Tree Climber Specialist
Certificate of Achievement Landscape Horticulture · Merritt College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Program Description
The Tree Climber Specialist Certificate of Achievement prepares workers for careers linked to urban forestry related occupations, including arborist, arboriculture, tree care specialist, tree trimming, grounds maintenance, aerial tree work, crew leader and other identified occupations. This program follows an industry validated training model which combines classroom learning, and hands-on skill development in school shops/labs and training centers. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in basic horticultural principles, plant biology and physiology, tree ID, and urban forestry concepts; industry standard skills and practices related to safe work practices, trees/shrub maintenance, tree removal, advanced climbing skills, small and large equipment use, and leadership skills.
Career Opportunities
Tree Care Industry Established Positions and Job Titles: 1. Tree Care Specialist/Worker with Certification 2. Ground worker 3. Arborist (Certified) 4. Tree Climber 5. Plant Health Care Technician 6. Utility Line Clearance Tree Trimmer 7. City, County or Municipality Forestry Worker
Learning Outcome(s)
- Apply tree biology and physiology to arboriculture practices.
- Operate equipment safely.
- Conduct site assessments and assess trees to mitigate risks.
- Establish and maintain trees and shrubs safely; remove trees and shrubs safely.
- Apply tree health care treatments.
- Apply aerial tree work skills.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | 39.5 | |
| Core Courses: | 24.5 | |
| LANHT 10 | Insect Pests | 3 |
| LANHT 11 | Plant Diseases and Their Management | 3 |
| LANHT 16 | Soil Management | 3 |
| LANHT 23 | Plant Terminology | 2.5 |
| LANHT 80 | Urban Forestry | 3 |
| LANHT 81 | Arborist Equipment Fundamentals | 2 |
| LANHT 84 | Applied Structural Pruning | 2 |
| LANHT 85 | Introduction to Climbing and Aerial Tree Work | 2 |
| LANHT 86 | Applied Aerial Tree Work | 2 |
| LANHT 88 | Tree Care Capstone Seminar | 2 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| LANHT 1 | Introduction to Landscape Horticulture with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 1E | Introduction to Landscape Horticulture (Evening) | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| LANHT 2 | Plant Materials: Tree ID and Culture with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 2E | Plant Materials: Tree ID and Culture (Evening) | 3 |
| Choose One: | 3 | |
| LANHT 13 | Arboriculture with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 13E | Arboriculture (Evening) | 3 |
| Choose Two: | 6 | |
| LANHT 206 | Landscape Business Practices | 3 |
| LANHT 4 | Plant Materials: Shrubs ID and Culture with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 4E | Plant Materials: Shrubs ID and Culture (Evening) | 3 |
| LANHT 5A | Plant Materials: Fall Native Plant ID and Culture with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 5EA | Plant Materials: Fall Native Plant ID and Culture (Evening) | 3 |
| LANHT 5B | Plant Materials: Spring Native Plant ID and Culture with Lab (Day) | 3 |
| LANHT 5EB | Plant Materials: Spring Native Plant ID and Culture (Evening) | 3 |