Tree Health Specialist

Why Tree Health Specialist?

Healthy trees start with understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. In this program, you’ll learn to assess tree health and uncover the biological and environmental factors that cause trees to struggle. You’ll explore tree biology, soil conditions, root systems, insects, and diseases while developing the skills to diagnose problems and apply science-based solutions that support the long-term health of trees in urban and managed environments.

At Mid-State, you’ll gain hands-on, field-based experience evaluating live trees, assessing soil and root conditions, identifying pest and disease damage, and using professional tree care tools and equipment. With a unique emphasis on below-ground tree health, you’ll build practical skills in diagnostics, plant health care, safe treatment application, and field-based inspections while preparing for specialized roles in tree health and plant health care.

Explore below-ground tree health, soil science, and root system evaluation.
Learn from experienced faculty with industry knowledge in arboriculture and tree health management.
Build skills through curriculum informed by employer and industry feedback.
Benefit from small class sizes that support individualized instruction and skill development.
Develop strong observation and problem-solving skills for identifying tree stress and decline.
Prepare for opportunities in a field where skilled tree health professionals are in demand across the country.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

18 Credits

Degree Type

Technical Degree

Program Length

One Year

Delivery Method

In Person

Location

Wisconsin Rapids

Start Dates

Fall

Estimated Program Cost

$3,200.93

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Partially Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Tree Trimmer

Plant Health Care Technician

Grounds Worker

Tree Care Specialist

Diagnostic Arborist

$66k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $65,571. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Average Monthly Hires

23 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled.

Full-Time Curriculum (19 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (8 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1
10001118	Landscape Plant Identification	Yes	2
10001115	Root Management	No	2
10001120	Tree Diseases	No	3

Term 2: (11 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10001110	Tree Biology	No	2
10001102	Plant Health Care Applicator	Yes	2
10001150	Workplace Communication in Arboriculture	No	1
10001113	Landscape Entomology	No	3
10001198	Urban Soils	No	3

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Joe Hoffman, BS, MF
To students and apprentices pursuing rewarding careers in arboriculture, Joe brings the experience of 15+ years in the field and over two decades of teaching and training. The joy he derives from serving students is evidenced by several years of bringing students to industry conferences and leading student clubs. Joe is also an ISA Certified Arborist®, earned his bachelor’s in urban forestry from UW-Stevens Point, and holds a master of forestry degree from Virginia Tech.

“There’s great joy in walking alongside people and helping them experience their curiosities blossoming into discovery and learning.”

Luke Scheberl, MS
Luke earned his MS in soil science from UW–Stevens Point. He also holds a BS in urban forestry. He is an ISA Certified Arborist® and a Wisconsin Certified Pesticide Applicator (3.0). His experience includes over 10 years in landscape/turf management, commercial tree care (climbing, lift, planting, and treating), tree inventories, soil assessment, and research. He taught for three years at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha before joining Mid-State Technical College full-time in 2021.

“Arboriculture isn’t just another job. It is a passionate industry where outside is your daily office and trees are your clients! We do have fun here!”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Identify woody plants by common and scientific name.
Evaluate site characteristics and understand how they impact tree health.
Confirm identification of common insect pests and diseases of urban trees.
Effectively communicate within the professional team and with clients.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.
Mid-State Grad
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad
“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad