing like working with a good instructor.
-moss

Originally posted by coonrad
I've been working with computer networks for the past 8 years or so. I've been successful and make decent money. However, I have trouble seeing myself sitting in front of a computer for another 8 years. Have you seen the movie 'office space?'...think of me.

I want to become an arborist and work outside. How do I do that? I figured the best way would be to get a job as a groudsman and start studying for my arborist certification. Once I get certified and have a few years experience. Start my own gig. That's the plan atleast. What do you folks in the business have to say about that?

I'm in the northwest (conifer world). Is most of the work takedowns here...or is there alot of pruning and other work? I don't think I'd be happy just doing takedowns.

Look in the "Yellow Pages" for the biggest ads (they most likely are the more reputable companies). I looked to see if the "big boys" here in the east had offices in your area--they don't.

If it were me, I'd call and visit and let my gut instinct guide me--do I trust these people with my life (that's what it comes down to). And if they wouldn't train me (formal in addition to OJT), I'd look elsewhere.

Thanks for the feedback moss and jim...

I'll do some research on the other sites as well.

-coonrad

I have been lucky to seat "in front of the Computer" for 17 years ( I did 6 years before that as a Health Code Inspector) and making a reasonable living in an Air conditioned cube so I will respect anyone willing to do Arborist Work for living. I have been climbing (RTC) for 3 years now and have done a couple of take downs and pruning work ( on my own property) so I got a taste of the amount of hard labor involved. That work is too hard, dangerous and poorly paid ( compared to computers work) so at my age I will continue in front of the computer and let the professionals mess with the tree work.

If you are young (30's) give it a try for a while to see if that is what you want to do for living. You may be able to do it but at least you always have the computer experience and knowledge to fall back just in case the tree business does not pan out for supporting a family.

My 2 cents worth to coonrad. . .

The good part about your wish to do tree work is that your willing to sign-on as a grounds man. Also, you may be able to seek work as a summer helper so you can get a taste of the work and see how the boss runs the operation.

Some things that might help. . .
Have a CDL.
Be mechanically inclined. Trucks, chippers, and your saws will always need service by the end of the day.
Be first aid certified or at the very least CPR & First Responder trained.
Brush up on your Spanish.
Be forewarned: Every shop has at least one jerk. Don’t sweat him, seniority will eventually pave your way.
Unless your Dad owns the company, be prepared to sweat.

Other info. . .
A number of the linemen I work with were in the tree business and came over to doing high voltage work. According to them linework is both easier & safer, (go figure).

There is another side to tree work. . .
If you have a B.S. or better, there is a scientific/research side. That’s a lot different than “production” work.

Best bet: Start looking at places like TreeBuzz and Gypoclimber.
Them boys are the real-deal. As for me... I’m just a hobbyist.

2 cents applied
Good luck on your adventures!
Electrojake