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
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Closed
CIP Code
01.0699
Program Code
AR
Delivery
In Person, Placement
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Domestic Tuition
$2843.01 per semester*
International Tuition
$9172.75 per semester*
*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.
*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
January 11, 2027
Domestic Availability
Coming Soon
International Availability
Coming Soon
CIP Code
01.0699
Program Code
AR
Delivery
In Person, Placement
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Domestic Tuition
$2843.01 per semester*
International Tuition
$9172.75 per semester*
*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.
*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 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
- Completion of Standard First Aid and Heart CPR is required for graduation
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.