Tree Trimmers & Pruners

Also Called: Arborist, Groundsman, Tree Climber, Tree Trimmer

What Tree Trimmers & Pruners do

Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree. Prune or treat trees or shrubs using handsaws, hand pruners, clippers, and power pruners. Works off the ground in the tree canopy and may use truck-mounted lifts.

  • Operate shredding and chipping equipment, and feed limbs and brush into the machines.
  • Operate boom trucks, loaders, stump chippers, brush chippers, tractors, power saws, trucks, sprayers, and other equipment and tools.
  • Cut away dead and excess branches from trees, or clear branches around power lines, using climbing equipment or buckets of extended truck booms, or chainsaws, hooks, handsaws, shears, and clippers.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Training Program Areas:

Forestry Conservation & Firefighting • Landscaping • Landscaping (HBI) • OCT-Only Renewable Resources & Energy • Petroleum Technician • Urban Forestry

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Work Context

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  • Frequency of Decision Making

Tools

  • Secateurs or pruning shears
  • Pruning saw
  • Ladders
  • Lopper
  • Sprayers

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Word processing software
Microsoft Word

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Monitoring

Knowledge

Business
customer service
Engineering and Technology
mechanical

Education

  • 57% Less than high school diploma
  • 37% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 4% Some college, no degree

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Self Control

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Independence

Abilities

  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Controlled Movement
  • Endurance
  • Attention

This is what Tree Trimmers & Pruners across the country typically make.

$16.56 / hour
$34,450 /year

Entry Level

$23.59 / hour
$49,070 /year

Median Level

$36.47 / hour
$75,870 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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