🌾Agriculture
Dendrologist
Studies trees and shrubs and monitors their health
Studies the diversity of tree and shrub species, selects species for planting, and monitors the health of mature trees in parks, squares and nurseries.
What they do
- ▹Identifies tree and shrub species and assesses their condition
- ▹Selects tree species to suit the climate and conditions of a specific site
- ▹Diagnoses tree diseases and pests and prescribes treatment
- ▹Advises on setting up nurseries and landscaping projects
Skills you need
- ▹Deep knowledge of tree and shrub species
- ▹Observation when diagnosing a tree's condition
- ▹Analytical thinking for matching species to site conditions
- ▹Willingness for fieldwork in any weather
- ▹Patience — trees grow and recover slowly
Focus on these subjects at school
BiologyGeography
Where they work
- ▹Ornamental plant nurseries
- ▹City landscaping services and botanical gardens
- ▹Forestry operations and nature reserves
- ▹Landscape and design studios (species-selection consulting)
Pros
- + A narrow, expert niche in demand for landscaping and at nurseries
- + Work with a long-term result — planted trees grow for decades
Challenges
- − Few specialized positions specifically in dendrology
- − Results are only visible after years
Programs that lead to this profession
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