How to become a tree trimmers and pruner

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What tree trimmers and pruners do

• Operate shredding and chipping equipment, and feed limbs and brush into the machines.
• 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.
• Clean, sharpen, and lubricate tools and equipment.
• Hoist tools and equipment to tree trimmers, and lower branches with ropes or block and tackle.
• Climb trees, using climbing hooks and belts, or climb ladders to gain access to work areas.
• Trim, top, and reshape trees to achieve attractive shapes or to remove low-hanging branches.

Skills that matter most

• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Learning
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Is tree trimmers and pruner a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 0% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Oregon $75,440
• Illinois $64,450
• Washington $63,850
• California $62,550
• Massachusetts $62,550

Tree Trimmers and Pruners salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.