A tree trimmer is a landscaping professional who prunes trees to improve their appearance, health, and safety. To cut, trim, shape, and dispose of tree branches, he or she employs a variety of specialized hand and power tools. While most work can be done from a ladder, very tall trees often necessitate the use of bucket trucks and climbing equipment. Although some skilled professionals are self-employed, the majority of tree trimmers work for municipal government organizations or specialized tree-trimming companies.
Private-sector professionals frequently provide contract services to homeowners and business owners. Tree trimmers usually visit a potential job site alone or in groups to determine what needs to be done, how long it will take, and how much it will cost. A ladder, handsaws, cutters, and chainsaws are typically used to trim small trees. The crew clears the debris after each job to either feed it through a wood chipper or haul it to a suitable dumping location.
A city tree trimmer is responsible for keeping trees in public areas in good shape and removing dangerous branches from buildings, streets, and power lines. Trimming crew members may be required to ride in a motorized bucket on the back of a truck that can be hoisted upward to reach high branches. When scaling trees that are inaccessible by other means, climbing hooks, ropes, hoists, and belts are required. To avoid potentially serious accidents, workers take extra caution when cutting around streets and power lines.
If a person has a high school diploma, he or she should be able to find work as a tree trimmer. Although previous landscaping experience can help you land a job, most employers will hire people without it if they are honest, hardworking, and physically fit enough to perform the job’s duties. For a few weeks or months, an entry-level tree trimmer in a city organization or private business works as an assistant or apprentice to more experienced workers to learn the trade firsthand. New tree trimmers who perform well as assistants are eventually assigned to projects on their own. Trimmers must also pass certification exams or training courses in many areas to demonstrate their knowledge of safety procedures.
In most tree-trimming jobs, there is usually plenty of room for advancement. City workers may be able to advance to lead trimmers, managers, or landscape superintendents with experience and proven skills. Tree trimmers who work for private companies and gain experience and a steady customer base may decide to start their own business. A tree trimmer who works as an independent contractor sets his or her own hours, hires assistants, purchases tools, and advertises his or her services.