'arborize' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'arbor', where 'arbor' meant 'tree'. The English verb was formed with the suffix '-ize' (from Greek/Latin via French) meaning 'to make' or 'to cause to be'.

'arborize' developed from Medieval Latin/vernacular forms such as 'arborizare' and from Old French influences like 'arboriser', and it entered English as 'arborize' (also seen as 'arborise' in some British usages).

Initially it meant 'to make into trees or to plant with trees,' and over time the meaning has remained broadly the same, extending figuratively to 'to make tree-like' or 'to give a wooded appearance'.