Arborist Training Intensive Program 2

Looking to enhance your skills as a practicing arborist? Do you need focused hands-on technical training in stationary rope system technique, spur climbing, aerial lift operation, and pruning? We put this course together for you. Whether you're just starting in the business or looking to refine your expertise, this course is your fast track to becoming a proficient and safety-conscious tree climber. Participants will gain hands-on experience, reinforced by industry-standard safety protocols and best practices.

Course Overview

During the week, you will explore a comprehensive curriculum that revolved around safety, WorkSafe BC, and industry standards. Our hands-on approach ensures that you gain practical experience quickly and effectively. Here's what you'll learn:

Day 1 & Day 2: Foundational SRS (Stationary Rope System) Climbing

• Advantages of SRS: Explore the benefits of SRS over traditional Moving Rope Systems (MRS), including increased energy efficiency, reduced strain, and improved control during ascents and descents.

• Understanding the Mechanics of SRS: Learn the principles behind SRS, including rope tensions, load distribution, and how SRS anchors differ from traditional climbing systems.

• Equipment Overview and Setup: Detailed instruction on the tools of SRS, including Static climbing ropes and their properties; rope wrenches, mechanical ascenders, and friction devices’ backup systems like lanyards and prusiks.

• Safety Protocols: Cover WorkSafe BC compliance, with a focus on minimizing risks associated with SRS climbing. Emphasize the importance of pre-climb safety checks and anchor point selection.

• Anchor Systems and Forces: Explore the physics of SRS anchors, considering force dynamics and the impact of angles on anchor strength.

• Inspection and Pre-Climb Checks: Hands-on practice inspecting ropes, harnesses, and SRS-specific equipment to ensure functionality and compliance with safety standards.

• Ascent Techniques: Practice body thrusts, frog systems, and mechanical ascender setups to scale trees efficiently and safely.

• Descent Techniques: Learn to manage friction and control descents using rope wrenches, descenders, or hitch-based systems.

• Work Positioning in the Canopy: limb walks, tie-ins, and redirects to maneuver effectively and maintain stability in various canopy scenarios.

• Rescue Anchors and Emergency Preparedness: Prepare for emergency situations by setting up rescue anchors and learning techniques for aerial rescues specific to SRS systems.

• Troubleshooting Common Challenges: Address potential problems such as rope twists, mid-ascent adjustments, and efficient transitions between climbing and work positioning.

• Practical Climbing Exercises: Engage in supervised, hands-on climbing sessions:

  • Experience the fluidity and efficiency of SRS in real-world scenarios.

  • Compare SRS to MRS (Moving Rope System) techniques, with guidance on when each system is most effective.

  • Apply newfound skills to perform advanced maneuvers, such as multiple redirects and high anchor transitions.

Day 3: Foundational Spur and Spar Pole Climbing (Including Rescue and Rigging)

This day focuses on the specialized techniques required for climbing spar poles with spurs, conducting aerial rescues, and setting up rigging systems for dismantling trees. Participants will gain the essential skills to work safely and effectively in scenarios where traditional climbing methods or full canopy access are unavailable.

• Understanding Spur Climbing and Its Applications: Learn the purpose and context of spur climbing and discuss the pros and cons of spur use and situations where spurs are necessary.

• Equipment Selection, Inspection, and Adjustment: identify and select appropriate spur climbing gear, including spurs, pads, and straps and lanyards; conduct pre-climb inspections to ensure safety and functionality of equipment; practice fitting and adjusting spurs for individual comfort and security.

• Spur Maintenance and Sharpening: Learn techniques for maintaining spur functionality, including sharpening with emphasis on maintaining the correct angle and sharpness.

• Ascent Techniques for Spar Pole Climbing: demonstrate and practice proper climbing techniques to ascend spar poles safely and efficiently with emphasis on maintaining stability and balance while climbing with spurs.

• Work Positioning on Spars: Techniques for secure work positioning using lanyards and flip lines and practice locking into position for effective and stable cutting or rigging setup.

• Introduction to spar pole rigging systems: Discuss the purpose of rigging in spar pole removals, focusing on controlling and directing falling tree sections; learn to calculate load forces and ensure safe rigging practices.

