Arboriculture (Co-op)
Do you love trees and want to help preserve our green spaces? With this unique program, it’s possible to live in an urban setting and contribute to the environmental effort through care for the tree canopy.
Program Information
Start Date
January 05, 2026
Domestic Availability
Waitlisted
International Availability
Waitlisted
CIP Code
01.0699
Program Code
AR
Delivery
In Person, Co-op
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Domestic Tuition
per semester*
International Tuition
per semester*
View Curriculum
January 11, 2027
Domestic Availability
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Closed
CIP Code
01.0699
Program Code
AR
Delivery
In Person, Co-op
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Domestic Tuition
per semester*
International Tuition
per semester*
*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2025-2026 academic year and are subject to change.
*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2025-2026 academic year and are subject to change.
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
As a graduate, you'll maintain and preserve trees and shrubs in the urban landscape and green spaces of our communities – providing cleaner air and much needed relief from the concrete jungle.
- The program offers theoretical knowledge for all aspects of urban tree care, as well as such practical skills as safe tree climbing techniques, aerial rescue, pruning techniques, tree removal, power line clearing, and the operation and maintenance of relevant equipment.
- You will be able to identify approximately 140 species of trees and shrubs in both summer and winter conditions, and to diagnose and remedy major pests, disease, and tree disorders using the latest integrated management options to promote plant health.
- This program includes all the content of the Arborist/Utility Arborist Common Core Level 1 444A/444B, Arborist Level 2 444A and Utility Arborist Level 2 444B formal training in the Ontario Arborist/Utility Arborist Apprenticeship program, providing thorough preparation for graduates who wish to pursue an Arborist Apprenticeship
Simply put, students choose our program because of our reputation in the industry. Employers look to our program to find well-trained graduates. Our School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences has a long-standing reputation among professional organizations and employers working in the field. The program has previously received an Award of Merit from the International Society of Arboriculture, Ontario Chapter, for "advancing the principles, ideas and practice of Arboriculture in Ontario."
This program is hands-on; you will spend roughly 60% of your time learning and working with trees and shrubs in the field to complement your time in the classroom.
There is a mandatory paid co-op semester from May to September. Students are supported by the Cooperative Education and Placement Officer and faculty members to assist them in securing a meaningful co-op to support and advance their learning.
These skills and personality traits will help you to be a successful Arborist:
- love of the outdoors and working with trees/shrubs
- comfortable working at heights (of 50 feet and above)
- physical fitness
- ability to problem solve and adapt to changing environments
When you graduate, you'll be qualified for jobs such as:
- tree climber
- municipal arborist
- commercial arborist
- utility arborist
- plant health care technician
- urban forest technician
- tree and shrub specialist
- urban parks manager
Employers include municipalities, private companies, line clearing companies, utility companies, and provincial ministries.
As well, we host an annual job fair with 20+ industry employers. This allows students to network and gain exposure to the industry.
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.
Plan to spend about $3,500-$4,000 on books, supplies, personal safety equipment and climbing gear.
The following are recommended but not required for admission:
- Excellent physical condition
- Completion of Standard First Aid and CPR
- Apply and integrate the principles of tree anatomy, physiology and biomechanics to the selection, establishment and maintenance of tree health in urban ecosystems.
- Identify tree and shrub species in the urban forest, based on their physical characteristics and botanic classification to manage urban forest health and diversity.
- Prescribe integrated treatments and preventative care to promote tree establishment and growth in the urban forest.
- Perform tree care operations in accordance with professional codes of ethical practice, environmental legislation, standards, policies and procedures relevant to urban forest planning and management practices.
- Perform complex tree care operations including maintenance of utility rights of way using advanced, industry-recognized aerial lift, climbing, and rigging techniques in accordance with industry requirements.
- Safely operate, maintain and troubleshoot common pieces of industry-related equipment while ensuring optimum health and safety of self, team members and the environment.
- Prepare reports and field records, documenting information accurately and in a timely manner, in compliance with industry regulations and established policies and procedures.
- Create and implement work plans based on site and tree risk assessment in order to maintain a safe workplace.
- Work safely in a collaborative environment demonstrating teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills in challenging work conditions.
