What Does it Take to Be a Tree Trimmer or Pruner?
Job Description: Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree. Prune or treat trees or shrubs using handsaws, hand pruners, clippers, and power pruners. Works off the ground in the tree canopy and may use truck-mounted lifts.
List of Tree Trimmer or Pruner Job Duties
- Harvest tanbark by cutting rings and slits in bark and stripping bark from trees, using spuds or axes.
- Remove broken limbs from wires, using hooked extension poles.
- Clean, sharpen, and lubricate tools and equipment.
- Inspect trees to determine if they have diseases or pest problems.
- Provide information to the public regarding trees, such as advice on tree care.
- Prune, cut down, fertilize, and spray trees as directed by tree surgeons.
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Tree Trimmer or Pruner Required Skills
Tree Trimmers and Pruners state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Types of Tree Trimmer or Pruner
- Tree Expert
- Groundsperson
- Line Clearance Foreman
- Tree Specialist
- Brush Clearing Laborer
Are There Job Opportunities for Tree Trimmers and Pruners?
There were about 54,500 jobs for Tree Trimmer or Pruner in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,400 new jobs for Tree Trimmer or Pruner by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,500 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Tree Trimmer or Pruner are Washington, Florida, and New York. Watch out if you plan on working in Montana, Idaho, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Tree Trimmers and Pruners Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Tree Trimmer or Pruner ranges between $24,330 and $61,310.

Tree Trimmers and Pruners who work in District of Columbia, Washington, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.
How much do Tree Trimmers and Pruners make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $42,020 |
Alaska | $49,970 |
Arizona | $40,890 |
Arkansas | $33,420 |
California | $48,010 |
Colorado | $34,080 |
Connecticut | $42,410 |
Delaware | $44,530 |
District of Columbia | $60,290 |
Florida | $30,150 |
Georgia | $30,020 |
Hawaii | $48,470 |
Idaho | $42,890 |
Illinois | $49,990 |
Indiana | $37,750 |
Iowa | $40,920 |
Kansas | $41,400 |
Kentucky | $35,230 |
Louisiana | $37,790 |
Maine | $36,630 |
Maryland | $47,120 |
Massachusetts | $46,580 |
Michigan | $37,450 |
Minnesota | $53,820 |
Mississippi | $42,940 |
Missouri | $43,040 |
Montana | $48,240 |
Nebraska | $35,090 |
Nevada | $35,960 |
New Hampshire | $41,710 |
New Jersey | $48,990 |
New Mexico | $40,220 |
New York | $52,170 |
North Carolina | $34,830 |
North Dakota | $42,690 |
Ohio | $39,860 |
Oklahoma | $30,810 |
Oregon | $45,850 |
Pennsylvania | $35,530 |
Rhode Island | $42,280 |
South Carolina | $31,830 |
South Dakota | $37,480 |
Tennessee | $35,390 |
Texas | $32,630 |
Utah | $35,480 |
Vermont | $39,560 |
Virginia | $42,190 |
Washington | $55,860 |
West Virginia | $34,270 |
Wisconsin | $36,640 |
What Tools do Tree Trimmers and Pruners Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Tree Trimmers and Pruners may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
Becoming a Tree Trimmer or Pruner
Education needed to be a Tree Trimmer or Pruner:

What work experience do I need to become a Tree Trimmer or Pruner?

Who Employs Tree Trimmers and Pruners?

Tree Trimmers and Pruners work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Tree Trimmer or Pruner might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Tree Trimmer or Pruner in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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