Tree Trimmer Job Description

Trees in parks and other venues are maintained by tree trimmers.

Tree trimmers serve an important function in the maintenance of parks, residential sites and corporate settings. This work requires special knowledge in tree identification, characteristics, equipment and safety procedures while working.

Qualifications and Training

To become a tree trimmer, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED to apply to most openings. Passing a drug test may also be mandatory for applicants, depending on the employer. There is a mixture of on-the-job and classroom training that is usually offered, and may be within an apprenticeship program. The trimmer will learn safety and rescue procedures, identification of hazards, use of equipment, recognizing certain type of trees and their characteristics and proper disposal of waste foliage.

Power Line Clearance

Clearing trees near power lines is one job of a tree trimmer.

Some tree trimmers work to clear limbs and trees away from power lines to avoid loss of power due to weather damage. This role involves working year round outdoors in all kinds of weather. A variety of equipment is used, including: chainsaws, pole pruners, rope blocks and climbing saddles, hand saws and chipper shredders. Safety awareness is also a must, as working near high voltage electrical lines can be dangerous. Oregon has a two-year apprenticeship program for this kind of tree trimmer.

Parks and Trail Maintenance

Tree trimmers working for a parks division may have a variety of duties, including marking trails and keeping trees pruned around the park grounds. The trimmer will also have to walk trails and keep limbs that are in danger of falling or are blocking trail access trimmed back. Reporting hazards to the proper authorities, removing stumps, planting and removing foliage blocking drainage areas are also part of the job.

Pay Rate

The pay rate for a tree trimmer can vary depending on the location, nature of the work, experience of the individual, education and related factors. For example, in Lafayette, Louisiana, a tree trimmer starts at around $10 an hour and can make as high as $15 an hour. As you advance to a foreman and a supervisor, the pay goes up in relation to the responsibilities.

Considerations

Before embarking on a career as a tree trimmer, you should consider the physical aspect of the job. This type of work requires good reflexes, coordination and ability to lift heavy limbs. Also, you will have to work in frigid cold, rain, hot sun and a variety of weather in between, so you must be able to withstand these kind of conditions. If you take these aspects into consideration, you might find yourself well set to begin a career as a tree trimmer.

References

• Tree Trimmer Job Description
• Power Line Clearance Tree Trimmer
• Lafayette Consolidated Government Pay Scale Listing