Ontario College Certificate in Urban Forestry
Start Dates:
September 2019
This program focuses on the "non-climbing" aspects of urban forestry and landscape care. You can help make our cities a better place to be after completing the Urban Forestry Certificate.
Program Highlights
Trees clean the air and provide much needed "green" relief from the concrete jungle.
You will learn how to care for urban trees and tree canopies, and gain a basic understanding of the landscape industry. As an Urban Forestry graduate, you'll be able to work maintaining and preserving trees and shrubs in the urban landscape and green spaces of our communities.
- You'll have the theoretical and practical knowledge to work on all aspects of urban tree care.
- While this program emphasizes the non-climbing aspects of tree and landscape care, you'll be able to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot chainsaws, wood chippers, stumpers, and other relevant mechanical equipment.
- You will be able to identify approximately 140 species of trees and shrubs in both summer and winter conditions.
- In order to better protect trees and shrubbery, you will be able to diagnose and remedy major pests, disease, and tree disorders - using the latest techniques and treatments to promote plant health.
Why Choose Fleming
Simply put, students choose Fleming College because of our reputation in the industry. Employers look to our Urban Forestry and Arboriculture programs to find well-trained graduates. The School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences has a 40-year plus reputation among professional organizations and employers working in the field.
Work Experience
From start to finish, the Urban Forestry 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. In the first semester, you will do a field placement, and be able to put your learning and practice to work.
Is this You?
In order to be successful in this field, you've got to love the outdoors and working with trees and landscaping. Here are a few skills and traits that will help you:
- desire to take on a challenge
- physical fitness
- good oral/written communication skills
- computer skills/experience
- problem solving ability
- attention to detail
It's an asset if you have studied biology or forestry, or have worked or volunteered for an organization that works with trees.
Career Opportunities
When you graduate, you'll be qualified for jobs such as:
- urban forest technician
- plant health care technician
- tree and shrub specialist
- urban parks manager
- landscape tree specialist
Employers include municipalities, private companies, utility companies, and provincial ministries.
Pathway Options
Many students complete semester 1 of the Urban Forestry program and move on to take the Arboriculture Co-op program starting in January. Graduates enter this program with advanced standing credit for 7 courses towards the Arboriculture Co-op certificate. They complete the Urban Forestry certificate while completing the Arboriculture program (much of the remaining curriculum is common between the two programs).
Another pathway option is to complete both semesters of Urban Forestry, then take the Basic Climbing and Advanced Climbing courses in the Spring; do the Arboriculture Co-op in Summer; then take the final Arboriculture semester starting that Fall.
Urban Forestry certificate graduates can also pursue further studies in the Urban Forestry Technician diploma with advanced standing. Faculty recommend that those who choose to pursue this pathway should plan to enter the Urban Forestry Technician program in January, in semester 2.
Related Programs
If you haven't decided on which program to take at Fleming College, and want to work with trees, also consider the Arboriculture or Forestry Technician programs.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Students applying to Urban Forestry 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 background in plant biology and/or horticulture
Other program requirements:
- Good physical condition
- Completion of Standard First Aid and Heart Saver CPR is required for graduation
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. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.
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