Over the past 40 years, our industry has experienced a remarkable advancement in the quality of training offered to professionals. What was once a largely informal, hands-on trade has grown into a highly specialized field backed by science, standardized practices and a strong emphasis on safety and environmental stewardship.

In the early 1980s, training for arborists was primarily experiential. Workers learned on the job, often through trial and error or by observing more seasoned colleagues. Safety measures were basic at best, and there were few established training standards or professional benchmarks. As a result, injury rates were high and the quality of tree care varied widely.

By the 1990s, the industry began to shift. Regulatory agencies such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) enforced stricter safety guidelines, prompting employers and industry leaders to take training more seriously. TCIA and ISA expanded their influence, offering certification programs and educational resources that helped standardize knowledge and raise expectations across the profession.

The 2000s brought a wave of modernization. Community colleges and technical schools began offering accredited programs in arboriculture, urban forestry and related fields. These programs combined classroom learning with field experience, focusing on everything from tree biology and pest management to rigging techniques and equipment safety. Continuing education became a priority, with more professionals pursuing credentials such as ISA Certified Arborist or Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), or TCIA’s Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP).

In recent years, digital technology has further advanced the quality of training. Online courses, webinars, virtual simulations and instructional videos have made education more accessible and interactive. Training now often includes the use of modern tools like drones, GPS mapping and advanced climbing systems, requiring a more technical understanding of the work.

Today, arborist training is more comprehensive, consistent, technology driven and science based than ever before. Finding a professional company that leads with training and education and promotes a career-development program is not always easy. The focus on safety, environmental responsibility and lifelong learning ensures that we as professionals are well equipped to manage complex tree care challenges. As urban forests continue to become increasingly important to healthy communities, the continued advancement of training quality is not just a professional necessity – it’s a public and planetary need.

Jim Houston is a vice president and general manager with The Davey Tree Expert Company, an accredited, 53-year TCIA member company based in Kent, Ohio. He also is a member of the TCIA Board of Directors.