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Urban Arboriculture - Tree Care

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Program Code: 01991
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Start Dates: January
Program Length: 2 semesters

Program Overview

Humber’s Urban Arboriculture – Tree Care certificate program provides an introduction to the arborist and urban forestry trade. You will learn how to work safely and to keep trees healthy under the unique working conditions of the urban forest. Upon completion, you will have a thorough working knowledge of all aspects of urban tree care including tree health and hazard assessment; climbing; pruning; rigging; aerial rescue; chainsaw maintenance and use; and teamwork and safety.

Our advisory committee regularly reviews our curriculum, ensuring our program is always on the cutting edge of industry developments.

This program is not available to international applicants.

Courses Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

  1. Recommend preservation, selection and removal of trees based on site, species and planting procedures that align with industry standards and principles related to urban forest, ecosystem and specimen tree management.
  2. Apply and integrate the principles of tree anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and soil science to the establishment and maintenance of tree health in various ecosystems.
  3. Recommend control measures relating to major insect infestation and disease infections to mitigate tree disorders using current plant health care management processes.
  4. Create and implement job site tailboard plans based on site conditions which includes but not limited to tree risk assessment in order to maintain a safe workplace.
  5. Perform arboriculture safe workplace practices as related to manufacturer specifications, industry safety standards, and government legislation to maintain an optimum environment for individual and team health and safety.
  6. Implement proper tree maintenance and safe removal procedures in accordance with standards and legislation related to arboriculture safe workplace practices
  7. Perform safe tree climbing techniques, aerial rescue, rigging, pruning techniques, and tree removal.
  8. Operate and maintain arborist tools and equipment according to the manufacturer’s operator or user manuals.
  9. Perform risk calculations related to aspects of physics such as shock loading, vectoring and tree dynamics to maintain job site safety and assigned task completion
  10. Prepare reports and field records in compliance with industry regulation and established policies and procedures


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The Humber Advantage

students planting trees

Facilities & Equipment

Humber College has some of the best facilities for delivery of this type of education. The Humber Arboretum is a 250 acre botanical garden that surrounds the campus and includes ornamental gardens, woodland gardens, wildlife gardens, and ecologically diverse environments centered on the west branch of the Humber River. The Arboretum serves as a unique “living classroom" for plant studies, construction, arboricultural and horticultural skills. Our new construction lab is housed in a weather protected 8000 square foot facility which allows full scale structures such as decks, gazebos, retaining walls and water features. We also have excellent computer labs for teaching our CAD (computer-aided design and drafting) courses.

Bob Smith wins award

Faculty Highlight

Bob Smith, faculty member in Humber's Arborist Apprenticeship program has won another award from the Ontario Parks Association.

Congratulations Bob!

Your Career

There are more than three million trees lining Toronto’s streets and in public parks and ravines, and millions more on private properties. Overall, researchers estimate that an urban tree can save five to ten times more carbon dioxide than a rural tree. Help maintain a healthy, sustainable urban forest ecosystem working for municipalities, provincial and federal governments, and public utilities. Tree care contractors and other private-sector employers are also looking for well-trained tree workers. Demand is strong for tree climbers in particular.

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DATE LOCATION STATUS
January 2024 North Open
Start dates between Sept 2023 - Aug 2024
START DATE LOCATION STATUS
January 2024 North Not Available

Humber Students Benefit from Five Centres of Innovation (COIs)

The Humber Centres of Innovation Network demonstrates our strong commitment to providing an experiential learning environment for students. Students and faculty work with industry partners on real-world challenges to prepare them to become the innovative and strategic problem-solvers of tomorrow. Come to Humber and experience interdisciplinary learning across five COIs.

About the COIs  

News Feed

Humber Hawks Put Their Skills to the Test at 2023 Skills Competitions

Humber Hawks Put Their Skills to the Test at 2023 Skills Competitions

Wed, May 10, 2023

The Toronto Congress Centre was full of energy May 1-3 as Skills Ontario hosted the Career Exploration Showcase and Skills Ontario Competition!

Read the Full Article
Centre for Skilled Trades Donates New Tree Swallow Nests to Lakeshore Community

Centre for Skilled Trades Donates New Tree Swallow Nests to Lakeshore Community

Wed, May 10, 2023

Friends of Sam Smith (FOSS) approached Carrier Drive to assist in restoring the tree swallow population.

Read the Full Article

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Events Feed

2SLGBTQ+ Employment Panel

2SLGBTQ+ Employment Panel

Wed, June 14, 2023 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
North, Online

Location: North Campus, NX111, and online

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Light refreshments will be served. Attendees are encouraged to register.

Register Now  

See attached posted for more information.

Humber Skilled Trades Career Fair

Humber Skilled Trades Career Fair

Wed, July 12, 2023 | 02:00 p.m. - 05:00 p.m.

Location: Humber College, Centre for Trades and Technology
Carrier Drive Campus
110 Carrier Dr, Etobicoke (Hwy 27 & Finch Ave W.)

Read More

The Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology is hosting our Summer 2023 Career Event for students and new graduates from our skilled trades programs.

Employers will be able to meet with students and new graduates to collect resumes. Students are looking to obtain general employment or start an apprenticeship. Students are available from the following programs:

  • Electrical Techniques
  • Mechanical Techniques – Millwright
  • Plumbing Techniques
  • Welding Techniques
  • Carpentry and Renovation Techniques
  • Industrial Woodworking Technician
  • Furniture and Cabinetmaking Techniques

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

On October 21, 2019, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced the renaming of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) to the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). Both names may appear on this website.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Mark Graves, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 4731
mark.graves@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet all the requirements below in order to meet minimum program eligibility. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. Admission decisions will be available via MyHumber, or by email and mail. Admission decisions will not be released by phone.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses: 
      • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
      • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Field Practice Session Requirements

Before participating in this program, students must fully understand or be prepared in the following:

  • Grade 12 Mathematics (MAP4C, MCT4C, MDM4U, MCB4U, MGA4U, MCV4U or MHF4U or equivalent) is recommended
  • field practice sessions take place two days every week even in bad winter weather
  • at least 50 percent of field time involves tree climbing to heights of 40 feet or more
  • attendance at all classes is mandatory
  • students must dress appropriately for the scheduled activity and prevailing weather
  • most field practice sessions are off-campus locations to which students must arrange their own transportation
  • on a scheduled rotating basis, students are responsible for supervision of field practice sessions and transportation of tools and equipment to job/field practice sites
  • students must supply their own personal protective equipment (PPE) and small tools. Required PPE and small tools will be discussed during the first week of classes.

Equipment & Device Requirements

Details and Specifications Minimum Specs Recommended Specs
Processor Intel i7 (Quad core) Intel i7 (Quad core or higher)
Memory Minimum 16 GB of RAM
Storage Minimum 250 GB storage space (SSD) preferable, Wireless 802.11 b/g/n/ac
Other Built-in Ethernet port (strongly recommended), Long battery life (strongly recommended)

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Mark Graves, program co-ordinator
416.675.6622 ext. 4731
mark.graves@humber.ca

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2023/2024 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $4,880.78
  • international: TBD (refer to 2022-2023 for estimate)

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

$1,200 - study materials, personal protective equipment (PPE) and small tools. Transportation to and from off-campus work sites, within or in the vicinity of the Greater Toronto Area is the responsibility of the student.

 

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
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