'arborize' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'arbor', where 'arbor' meant 'tree'. The verb-forming suffix '-ize' comes from Greek '-izein' via Latin/French usage to form verbs ('to make or become').

'arborize' was formed in post-medieval English from Latin 'arbor' + the verb-forming suffix (compare Middle French 'arboriser'/'arboriser' and Late Latin/Medieval Latin formations), and it eventually entered modern English as 'arborize' with past/p.p. 'arborized'.

Initially it meant 'to plant or furnish with trees', and this meaning has largely remained; it also extended to 'to make tree-like' or 'to branch like a tree' in scientific contexts.