How to Become a Certified Tree Trimmer

Tree trimmers climb trees. If you fear heights, look elsewhere for work. The tree trimmer works outside in all kinds of weather, with chainsaws and handsaws, often after a natural disaster like a tornado or hurricane clearing trees, working near electrical lines, helping to clear obstacles to restore electricity. Tree trimmers usually work under the direction of arborists. Becoming a tree trimmer requires knowledge of trees, including roots and branches, both high in the tree or near the bottom. You must know how and where to cut the tree to keep it healthy, be aware of all safety techniques and practices, and be able to work from the bucket of a cherry picker. Tree trimmers also work in nurseries or tree holding areas and replacement areas. If this sort of work sounds good to you, let's investigate how to become a tree trimmer.

Instructions

1. Learn on the job. Often a licensed arborist needs a trainee. This is an excellent way to start learning the craft of tree trimming. You would start as a laborer, probably picking up cut brush and putting it through a shredder that is part of a large truck. If a trainee or laborer is interested and seeks advancement the arborist will be happy to see your interest and teach you the basics of tree trimming.

2. Know trees. Learn the names of trees in your area. Different trees grow in different parts of the country. Knowing the ones you are working with is essential. You can find information at your local library or online. One great place to find educational material is at your local extension service, usually a part of a nearby university.

3. Check a community college or vocational school near you. Most likely, you will find a two-year course that includes tree trimming and tree care. You can probably specialize in just tree care or expand your education to include plants and landscaping as well.

4. A tree trimmer must know individual trees and be able to keep records of work performed on specific trees so future maintenance work can be scheduled. This can be learned on the job from the arborist.

5. Learn to identify problems such as damaged, diseased or stressed trees, and formulate corrective measures to repair those problems. Learn to install new trees, remove and relocate existing trees. Learn pruning techniques, fertilization and aeration. This is also part of on-the job-training.

6. Learn how all tree equipment works and how to use it. Have a valid driver's license and be able to do heavy physical work. Tree trimming is hard physical work and it takes a young, strong person to do it.