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Urban Arboriculture - Tree Care

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Program Code: 01991
CIP Code: 1.0699
PGWP-Eligible: Yes
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 2 semesters
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Pathways: Explore Pathways
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Apply for September 2025 and get your chance to win $5,000 toward tuition* See details.

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, 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.

The Humber Advantage

Centre for skilled trades and technology video

Watch the Video  Explore the Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology 

Beyond the Traditional Classroon

Your journey in skilled trades starts at Humber Polytechnic. Plumbing, carpentry, electrical, welding, industrial woodworking, construction, renovation labs and so much more. And it's all right here at the Humber Polytechnic Centre for Skilled Trades & Technology.

Ontario's trade industry is growing like never before and Humber is committed to building a strong, skilled workforce.

Based in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), you'll find a unique, state-of-the-art facility that takes you beyond a traditional classroom and provides hands-on practice in a simulated worksite, giving you specialized skills and training from industry experts.

If you've been waiting for a reason to get started in skilled trades, this is it! Start your journey at Humber's Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology and take charge of your future.

Person working at the top of a tree

Watch the video to learn more about the Arborist Apprenticeship programs at Humber Polytechnic.

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.

Schulich Builders: Scholarships for Skilled Trades

Humber student with a builders vest and helmet

The Schulich Builders program will combat the shortage of skilled trades in Ontario and amplify their importance and value to our community by awarding 100 annual scholarships to the most promising candidates across colleges in Ontario including Humber.

Scholarship Details  

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 and across the GTA. Overall, researchers estimate that an urban tree processes 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.

Related Programs

student cutting wood

Arboriculture - Apprenticeship

Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Length: 12 weeks
Four people working and digging outside

Horticulture Techniques - Apprenticeship

Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Length: 12 weeks
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Service Trades Programs

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Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Block-Based North Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Block-Based North Not Available

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Block-Based North Not Available

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Upcoming Recruitment Events

Urban Arboriculture & Arborist Apprenticeship at Humber Polytechnic

Person using hoist in forest

Watch the video to learn more about the Urban Arboriculture & Arborist Apprenticeship programs at Humber Polytechnic.

News Feed

See More News 
Annual Scholarship Celebration

Annual Scholarship Celebration

Tue, April 01, 2025

Humber Polytechnic celebrated student scholarship winners and thanked donors for empowering the next generation.

Read More
Mechatronics Students Make Waves at RoboBoat

Mechatronics Students Make Waves at RoboBoat

Tue, April 01, 2025

Oh buoy! The Humber Mechatronics Engineering Club has been recognized as Rising Innovators at RoboBoat 2025!

Read More

No news at this time.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic 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.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

A Humber education is second to none, benefit from:

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How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

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.

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
437.565.1645
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

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

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.

If you do not meet the admissions requirements for this program, we can help!

●Humber's Academic Upgrading and Exploratory Programs can help you improve your skills and meet admission requirements.

●If you require English language support, please consider the English for Academic Purposes program.

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
437.565.1645
mark.graves@humber.ca


Fees & Financial Aid

The 2025/2026 fee for two semesters is:

  • domestic: $7,668.81
  • international: N/A

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

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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