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Pruning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pruner

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$17 - $17.50/hr

This role uses hand tools such as pruning saws, hooks, shears, and clippers to support healthy plant development and maintain nursery quality standards. Pruners typically work in small teams under ...

Ability to gain proficiency and knowledge of different climbing systems is required Pruning: * Must be able to prune young and mature trees using ISA and ANSI Z133.1 pruning standards, as well as ...

Climber & Pruner

Flushing, NY · On-site

$22.25 - $30.75/hr

... pruning, bracing, cutting and felling trees and large shrubs and operating manual, power driven and motorized equipment required for the performance of these duties. Experience as a ground person is ...

Climber & Pruner

Flushing, NY · On-site

$22.25 - $30.75/hr

... pruning, bracing, cutting and felling trees and large shrubs and operating manual, power driven and motorized equipment required for the performance of these duties. Experience as a ground person is ...

Climber & Pruner

Flushing, NY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... pruning, bracing, cutting and felling trees and large shrubs and operating manual, power driven and motorized equipment required for the performance of these duties. Experience as a ground person is ...

Tree Pruner

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$27.93/hr

Performs tree care maintenance such as pruning, removal, planting, mulching, staking, fertilizing and watering. * Operates heavy equipment (e.g., aerial portion of the bucket truck, chipper truck ...

Tree Pruner

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$27.93/hr

POSITION DUTIES Performs tree care maintenance such as pruning, removal, planting, mulching, staking, fertilizing and watering. Operates heavy equipment (e.g., aerial portion of the bucket truck ...

Showing results 21-40

Pruning information

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$15

$29

$50

How much do pruning jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for pruning in the United States is $29.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pruning?

Pruning is the process of selectively removing branches, buds, or roots from trees, shrubs, or plants to improve their health, appearance, and growth. A pruning job typically involves assessing plants for dead, diseased, or overgrown parts and using tools like shears or saws to carefully cut them away. Proper pruning encourages healthy growth, improves air circulation, and can help prevent disease. People who do pruning work may be employed in landscaping, horticulture, or agriculture and often work outdoors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pruner?

To thrive as a Pruner, you need knowledge of plant biology, pruning techniques, and experience with landscaping or horticulture, often supported by on-the-job training or a relevant certificate. Familiarity with pruning tools such as shears, saws, and safety equipment is necessary, and some roles may require knowledge of specific tree management software or equipment. Attention to detail, physical stamina, and good communication with team members are valuable soft skills in this position. These skills ensure healthy plant growth, safety, and efficient maintenance of landscapes or orchards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in pruning roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working in pruning often encounter challenges such as identifying the correct timing for pruning specific plants, managing physical fatigue from repetitive tasks, and ensuring the use of proper techniques to avoid damaging plants. These challenges can be addressed by staying informed about plant species’ growth cycles, using ergonomic tools, and participating in ongoing training to refine pruning skills. Additionally, effective communication with team members and supervisors helps coordinate tasks, ensuring that work is completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Pruning vs Tree Trimming?

AspectPruningTree Trimming
PurposeSelective removal of branches to improve tree health, structure, and safetyShaping and aesthetic enhancement of trees, often for appearance
TechniquesPrecise cuts targeting specific branches or areasGeneral cutting for shape and size
Work EnvironmentOften performed by certified arborists or trained professionalsPerformed by landscapers or general maintenance workers
CertificationsArborist certifications often requiredLess formal certification typically needed

Pruning focuses on maintaining tree health and safety through precise cuts, often requiring specialized skills and certifications. Tree trimming is mainly for aesthetic purposes and shaping, usually performed by general landscapers. Understanding these differences helps ensure proper care and safety for trees.

Is pruning a hard job?

Pruning is physically demanding work that involves using tools like shears and saws to trim plants and trees, often outdoors in various weather conditions. It requires attention to detail, some physical strength, and knowledge of plant care, making it moderately challenging for some workers.
More about Pruning jobs

What cities are hiring for Pruning jobs?

Cities with the most Pruning job openings:

What states have the most Pruning jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pruning jobs include:

Infographic showing various Pruning job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,675 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

$17 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description


Job Summary

The Pruner is responsible for maintaining proper tree structure and managing plant growth through pruning and related maintenance activities. This role uses hand tools such as pruning saws, hooks, shears, and clippers to support healthy plant development and maintain nursery quality standards.

Pruners typically work in small teams under the direction of a Crew Leader who provides instruction and guidance based on direction from Yard Management.

Essential Functions

  • Identify plant varieties and understand general plant growth characteristics.
  • Perform pruning tasks using proper techniques as instructed by Yard Management or the Crew Leader.
  • Use hand tools including hand pruners, pole pruners, extension pruners, and pruning saws.
  • Identify and report plant pests, diseases, or other plant health concerns.
  • Work as part of a small team (typically 2–4 employees) to complete pruning assignments.
  • Perform stake repair and tying maintenance as needed to support proper plant growth.
  • Safely use ladders between 8 and 14 feet when performing pruning work.
  • Maintain the nursery grounds by keeping work areas clean, organized, and safe for employees, customers, and vendors.
  • Handle nursery stock carefully and ensure plants are properly maintained and placed in designated areas.

 

Additional Responsibilities

  • Assist other nursery departments as needed.
  • Support general nursery operations and plant care activities.
  • Duties are subject to change at any time per management’s discretion.

 

Experience & Other Requirements

Required

  • Ability to identify plant material and recognize basic plant growth patterns.
  • Ability to follow pruning instructions and work safely with hand tools.
  • Ability to identify plant pests and disease and report concerns to management.
  • Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
  • Ability to safely use ladders and pruning tools.

 

Preferred

  • Previous experience working in a nursery, landscape, or agricultural environment.
  • Experience performing pruning or plant maintenance tasks.

 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position is performed primarily outdoors in active nursery production environments.

Work conditions include varying weather conditions, uneven ground surfaces, active equipment and vehicle traffic, and exposure to dust, plant material, and seasonal allergens. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as applicable.

Physical requirements include:

  • Extensive walking throughout the nursery during the workday.
  • Frequent climbing of ladders between 8–14 feet.
  • Frequent bending, twisting, turning, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.
  • Use of hands and fingers for operating pruning tools and handling plant material.
  • Lifting up to 50 lbs independently (approximately 75% of the time).
  • Participating in team lifts up to 100 lbs (approximately 25% of the time).


Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

 Employment EligibilityDevil Mountain Wholesale Nursery participates in E-Verify. All newly hired employees are required to complete Form I-9 and participate in the E-Verify employment eligibility verification process.Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.



M-Thu 7-4pm Fri 7-3:30pm Saturdays as needed