Urban Forestry - Arboriculture
Provide environmental, social and economic benefits in today`s society with a career in urban forestry.
- Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes
- Benefit from supportive and experienced faculty who are active in their industry
- Gain the latest and best industry-specific knowledge and skills to be career-ready upon graduation
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
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:...(read more)
Overview
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 the majority of your time in the program outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions and heights. Working on real trees, practice climbing techniques and learn to become proficient in the use of arborist-related equipment including chainsaws, chippers and pruning essentials.
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
If you choose to pursue further education, you are ready to write the College of Trades (COT) exemption exams for some college courses.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy physical activity and working outdoors.
- Are willing to work in extreme weather conditions.
- Are comfortable workings at heights exceeding 25M (80 feet).
- Are able to lift one`s own weight.
- Have an affinity to working with trees and shrubs.
- Work well in a team environment.
- Enjoy problem solving.
- Possess good communication skills.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL7777
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7101
Course Name:
Basic Tree Climbing
Course Description:
The ability to climb trees is one of the most important skills an arborist can possess. Students learn the skills to safely use specialized ... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
FOR7102
Course Name:
Equipment Operations and Maintenance
Course Description:
The proper use and maintenance of specialized equipment increases productivity and significantly reduces the risks to Arborists in the workp... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7106
Course Name:
Advanced Tree Climbing
Course Description:
Students further hone their tree climbing abilities, while acquiring more advanced climbing systems and techniques. Always focusing on safet... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
FOR7109
Course Name:
Tree Entomology and Pathology
Course Description:
Now more than ever our urban trees are at risk from a multitude of insects and diseases. As tree care specialists, it is important to be awa... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7114
Course Name:
Dendrology
Course Description:
Recognizing tree species and their attributes are an essential skill for diagnosing and planning care. Classrooms and study labs develop str... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FOR7103
Course Name:
Tree Sciences and Practices
Course Description:
Applying the concepts and principles of the science behind trees is important when managing the health of trees. Students gain an overview o... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7107
Course Name:
Arboriculture Practices
Course Description:
In an urban setting, Arborists are required to perform inspections and produce reports for a variety of client needs. As a well rounded arbo... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7108
Course Name:
Tree Removal
Course Description:
In an urban setting with overhead wires, proximity to buildings and tight spaces, tree removal is a complicated matter. Students develop act... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
FOR7110
Course Name:
Urban Soils
Course Description:
The root system is undeniably the most important part of plants, yet rarely is any thought given to the conditions it endures. Students exam... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FOR7115
Course Name:
Tree Pruning Techniques
Course Description:
As with many art forms, pruning is founded in strong, science-based technique. It is often left up to the individual to make critical decisi... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GED1214
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
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.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Explain principles and procedures relating to urban forests and ecosystems to inform clients` decision-making when selecting tree sites, species and planting procedures.
- Treat trees by considering the relationship between tree anatomy, physiology and urban soil conditions to maintain tree health and management.
- Recommend and apply integrated treatments and preventative care to promote healthy trees.
- Use complex climbing systems with basic industry-recognized fall protection techniques to climb and prune trees safely while addressing tree wound reactions in juvenile and mature trees.
- Implement proper tree maintenance and safe removal procedures in accordance with industry standards, policies, and legislation.
- Employ safe operational and maintenance procedures for arborist-related hand tools and large equipment in accordance with recognized standards.
- Prepare reports and field records in compliance with industry regulation and established policies and procedures.
- Utilize industry related personal protective equipment and safe working practises to ensure optimum health and safety of self, team members and the environment.
- Apply the fundamentals of hazardous tree assessment, tree appraisal and tree risk management in order to implement safe and appropriate harm reduction actions and procedures.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Students should plan on spending approximately $300 on books and approximately $1,500 on personal protective equipment (PPE) for the program duration.
- Additionally, included in program ancillary fees, students receive a climbing package which includes a climbing harness and various other pieces of mandatory equipment.
- It is highly recommended that students contact their program coordinator prior to purchasing any equipment for this program.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C) or equivalent with a grade of 60% or higher.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading: 22; Listening: 22; Speaking: 22; Writing: 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.
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
Additional Information
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.