Municipal arborists must be skilled in all of the following EXCEPT:

The role of a municipal arborist primarily involves the management and care of trees within urban environments, which encompasses a range of responsibilities that relate closely to tree health, urban forestry, and community engagement. Among the skills required for this profession are policy development, public relations, and personnel management, which are all essential for effectively implementing urban forestry initiatives and engaging with the community.

Policy development is crucial for establishing regulations and guidelines for tree care and management within municipalities. Additionally, strong public relations skills are necessary to communicate with the public, explain the benefits of urban forestry, and foster community support for tree planting and maintenance programs. Personnel management is also a key component, as municipal arborists often oversee teams that include tree care specialists and other staff members.

In contrast, mechanical engineering is not a typical requirement for municipal arborists. While understanding the mechanics behind certain equipment used in tree care can be beneficial, the foundational skills and knowledge needed for a municipal arborist's role do not include formal training in mechanical engineering. Therefore, being skilled in mechanical engineering is not a necessity for municipal arborists, making it the exception among the skills listed.