Tree Technician

Working Schedule

• Tree Technicians often work full-time but some positions may be part-time. Work schedules may vary by season. Frequent travel within a designated boundary (such as a city or county) is needed. 

Typical Duties

• Review work schedules and prepare vehicles and equipment for transport to the worksite
• Review cost estimates and budgets with clients, when needed
• Assess worksites for potential hazards or risks to bystanders. Post warning signs around the perimeter
• Examine trees for signs of disease or pests
• Scale trees using climbing gear or use boom trucks to reach high tree limbs and branches
• Carefully hoist up tools to workers. Safely lower cut branches using ropes or pulleys
• Use hand or power saws to cut limbs and thick branches. Use pruning shears, loppers, and pole pruners for thinner branches
• Cut away branches or limbs that are close to power lines or houses or that might obstruct views along sidewalks or roads
• Trim trees to enhance their appearance and increase property values 
• Remove or cut tree stumps
• Apply protective tar or other coatings to tree bases
• Feed tree waste into shredding and chipping machines
• Clear away tree debris from work sites and surrounding areas. Use rakes to clear smaller branches, twigs, leaves, etc. into piles, then shovel them up
• Load debris into trucks. Haul and properly dispose of debris 
• Spray pesticides. Water, root-feed, and fertilize trees with soil amendments to keep them healthy
• Inject fertilizers into trees and perform soil root therapy to promote health 
• Mix and apply pesticides and other chemicals

Additional Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, load, and clean transportation vehicles and trailers
• As needed, operate boom trucks, loaders, stump chippers, tractors, skid steers, wood chippers, excavators, and hydraulic sprayers
• Regularly inspect, lubricate, and maintain tools and equipment. Perform basic repairs or sharpening, if trained 
• Clear out decayed materials from tree cavities, and seal holes as needed
• Stabilize trees or limbs with braces, stakes, cables, or ties
• Carefully uproot and transplant trees and shrubs 
• Train and mentor new workers and watch out for their safety as they learn the ropes
• Maintain constant vigilance of the work site to ensure no one is in the way of a potentially falling limb or tool

Soft Skills

• Detail-oriented
• Focus
• Goal-oriented
• Hand-eye coordination
• Initiative
• Methodical 
• Observant
• Organized
• Patient
• Safety-focused
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Strength and stamina
• Strong communication skills 
• Time management 

Technical Skills

• Ability to carry and load up to 70 lbs
• Ability to operate and maintain vehicles
• Ability to safely use hand and power saws, pruning shears, loppers, pole pruners, and other cutting tools 
• First aid and CPR
• Familiarity with operating boom trucks, loaders, tractors, skid steers, wood chippers, excavators, and hydraulic sprayers
• Knowledge of soil and soil amendments 
• Knowledge of tree/limb braces, stakes, cables, and ties
• Knowledge of tree pesticides, fertilizers, protective tars, and related chemicals
• Proper wear of personal protective equipment including helmets, gloves, and eye protection, as well as ropes, harnesses, lanyards, 
• Strength and stamina 

• Federal, state, or local government agencies
• Landscaping and lawn care companies
• Botanical gardens 

Tree Technician work requires constant exposure to outdoor elements, such as hot or cold weather, wind, rain, humidity, etc. There are many hazards that workers must guard against, including sharp tools, whirring chainsaw blades, heights, and exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, pests, and wildlife. 

Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Tree trimmers and pruners…have some of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.” Employers know the dangers of this profession and expect workers to comply with safety and emergency procedures and to wear appropriate personal protective gear. To the extent possible, Tree Technicians should plan out the work to be done ahead of time, and anticipate potential problems so they can avoid them. 

Things don’t change too much in the tree care business, but a trend to note is the ongoing demand for more environmentally-friendly green practices. This can include the pesticides and fertilizers used on trees, as well as considerations about recycling tree debris. The industry is increasingly using drones in larger operations to gather visual data. There are even drones now equipped with saws for thinning forest trees!

Tree Technicians (aka climbers and groundsman arborists) are typically physically active people who don’t mind working outdoors with their hands. They’re comfortable with using hand tools and powered equipment and might have taken shop classes in high school. They may have grown up in rural areas, perhaps taking jobs helping out on farms. Strong verbal communication skills and teamwork are also essential, and these may have been developed from extracurricular activities like playing sports.