Is an arborist the same as a landscaper?

The sources read for this answer list them as two jobs. Landscaping is described as work on lawns, beds, paths and planting, and tree work as climbing and cutting on trees. Pruning trees appears on both lists. This page sets out what each source says.

United States: O*NET

O*NET, the US Department of Labor occupation database, lists Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers under code 37-3011.00. It describes the work as landscaping or looking after a property's grounds with hand or power tools, usually a mix of jobs such as sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking and sprinkler installation. Reported titles include Groundskeeper, Landscaper and Landscape Technician. Its task list includes mowing and edging lawns, caring for turf, planting, spreading mulch, shovelling snow and applying fertilizer or pesticide. One task is pruning or trimming trees, shrubs or hedges with shears, pruners or chain saws.

O*NET lists Tree Trimmers and Pruners separately, under code 37-3013.00. It describes climbing and rigging to remove dead or surplus branches from trees or shrubs, working off the ground in the canopy and sometimes from truck-mounted lifts. Reported titles include Arborist, Climber and Tree Trimmer. Both jobs sit in Job Zone 1 to 2 on O*NET, where it says a high school diploma is usually required, though some jobs do not need one.

England: National Careers Service

Landscaper

Tasks: preparing sites with tools and machinery, working from a designer's plan, planting flowers, shrubs and trees and sowing lawns, building paths, walls and water features, and advising clients.
Where: a garden, a client's business or home, or a garden centre.
Routes in: a college course, an apprenticeship of 2 to 3 years, starting as an assistant, or applying directly. The profile says there are no set requirements, and that employers expect some gardening or horticulture knowledge.

Tree surgeon

Tasks: identifying hazards caused by trees, climbing to cut back or remove branches, cutting down trees and stumps, and planting trees and assessing their health.
Where: parks and gardens, streets, woodland and rail tracks.
Routes in: a university or college course, an apprenticeship, starting as a forest labourer or groundworker, or working towards the role. The profile lists coping with work at height, and a Certificate of Competence for hazardous chainsaw tasks.

Both profiles describe outdoor work in all weathers that can be physically demanding. The landscaper profile names the British Association of Landscape Industries and the tree surgeon profile names the Arboricultural Association. The sources do not say whether a person can move from one job to the other. The tree surgeon title is covered in arborist and tree surgeon, and starting without climbing is covered in starting as a ground worker.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 for the National Careers Service profiles.