Arboriculture deals with the selection, planting, and scientific nurturing of shrubs and trees. On the other hand, Floriculture is concerned with the cultivation and fostering of flowering and ornamental plants for precincts, gardens, floristry and the floral industry. The major differences between Arboriculture and Floriculture are elucidated in detail in this article.

Arboriculture Courses and Career Opportunities

Arboriculture is one among the subdivisions of horticulture. This will come under the plant sciences specialization. Many global Universities and institutes offer the diverse B.Sc. and M.Sc. courses in Arboriculture to eligible students. A Bachelors’ degree in the respective subjects is enough for the entry-level career in the Arboriculture field. However, aspirants have to pursue the PhD programs in Arboriculture so as to engage in research and developmental activities in the concerned areas. As part of their work, arborists also have to concentrate in fertilization, pathogen control and pruning the trees to increase the aesthetics of the garden. Arborists can search out for more career opportunities in Forestry, Arboriculture equipment and chemical manufacturing companies, Arboreta, tree research centers, Public utility companies and so on.

Floriculture Courses and Career Opportunities

In order to work as a Floriculturist, aspirants have to pursue the graduate program in Agriculture and the postgraduate program in Floriculture thereafter. Floriculture is an enormous field of study, which has wide scope in India and abroad. There are also Certificate and doctoral programs in the relevant field of study. On completion of their courses, Floriculturists can look out for employments other areas like in cosmetic and perfume industry, nurseries, and garden centers, Cooperative Extension Service, universities and so on. The career opportunities in this field are as varied as the nature of job itself. Professionals can work in the floricultural sector as estate managers, agricultural experts, superintendents, project coordinators and so on.

Key differentiators between Arboriculture and Floriculture

Arboriculture deals with the nurturing of all types of shrubs and trees whereas Floriculture involves only the cultivation of flowering and decorative plants etc.

The career scope of an arborist is more of an external nature, mostly in woods or otherwise conserving the wealth of the forest whereas the floriculturists may have to work within a particular area focusing in planting and blossoming more and more colors to the eye of the viewer.

Although Arboriculture and Floriculture are branches of Botany, the area of study, career scope, techniques used and the application of both these fields vary to a greater extent.