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

'arborize' changed from Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms such as 'arborizare' and Old French 'arboriser', and eventually became the modern English word 'arborize'.

Initially, it meant 'to plant or furnish with trees,' but over time the verb also took on the extended sense 'to form or develop tree-like branches' (especially in biological contexts).