Arboriculture Co-op

School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences

January 2019

Availability: Accepting Applications
Credential: Ontario College Certificate ( 3 semesters )
Classes begin:
January 07, 2019
Offered at:
Frost Campus
Program code:
AR
Tuition & Ancillary Fees:
Domestic:
$2,292.92 per semester*
International:
$7,734.69 per semester*
* Tuition and fees subject to change.
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Love trees and want to help preserve our environment? With Fleming’s Arboriculture Co-op program, it’s possible to live in an urban setting and contribute to the environmental effort.

Program Highlights

As an Arboriculture 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 "green" 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.
  • In 2nd semester, you can take the Arborist and Utility Arborist exemption exams, to qualify you for the in-school portion of these MAESD apprenticeships (there is no additional cost to you for your first attempt at writing these tests).

Why Choose Fleming

Simply put, students choose our program because of our reputation in the arboriculture industry. Employers look to our Arboriculture program to find well-trained graduates. School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences has a long-standing reputation among professional organizations and employers working in the field. In 2007 the program received an Award of Merit from the International Society of Arboriculture, Ontario Chapter, for "advancing the principles, ideas and practice of Arboriculture in Ontario."

Work Experience

From start to finish, the Arboriculture program is hands-on - you'll be spending a lot of time working with trees and shrubs outside in addition to your time in the classroom.

There is a mandatory paid co-op semester from May to September.

In addition to paying tuition and fees for two semesters of study, students pay a co-op fee (approximately $558.00) for administrative costs associated with the co-op placement.

Is this You?

These are the skills and personality traits that will help you to be a successful arborist:

  • love of the outdoors and working with trees/shrubs
  • physical fitness
  • good oral/written communication skills
  • problem solving ability
  • attention to detail
  • ability/willingness to work in extreme weather conditions

Tree climbing tests are timed and are proficiency-based. In order to be successful, you will need to achieve minimum standards for tree climbing. All climbing courses require a minimum mark of 70% to achieve a passing grade.

Career Opportunities

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.

Pathway Options

Arboriculture graduates can pursue further studies in the Urban Forestry Technician (UFT) program with advanced standing. They can enter semester 2 of the program, starting in January. The study period is as follows:

  • Complete Arboriculture program in December
  • January-April: Semester 2 of Urban Forestry Technician
  • May-August: Exempt from semester 3/ co-op
  • September-December: Semester 4 courses, plus pick up 2 courses from semester 1
  • January-April: Semester 5 courses; graduate in April.

Mature Students

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.

If you haven't decided on which program to take at Fleming College, and want to work with trees, also consider the Urban Forestry, Urban Forestry Technician Co-op or Forestry Technician programs.

Additional Costs

Plan to spend about $625 for books, supplies, additional courses (noted above) and personal safety equipment.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Students applying to Arboriculture Co-op must meet the following requirements:

  • OSSD including Gr 12 C English

OSSD with majority of courses at College (C ) or Open (O) unless otherwise stated.
Grade 12 C courses will be accepted where Gr 11 C course requirements are listed.
Where College level courses are listed, U and M courses will be accepted.
Two Gr 11 courses will be accepted in lieu of a Gr 12 course requirement.

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

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