• Rigging Gear Overview: Identify rigging blocks, slings, ropes, and friction devices commonly used in spar pole operations.

• Installing Rigging Systems: Step-by-step guidance on setting up rigging systems for spar pole dismantling with emphasis on correct angles, friction control, and minimizing swing or drop forces during lowering operations.

• Controlled Descent of Tree Sections: Focus on teamwork, communication, and efficient use of rigging systems to ensure safety and productivity.

• Spar Pole Aerial Rescue Scenarios: Learn how to safely access and assist a stranded or incapacitated climber on a spar pole; Practice setting up rescue systems and performing aerial-based rescues. Address potential challenges, such as managing tight lanyards and maintaining climber stability during descent.

• Emergency Preparedness: Understand the importance of pre-planning for rescues, including pre-installed anchors and accessible equipment.

Day 4: Aerial Lift Operations and Rescue

From pre-trip inspection to aerial rescue, this one-day intensive covers every stage of safe aerial lift operation. You will learn to inspect and set up your equipment, operate lift controls from both the ground and bucket stations, establish a compliant worksite, and respond to emergencies with confidence. Training aligns with WorkSafe BC OHS Regulations and ANSI Z133.

• Aerial lift safety overview and accident prevention

• Daily inspection and the DVIR

• Outrigger deployment

• Aerial lift controls and operation

• Worksite setup and traffic control

• Fall arrest system fit and inspection

• Aerial rescue introduction

• Aerial rescue flowchart (ANSI Z133 Annex F)

• Self-rescue from the bucket

• Suspension trauma and reflow syndrome

Day 5: The Art, Science, and Practice of Pruning

This one day course provides hands-on training for arborists, landscapers, and municipal staff responsible for pruning woody perennials in streets, parks, and managed landscapes. Instruction integrates plant biology, species-specific growth habits, industry standards, and supervised field practice.

Participants learn how to evaluate structure, health, risk, and objectives to apply species-appropriate pruning that supports long-term plant performance, longevity, and public safety. Training is aligned with ISA Best Management Practices and ANSI A300 (Part 1) – Pruning.

What You’ll Learn in This Pruning Course

Tree Pruning Science

• How trees grow and respond to pruning over time

• Photosynthesis, phenology, and energy allocation

• Branch structure, compartmentalization, and tree defense systems

• Seasonal timing and species-specific pruning considerations

Practical Pruning Techniques

• Establishing pruning objectives based on species and site conditions

• Identifying branch collars, bark ridges, and proper cut locations

• Executing proper pruning cuts to minimize decay and structural damage

• The three-step cut method

• Pruning types: crown cleaning, crown raising, thinning, reduction, and restoration

Structural & Aesthetic Pruning

• Reading tree architecture and growth habits

• Balancing aesthetics, safety, structure, and performance

• Why accurate species identification is critical to pruning success

Key Benefits:

• Accelerated Learning: Our hands-on approach ensures rapid skill acquisition.

• Safety First: The program adheres to WorkSafe BC and industry standards, prioritizing your safety and the safety of those around you.

• Productivity Boost: Gain the knowledge and skills needed to work more efficiently, making you a valuable asset in the industry.

Certification:

Upon successful completion, you'll receive a certification acknowledging your achievement in the Arborist Training Intensive Program.

Program Details:

Duration: Five -day intensive program with online component.

Location: BCPHC Training Facility - 18465 53rd Ave, Surrey, BC

Date: August 10 - 14, 2026. 8am - 3pm

Investment: $2500 per person

* No Gear? No problem. If you have tree climbing gear, bring it! Otherwise, let us know ahead of time so we can supply you with the equipment you need for in-course use. We want to make learning about climbing trees easy!

Enroll Today:

Embark on a thrilling adventure and master the art of tree climbing with our 5 day Arborist Training Intensive Program. Book your spot now and elevate your perspective! Spaces are limited, so don't miss your chance to unlock your potential. Take the first step to becoming a skilled and safety-conscious tree climber today! 🌿

Group Rates:

Got a group? You can book this course privately. Reach out to us for detailed pricing information and available course dates.

Contact Us: Learn@bcplanthealthcare.com | 18465 53rd Avenue, Surrey, BC | 604-575-8727