Tree work07884 274693Training01772 369694
If you are looking for training in tree work, it is easy to get stuck on the wording. Some people search for an arborist course. Others look for a tree surgeon course, tree surgery training, arboriculture training or chainsaw qualifications.
In practice, the right course depends less on the job title and more on the work you need to carry out. A beginner using a chainsaw on the ground needs a different route from someone moving into climbing, aerial rescue or using a chainsaw from a rope and harness.
The terms “arborist” and “tree surgeon” are often used in similar ways, but they can carry slightly different meanings depending on the setting.
“Tree surgeon” is the term many customers and learners use when talking about practical tree work. It often brings to mind pruning, felling, dismantling, climbing and removing unsafe branches or trees.
“Arborist” is often used more within the industry. It can refer to someone trained in tree care, tree health, practical arboriculture and the management of trees in domestic, commercial, public and woodland environments.
The National Careers Service lists “tree climber” and “arborist” as alternative titles for tree surgeon, which reflects how closely the terms overlap in everyday career searches.
However, job titles do not always tell you which qualification you need. One employer may advertise for a tree surgeon and expect climbing experience. Another may advertise for an arborist but need someone focused on ground-based tree work, inspections, planting or maintenance.
That is why it is more useful to start with the task, not the title.
When someone searches for an arborist course, they may mean several different things.
They could be looking for practical chainsaw training, a broader arboriculture qualification, tree climbing and aerial rescue, tree care knowledge or a route into professional tree work. Some learners are interested in hands-on skills, while others are trying to understand the wider industry.
The Arboricultural Association describes arborists or tree surgeons as people who provide expert care for trees, including work such as pruning, shaping, risk assessments and hazard checks.
Arboriculture is, therefore, not one single skill. It can include chainsaw use, climbing, pruning, tree health, planting, machinery, risk awareness and site management. A course described as an arborist course may focus on one part of that route, so it is important to check what the training actually covers.
A tree surgeon course is usually a more practical search term. Learners often use it when they want training that helps them move into hands-on tree surgery work.
That might include:
There is not always one course that turns someone into a tree surgeon. Training usually builds in stages, with experience added along the way.
For many learners, chainsaw training courses are the first practical step because they help build the foundation needed before moving into more advanced tree work.
One of the biggest sources of confusion is that people search by course name, but employers often think in terms of tasks.
Search term | What the learner may actually need |
Arborist course | Arboriculture, chainsaw, climbing or tree care training |
Tree surgeon course | Practical tree surgery, chainsaw, felling or climbing training |
Chainsaw course | Maintenance, cross-cutting, felling or ground-based competence |
Tree climbing course | Aerial access, movement and rescue training |
NPTC course | Training and assessment linked to recognised competence |
Tree surgery qualification | A combination of training, assessment and site experience |
This is why two learners searching for the same phrase may need different advice. Someone new to the industry may need basic chainsaw training. Someone already working outdoors may be ready for felling. Someone with ground-based experience may be looking at climbing and aerial rescue.
The better solution is to choose a course that matches the work you’re looking to get into.
Before choosing a course, think about the type of work you want to carry out.
If you want to use a chainsaw on the ground, you will need a different route from someone aiming to climb trees. If you want to support a tree surgery team, your first step may be ground-based skills. If you want to work in aerial arboriculture, you will need to build towards climbing and rescue before moving into chainsaw work in the tree.
For people building an early tree surgery route, CS30 and CS31 chainsaw courses are often associated with maintenance, cross-cutting and felling small trees.
If your goal is climbing, tree climbing courses usually come after a stronger foundation in site safety, ground-based tree work and equipment awareness.
The wider tree surgeon qualifications pathway typically builds from ground-based chainsaw competence into felling, climbing, aerial rescue and more specialist work.
Chainsaw training is often the clearest starting point for practical tree surgery work.
Being confident outdoors is useful, but it is not the same as being trained for chainsaw operations. Chainsaw work involves specific safety requirements, maintenance knowledge, cutting techniques, PPE, risk awareness and competence for the task.
HSE guidance on working with chainsaws says operators need adequate training relevant to the type of work they undertake.
This is why learners often come across terms such as chainsaw licence and chainsaw ticket. In everyday language, people may use these phrases to mean proof of training, assessment or competence.
The exact route depends on the work involved. Ground-based chainsaw use, felling small trees, climbing and aerial chainsaw work are not all the same training requirement.
Climbing is an important part of many tree surgery careers, but it is not always the first step.
