The Challenges and Rewards of Utility Arboriculture

Blog The Challenges and Rewards of Utility Arboriculture

by Wilson Tree Surgery | 11th Dec 2023

We’re always looking for subcontracting individuals and teams to join us as we expand in the UK. However, embarking on a career in utility arboriculture is not for everyone. It’s a profession that requires a unique blend of tree expertise, technical know-how, and a keen understanding of utility infrastructure. 

Some of the challenges involved in a career in utility arboriculture are: 

Heightened Risks and Safety Concerns:

• Climbing trees near power lines involves working at significant heights. Safety is paramount in utility arboriculture, and professionals must adhere to strict protocols to minimise risks. Negotiating the challenging terrain while maintaining focus on both tree health and personal safety is a constant challenge.

Complex Regulatory Environment:

• Utility arborists must navigate a complex web of regulations and guidelines, often varying by region. Understanding and staying compliant with utility-specific rules and safety standards can be challenging, requiring continuous education and adaptation to evolving industry norms.

Adverse Weather Conditions:

• Utility arboriculture is a job that doesn’t stop for rain, snow, or extreme temperatures. Arborists often find themselves working in adverse weather conditions, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already demanding profession. This requires resilience and the ability to adapt to ever-changing environmental factors.

Balancing Tree Health and Utility Functionality:

• A core challenge in utility arboriculture lies in finding the balance between maintaining the health of trees and ensuring the reliability and safety of utility infrastructure. Decisions made in pruning or removing trees must take into account both ecological and infrastructural considerations, requiring a nuanced approach.

 

Despite these challenges, the rewards associated with a career in this field are plentiful: 

Contributing to Critical Infrastructure:

• Utility arborists play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability of essential services. By managing vegetation around power lines, they contribute to the stability of the electrical and telecommunication systems that are integral to modern life. The impact of their work is felt on a broad scale.

Preserving Urban Greenery:

• While the work involves maintaining utility corridors, utility arborists also contribute to the preservation of urban green spaces. They actively participate in the protection and health of trees, enhancing the overall aesthetics and ecological balance of urban environments.

Continuous Learning and Growth:

• The dynamic nature of utility arboriculture ensures that professionals are constantly learning and evolving. From staying updated on the latest industry standards to acquiring specialised certifications, there are ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in this field.

Job Diversity and Entrepreneurial Opportunities:

• Utility arboriculture offers a range of career paths, from climbing and fieldwork to consulting and entrepreneurship. Experienced arborists may choose to start their own consulting businesses, providing specialised advice to utility companies and municipalities.

A Physical, Outdoors Career:

• This one could be a challenge or a reward, depending on how you look at it. For anyone who loves being outdoors and wants a career that involves physical labour, you don’t get much better than tree surgery! Research also shows that spending time outside and exercising have huge benefits for physical and mental health, so if you’re adverse to sitting at a desk all day, this might be the career for you. 

 

Utility arboriculture is a career that demands resilience, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to safety. The rewards make it a fulfilling and rewarding career, but we don’t advise anyone to go into it without also realising the challenges. For more information about a career in utility arboriculture or to find out more about our current openings, fill out our contact form.