Besides orthopedic surgery, cosmetic surgery, facial plastic surgery, or body surgery performed by surgeons, there is another profession dedicated to tree care known as “arborists” or “tree surgeons.” Many people might not have heard of this profession before. Today, the Academic Service Office at Mahasarakham University brings you insightful information about this interesting career.

An “arborist” or “tree surgeon” is responsible for the management and care of large trees, climbing plants, and woody shrubs that are part of the tree community. Have you ever noticed the large trees around buildings or along roads that may pose hazards due to their branches interfering with power lines or growing into buildings? Or the danger posed by old trees in communities or near roads during strong winds, which can be hazardous to people? In large cities, arborists are essential for maintaining these trees to ensure the safety of the community.

The profession of an arborist is much more than just pruning trees, as commonly perceived. Proper and methodical tree pruning allows for accurate prediction of growth over time and direction, ensuring safety in community areas, promoting ecological balance, and enabling efficient management. Incorrect pruning can slow down new tissue formation, lead to wood decay, attract termites and insects, or even cause the tree to die. Therefore, arborists perform arboriculture, a professional discipline involving the cultivation and management of large trees in landscaping, including studying growth, selection, care, performing surgery, and felling trees.

Main Responsibilities of an Arborist:

Planting, Pruning, Bracing, and Disease Prevention: Managing tree planting, pruning, structural support, and preventing and treating plant diseases.
Lightning Protection and Tree Removal: Implementing lightning protection for trees and removing hazardous trees.
Tree Health and Structural Assessment: Evaluating tree health, structural integrity, and safety in landscape architecture.
Urban Tree Management: Assessing distances from structures and managing large urban trees and those around buildings.

Being an arborist requires specialized knowledge and skills in arboriculture. Professionals in this field should undergo standard training and obtain certification. Recognizing the importance of training arborists, the Division of Facilities and the UNIQUEST Mahasarakham University have organized the training program “Basic Arboriculture: Tree Health and Risk Assessment (Batch 2)” from May 29-31, 2024. Those interested can register for the training at [uniquest.msu.ac.th](https://uniquest.msu.ac.th) or inquire for more details at 043-754-410 (Ms. Yaowalak/Ms. Jariya).

References:

Phornnapa Siribunyarit and the BIG Trees Project team. (2024). “Important Aspects of Arboriculture in Thailand.” Retrieved April 11, 2024, from [BIG Trees World](https://bigtreesworld.wordpress.com/treefographic/arboriculture/).