Before moving into aerial work, learners usually need to understand site communication, equipment, ground-based operations and safe systems of work. They also need to be physically prepared and comfortable following structured safety procedures.
Tree climbing and aerial rescue training helps learners access the tree, move within the canopy and respond if a climber gets into difficulty. Using a chainsaw in the tree is a later stage again.
For learners who are ready to progress beyond climbing and rescue, using a chainsaw from a rope and harness is a more advanced step that should only be approached once the right foundation is in place.
The best route depends on your current experience, confidence and goals.
Your goal | Likely route to explore |
I am completely new | Start with beginner chainsaw and route-planning advice |
I want to work on the ground | Chainsaw maintenance, cross-cutting and felling |
I want to become a climber | Ground-based training, then climbing and aerial rescue |
I already work outdoors | Match training to the tasks your employer needs |
I am changing career | Build a staged route from basic competence to specialist work |
I am an employer | Train staff for the exact tasks they will carry out |
If you are still comparing apprenticeships, trainee roles and short practical courses, our tree surgery training routes page explains how different options can suit different learners and employers.
If you are right at the beginning, our guide on how to become a tree surgeon covers the wider journey from early training into site experience and progression.
One common mistake is searching for an arborist course or tree surgeon course without first identifying the task. The course name matters less than the outcome.
Another mistake is booking advanced training too early. Climbing and aerial chainsaw work may sound like the most exciting parts of the job, but they are not usually the first stage for someone with no experience.
Learners can also confuse a course, a ticket, a certificate and a qualification. These terms are sometimes used loosely, especially in job adverts or informal conversations. It is always worth checking what an employer or site manager actually expects.
Finally, do not assume one course makes someone a tree surgeon. Tree surgery usually involves a combination of training, assessment, supervised practice, site experience and ongoing development.
Is an arborist course the same as a tree surgeon course?
Not always. The terms are often used in similar ways, but “arborist course” can sometimes refer to broader arboriculture training, while “tree surgeon course” often means practical tree surgery skills such as chainsaw, felling or climbing training.
What course should I take first to become a tree surgeon?
For many beginners, chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting is a sensible first step. The right starting point depends on your experience, employer requirements and the type of tree work you want to carry out.
Do I need chainsaw training before an arborist course?
It depends on the course. Some arboriculture routes are more theory-based, while practical tree surgery routes often involve chainsaw competence. If your goal is hands-on tree work, chainsaw training is often part of the early pathway.
Do all arborists climb trees?
No. Some arborists climb, while others focus on ground-based work, tree inspections, planting, consultancy, estate management or wider tree care. Climbing is important for many practical tree surgery roles, but not every arboriculture job involves aerial work.
What is the difference between a chainsaw licence and a chainsaw ticket?
People often use both phrases informally. In practice, employers are usually looking for evidence of suitable training, assessment or competence for the chainsaw task being carried out.
Can Great Oaks help me choose the right course?
Yes. Great Oaks can talk through your experience, goals and current skill level, then help you identify a practical training route that matches the work you want to do.
Great Oaks supports learners, employers and outdoor workers with practical chainsaw, forestry and arboriculture training from our Preston training centre.
If you are comparing an arborist course, tree surgeon course or chainsaw qualification, Great Oaks can help you focus on the training that matches your next step. That might mean starting with chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting, progressing into felling, moving towards climbing and aerial rescue, or planning further training for staff.
We work with individuals and employers who need practical training linked to real arboriculture tasks. If you are unsure which course is right for your experience, our team can help you choose a sensible route.
👉 Contact the Training Centre
📞 01772 369694
✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
Our Training Centre in Preston is ideally placed for learners across Lancashire and the North West.
We regularly train candidates from:
Preston
Blackpool
Chorley
Lancaster
Blackburn
Southport
Courses take place in real woodland environments and are led by instructors with years of field and teaching experience.
Great Oaks Tree Services & Training Academy is based in Kirkham, near Preston, and delivers NPTC chainsaw courses to learners across the North West. Whether you’re searching for chainsaw training in Lancashire or need certification near Preston, we’re your trusted training provider.
Chainsaw Course Enquiries
01772 369694 ✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
01772 369694 ✉️ training@greatoakstreeservices.co.uk
Careers
Climbing, grounds maintenance and utility work.Climbing, grounds and utility work.
Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor.
Last minuteAvailability
Starts Monday 19 October 2026
3 days plus 1 for assessment
£9671 place
Entry requirements: Ground Based Chainsaw Operator and Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
Book this date, Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and HarnessOr call the training office on 01772 369694
