Arboriculture at Ohio State University

A formal arboriculture program featuring academic training in business, horticulture, and agricultural sciences as well as practical experience is available today. In fact, graduates of such a program are now in the job market. Several years ago, in response to requests by students, industry and faculty, changes were made in the landscape horticulture curriculum at The Ohio State University. Frequently, such modifications of academic programs go unnoticed as publicity is usually kept within the institution making the changes.

In a recent letter, Mr. Robert Felix, Executive Secretary, National Arborist Association, suggested that an ideal curriculum for arboriculture should contain courses in diagnosing plant disorders, soils, plant pathology, botany, entomology, arboricultural practices, woody plants, equipment use, accounting, business law and technical writing. All of the above courses are presently included in the program followed by students pursuing a baccalaureate degree emphasizing arboriculture.

The Ohio State University faculty and the majority of students feel that industry experience is as important as academic training. An internship of 6 months or more is viewed as the practical experience needed for a student to compete in today’s job market (Table 1). Two or more internships are sometimes included by students wishing to try a second area in the green industry or to gain further experience in their chosen field (Table 2). If desired, 3 or more internships could be included remembering that normal graduation would be delayed.

Four year institutions as a rule offer more flexibility in their academic offerings than the 2 year technical schools. One arborist asked if it was possible to work out an extreme schedule which would allow students to complete their degree requirements while attending only fall and winter quarters. The students would be employed during spring and summer when labor demands are the greatest (Table 3). This would allow students to finance most or all of their education. The results are maximum experience for the students and minimum labor costs for the employer. Of course, such a program would require students to spend six years in obtaining their degree.

All of the alternatives in Tables 1-3 allow students to complete the same program with nearly equal course work in horticulture, business, and agricultural science. This allows students to “grow with their firm.” During the first several years, a student would draw heavily on his horticulture and agricultural science training. Later, as the young employee moves into a managerial role, the business training would be used more frequently.

Most students currently graduating from The Ohio State University have followed a program very similar to those described. Qualified graduates are available each quarter of the year including summer quarter in programs ranging from arboriculture to landscape construction, nursery management and horticultural retailing. As the employer, you must remember that when a student looks for a job that they are, in part, looking for the highest bidder for their experience and training. Thus, an arboricultural firm is in direct competition with firms involved in maintenance, landscape construction and design, production and sales for the services of a well trained student. The skills required for job success are similar for all firms in the green industry. Arborists must sell themselves and their firms to students with better than average qualifications as these students will always be in demand in the industry.

Wages are a factor in determining which job a student would take, but I think employers will find that it is not the primary concern of a student seeking employment. Potential for vertical advancement is usually the primary consideration and is required to hold top flight students. Other factors which may enter into the decision of “Which job do I take?” include the following:

• 1) Where is the firm located?

• 2) What is the location of friends and family?

• 3) Do I enjoy this kind of work?

• 4) How many hours per week are required on the job?

• 5) Does the firm offer year round employment? Often knowing what a student is seeking will enable you to attract the student as an employee.

One other word of caution — a highly qualified newcomer is a threat to existing employees. Problems can develop, although if properly handled, everyone should benefit by hiring the most highly qualified people that can be obtained.

• © 1979, International Society of Arboriculture. All rights reserved.