All About Tree Trimmers and Pruners
Tree Trimmer or Pruner Definition 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.
Daily Life Of a Tree Trimmer or Pruner
- Prune, cut down, fertilize, and spray trees as directed by tree surgeons.
- Cut away dead and excess branches from trees, or clear branches around power lines, using climbing equipment or buckets of extended truck booms, or chainsaws, hooks, handsaws, shears, and clippers.
- Inspect trees to determine if they have diseases or pest problems.
- Split logs or wooden blocks into bolts, pickets, posts, or stakes, using hand tools such as ax wedges, sledgehammers, and mallets.
- Collect debris and refuse from tree trimming and removal operations into piles, using shovels, rakes, or other tools.
- Water, root-feed, and fertilize trees.
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Tree Trimmer or Pruner 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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Types of Tree Trimmer or Pruner Jobs
- Tree Climber
- Laborer
- Diagnostician
- Tree Doctor
- Tree Surgeon
Tree Trimmer or Pruner Job Outlook
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.
What is the Average Salary of a Tree Trimmer or Pruner
Tree Trimmers and Pruners make between $24,330 and $61,310 a year.

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 different U.S. states?
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 & Technology do Tree Trimmers and Pruners Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Tree Trimmers and Pruners:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
How to Become a Tree Trimmer or Pruner
What education is needed to be a Tree Trimmer or Pruner?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Tree Trimmers and Pruners Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Tree Trimmers and Pruners work:

Similar Careers
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.
Featured Schools
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