Tree Surgery & Management (Arboriculture)

Courses blend hands-on outdoor training with the science of how trees grow and stay healthy. 

Whether you’re 16–18 or an adult learner, there’s an Arboriculture course for you. 

Tree Surgery & Management overview 

Arboriculture is the care, management and preservation of trees. As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the demand for skilled arborists who can safely manage trees in parks, woodlands, estates and towns. 

View all Tree Surgery & Management courses by visiting the course finder. 

What you’ll study 

Develop the hands-on skills and knowledge you need for safe, professional tree work. Depending on your level, you’ll cover: 

• tree biology, identification and health
• safe use of arboriculture equipment
• tree climbing and aerial rescue techniques
• chainsaw operation and maintenance
• ground-based and aerial pruning
• woodland and habitat management
• pests, diseases and biosecurity
• legislation, safety and industry best practice 

You’ll build the technical skills, confidence and professionalism you need to succeed as a modern arborist.

Our arboriculture facilities 

Houghall College's 476-acre estate offers varied, real-life environments to train in to help you develop industry-ready skills. 

 You’ll have access to: 

• woodland, farmland, wetland and conservation areas across the estate
• an arboretum and pinetum, home to rare and mature tree species
• refurbished, specialist arborist workshops
• professional climbing, rigging and safety equipment
• modern machinery and tools used across the industry
• decay detection technology and tree inventory software 

Learning beyond the classroom 

As part of your course, you’ll also get involved in: 

• work experience with arboriculture, forestry and estate management employers
• guest speakers and demonstrations from industry specialists
• enrichment activities and practical projects across the Houghall estate
• trips to national shows such as the Royal Highland Show and Woodfest Wales
• one-to-one tutor support and specialist careers guidance 

Where it could lead 

Many of our students move straight into industry roles due to a strong demand for trained arborists. Depending on your level of study, you could work as: 

• an arborist (tree surgeon) or forester
• a tree surveyor, tree inspector or tree consultant
• a woodland ranger or woodland manager 

You could also progress to an apprenticeship and earn while you learn, or go on to university to study degrees such as Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, Countryside and Environmental Management or Landscape Design and Management. 

Arboriculture is open to everyone. Traditionally male-dominated, the industry now offers more opportunities than ever for women, supported by the Arboricultural Association’s Women in Arboriculture initiative. 

Fees & funding

Course fees vary by level. Full-time courses are free for 16 to 18-year-olds. Adult students may also be eligible for funding depending on circumstances. 

To find out more, check our Course Fees & Funding page.