Tree Trimmer

Your Fit

Income

$50K

Preparation

Some

Growth

2.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Tree Trimmer?

A Tree Trimmer, also known as an Arborist or Tree Surgeon, specializes in the care and maintenance of trees. They are responsible for pruning, removing, and maintaining trees to ensure their health, safety, and aesthetic appeal.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Tree Trimmer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Tree Trimmer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$38K per year	$44K per year	$50K per year	$63K per year	$79K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $930 above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Tree Trimmer do?

Work environment

Tree Trimmers typically work outdoors in various settings such as residential areas, parks, and along city streets. The job often involves working at heights, using ladders and specialized equipment like chainsaws and chippers. It may also include working in various weather conditions and requires adherence to safety protocols to mitigate risks.

Quick task list

Prunes or trims trees, shrubs, and hedges to improve their health and appearance.
Removes damaged, diseased, or unsafe trees.
Operates and maintains equipment like chainsaws, chippers, and stump grinders.
Evaluates tree health and provides care recommendations.
Ensures safety measures for both the workers and the public during tree maintenance.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Urban Tree Care: Specializing in tree maintenance in city environments, considering aesthetics and public safety.
Utility Line Clearance: Trimming trees to prevent interference with power lines, requiring specific safety protocols.
Tree Health Assessment: Focusing on identifying diseases and pests and recommending treatments.
Tree Removal and Stump Grinding: Specializing in the safe removal of trees and stumps, often using heavy machinery.
Landscape Design: Incorporating tree care into broader landscape design and maintenance plans.

Description

Tree Trimming is a physically demanding occupation that combines technical skill with a deep understanding of tree biology and health. Tree Trimmers must be knowledgeable about various tree species and their specific care requirements. They use a variety of tools and techniques to prune and maintain trees, ensuring they grow properly and do not pose a hazard to people or property.

Safety is a key aspect of the job. Working with potentially dangerous equipment at heights requires adherence to strict safety standards and protocols. Tree Trimmers must be vigilant about their surroundings to ensure the safety of themselves, their team, and the public.

The role of a Tree Trimmer often requires good physical fitness, as it involves climbing, lifting, and using heavy machinery. It also requires an ability to work as part of a team, as tree trimming can be a collaborative effort. This occupation provides the satisfaction of working outdoors, contributing to environmental conservation, and visibly improving the landscapes in which they work.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Enhancing the health and aesthetic of trees and landscapes.
Working outdoors in various environments.
The physical and technical challenge of the work.

You might make a good Tree Trimmer if you are...

Physically fit and comfortable with heights and outdoor work.
Interested in botany, arboriculture, or environmental conservation.
Skilled in using tools and machinery safely and effectively.
Attentive to safety protocols and aware of surroundings.
Able to work independently and as part of a team.

Pros:

Outdoor, physically active work.
Opportunities for specialization and certification.
Contribution to environmental health and public safety.

Cons:

Physically demanding and potentially hazardous.
Exposure to all weather conditions.
Risk of injury from equipment or falls.

How to become a Tree Trimmer

Typical education

Most Tree Trimming positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is primarily on-the-job, but some may pursue additional certifications or two-year degrees in arboriculture or related fields.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology or Environmental Science to understand plant biology and ecosystems.
Physical Education to build fitness and endurance.
Technical Education or Woodworking for experience with tools and machinery.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining environmental or gardening clubs.
Volunteering for park cleanups or tree-planting initiatives.
Participating in outdoor sports or activities to build physical stamina.

Preparation after high school

Seeking apprenticeships or entry-level positions with landscaping, tree care, or municipal parks departments.
Attending workshops or certification programs in arboriculture or tree care.
Gaining experience with heavy machinery operation, landscaping, or forestry work.

More resources

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) - Offers resources, education, and certification for tree care professionals.
Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) - Provides education and training resources, safety guidelines, and business support for tree care companies.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Tree Care - Essential for understanding safety standards in the tree care industry.
Arbor Day Foundation - Offers educational resources on tree care and conservation.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.