Horticulturist and Arborist are individuals who deal with plants, but with a difference. Horticulturist is responsible for the healthy cultivation and scientific propagation activities in plants. They also come out with new procedures and methods in developing new plant species, which yield high in amount with quality. They can provide professional advice on selection, cultivation and maintenance of plants and food crops. Those who provide special care to individual trees are known as Arborist. They specialize in planting, caring and in sustenance of individual trees. They also deal with pruning, removal, emergency care and other allied activities in trees.

Horticulturist Courses and job Opportunities

There exist several diploma and undergraduate programs, which focus on horticulture education. The students can pursue bachelor’s degree in Horticulture to obtain an entry-level job as horticulturist. Higher study options such as Master of Science in Horticulture will help individuals to obtain a lucrative career in the sector. The college education improves the in-depth knowledge of the individual, which helps them to perform well in senior level job positions. These professionals can work either with government sector organizations or with private sector corporate houses. They can earn well by becoming a freelancer as well.

Arborist Courses and job Opportunities

Several certificate courses are offered in Arboriculture by different institutes in India. The bachelor‘s as well as postgraduate courses in Arboriculture are offered by different international Universities and institutes. These courses are enough to enter in to junior level job profile in Arboriculture. Sufficient academic training and experience in the segment will help them to obtain jobs in

• Commercial Residential Sector
• Municipal Sector
• Utility Sector
• Colleges
• Government Agencies
• Arboreta/Parks

Key differences between a Horticulturist and Arborist

Horticulturists are those who are involve in the healthy cultivation and scientific propagation activities in plants where as Arborists are involved with the health care and maintenance of individual trees. The topics of study involved in the academic programs of both the courses are different. Arborist is more exposed to outdoor activities in their work than that of a horticulturist.  The risk associated with the job profile of Arborist is high when compared with horticulturist. Safety measures are adopted to avoid accidents, as arborists have to climb huge trees and have to face other dangerous situations. Such precautions are not necessary by a horticulturist.  Although both Horticulturist and Arborist are professionals associated with botanical field, the nature of job, the courses of study, career scope etc. associated with both are much different.