Students applying to Arboriculture (Co-op) must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English
Recommended (but not required for admission)
- Strong plant biology and/or horticulture background
Other program requirements:
- Excellent physical condition
In The News: Arboriculture (Co-op)
Lindsay, ON (October 15, 2025) – Fleming College will host the Women in Wood 10th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 18, at its Frost Campus in Lindsay, Ontario. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. with workshops and presentations, followed by a cocktail reception, networking, and door prize draws in the evening.
There will be eight exciting workshops and presentations to choose from, including:
Seed Basics: Collecting and Handling Native Tree Seeds: Kerry McLaven, Forester in Training and CEO of the Forest Gene Conservation Association, will guide a workshop on identification, handling, and storage with practical conservation methods.
How to Survive and Thrive as a Woman in Wood in the Forest Sector: Andree Morneault and Liz Cobb will guide an interactive workshop on connection, career planning, wellness, and navigating challenges in forestry.
Crafting and Indigenous Knowledge: Hunter Corbiere (a Fleming College Forestry program graduate) will lead a hands-on session highlighting Indigenous Knowledge, creative practices, and cultural connections to the forest.
Founded by Jess Kaknevicius and Lacey Rose in 2015, Women in Wood is a networking group that brings together women who work in, with, and for the woods. With a growing community of over 3,700, the network offers opportunities to find mentors, seek career advice, and meet other women passionate about the woods.
Fleming’s scenic Lindsay Campus is home to several woods-related programs, including Arboriculture, Forestry Technician – Adaptive Practices, and Forestry Techniques, making it the perfect location to host this milestone event.
Registration to attend is free, with tickets available at bit.ly/WIW10
Any media wishing to attend, please contact:
Elise Moore, Communications Officer at Fleming College at communications@flemingcollege.ca.
About Fleming College?
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 85 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 8,500 full-time and 445 part-time students, and 95,000 alumni.
Lindsay, ON – (September 5, 2025) – Students in Fleming College’s Arboriculture program will once again showcase their skills and training in the College’s annual Tree Climbing Competition at Frost Campus.
Fleming Arboriculture students will put their learning to the test in five timed events: Tree Rescue, Throw Line, Belayed Speed Climb, Ascent, and Work Climb. Competitors will be challenged on both technical ability and efficiency, with prizes awarded thanks to the support of local community partners and leaders in the arboriculture industry.
Winners in the Men’s and Women’s divisions will earn grand prizes and the opportunity to advance to the International Society of Arboriculture’s provincial and national Tree Climbing Championships. Many of the event’s judges are Fleming alumni who once competed in the very same challenge.
The competition takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Outdoor Education Center at the Frost Campus Arboretum. A rain date is scheduled for September 10.
The media is welcome to attend the competition. Anyone wishing to do so is asked to contact Communications Officer Elise Moore at elise.moore@flemingcollege.ca.
Event Details
- Date: September 9, 2025 (Rain date: September 10, 2025)
- Time: Events begin at 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Fleming College Frost Campus – Outdoor Education Center (west of the Heavy Equipment building)
Competition Categories:
- Tree Rescue: A climber must ascend a tree and rescue a 200 lb. dummy in distress, following strict safety protocols in a timed scenario.
- Throw Line: Tests the contestant’s accuracy in placing a throw line and climbing line into the tree at heights between 12 and 20 metres.
- Belayed Speed Climb: A timed race to the top of a tree, approximately 15 metres high, where contestants ring the finishing bell.
- Ascent Event: Climbers vertically ascend 13 metres using Stationary Rope System techniques in a timed challenge.
- Work Climb: A test of speed, efficiency, and safety as students move through the tree to complete tasks and ring bells at each station.
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 85 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 8,500 full-time and 445 part-time students, and 95,000 alumni.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Elise Moore
Communications Officer
Elise.moore@flemingcollege.ca
Find us online:
Web: flemingcollege.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/flemingcollege
X: @FlemingCollege on Twitter
Instagram: @flemingcollege on Instagram
TikTok: @flemingcollege on TikTok
Fleming Arboriculture Student Wins GOLD! In May 2024, Liam Sands took home the gold medal in the Arborist category at the Skills Ontario competition held at the Toronto Congress Centre. Students from around Ontario gathered to showcase their skills and to compete for gold in their respective category. Liam, along with two of his classmates, competed against other post-secondary arboriculture students in several events and Liam climbed to victory. We are proud of the students who took on this challenge and represented the Fleming Arboriculture program at this great event.