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Tree Cutting Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Groundperson

Warwick, RI · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... tools for tree workers Controlling road and sidewalk traffic as needed by use of warning devices and other methods Cutting, chipping and loading brush and wood and proper job site cleanup ...

Tree Cutting information

See Rhode Island salary details

$9

$22

$38

How much do tree cutting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for tree cutting in Rhode Island is $22.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.29 and $24.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is tree cutting?

Tree cutting is the process of removing or trimming trees, branches, or limbs for purposes such as safety, aesthetics, or land management. It often involves using specialized equipment like chainsaws, pole saws, and sometimes heavy machinery, depending on the tree's size and location. Professional tree cutting services ensure that trees are removed or pruned safely, minimizing risks to people, property, and surrounding vegetation. This service may also include stump removal and site clean-up. Proper tree cutting can prevent damage from falling branches and support the overall health of your landscape.

What are tree cutting jobs?

In a tree cutting job, your responsibilities include trimming or removing trees, cutting away dead branches, addressing the health of a tree, clearing away debris, and performing other landscape and cleanup duties. Some jobs require the use of a saw, shears, clippers, and other hand tools, while other tasks may involve climbing equipment, extended truck buckets, cables, and other braces to ensure the safety of workers. Both labor and management positions are available in the tree cutting industry. A tree cutter can also work with timber to prepare wood, or as an arborist to prune or apply treatment to ensure the health of a tree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tree cutter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tree Cutter, you need expertise in tree identification, pruning techniques, and safe operation of chainsaws, along with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety harnesses, climbing gear, and certifications such as OSHA or ISA credentials are commonly required. Physical stamina, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help ensure safe and efficient teamwork. These skills and qualities are crucial to prevent accidents, protect property, and guarantee high-quality tree care services.

What are some common challenges faced by tree cutting professionals, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Tree cutting professionals often encounter challenges such as working at heights, handling hazardous equipment, and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. To address these, safety protocols are strictly followed, including the use of personal protective equipment, thorough site assessments, and clear communication within the team. Continuous training and adherence to industry standards help ensure both safety and efficiency, while teamwork and planning are essential for tackling complex or high-risk jobs.

What is the difference between Tree Cutting vs Tree Trimming?

AspectTree CuttingTree Trimming
PurposeRemove large sections or entire trees for safety, construction, or clearanceMaintain tree health and aesthetics by selectively pruning branches
ScopeMajor cuts, often involving removal of entire trees or large limbsLight to moderate pruning of branches and foliage
ToolsSaws, chainsaws, heavy equipmentPruning shears, hand saws, loppers
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, often in urban or rural settingsOutdoor, in gardens, parks, or residential areas

Tree Cutting and Tree Trimming both involve working with trees but serve different purposes. Tree Cutting focuses on removing large sections or entire trees for safety or construction needs, using heavy equipment. Tree Trimming is about maintaining tree health and appearance through selective pruning, using lighter tools. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right service for your needs.

Is tree cutting a hard job?

Tree cutting is physically demanding and requires skills in operating chainsaws and climbing equipment. It involves working at heights and handling heavy tools, which can be challenging and requires safety training and proper certification.

What are popular job titles related to Tree Cutting jobs in Rhode Island?

For Tree Cutting jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tree Cutting jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Tree Cutting jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Tree Cutting jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Tree Cutting job openings:

Infographic showing various Tree Cutting job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,533 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Davey Tree rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Davey Tree

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.7

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.7 out of 10

Gardening and landscaping average

Based on 1,053 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Davey Tree

  • 92%

    92% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 82%

    82% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 69%

    69% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Davey Tree, based on 101 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Company: Davey Tree Surgery Co.  
Locations: Warwick, RI  
Additional Locations: N/A 
Work Site: On Site   
Req ID: 227984 

Position Overview

Davey Utility Line Clearance, a division of The Davey Tree Expert Company, is pleased to offer a key opportunity in the field of Utility Line Clearance as a Groundperson.

Job Duties

Provides support for the other crew members by controlling lowering ropes, limbs and persons from aloft
Supplying tools for tree workers
Controlling road and sidewalk traffic as needed by use of warning devices and other methods
Cutting, chipping and loading brush and wood and proper job site cleanup

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent preferred
Driver’s license required. Commercial driver’s license preferred and may be required, depending on job requirements
Certificates and Licenses if necessary
Pesticide license, if required by state law
Herbicide license a plus
Line clearance certification if working near utility transmission lines
ISA Certified Tree Worker certification or willingness to obtain

Additional Information

What We Offer: * 
Paid time off and paid holidays 

Pay range: $20 - $22/hour (based on experience)
Opportunities for advancement 
All job specific equipment and safety gear provided 
401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match 
Employee-owned company & discounted stock purchase options 
Group Health Plan 
Employee referral bonus program 
Locations throughout US in major cities and desirable areas 
Career Development Program supported by Industry Expert Safety Specialists & Skills Trainers 
Scholarship Program for Children of Employees 
Charitable matching gift program 
*all listed benefits available to eligible employees 


We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.  As a service provider, our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, regardless of their age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or other protected characteristics as established by federal, state or local law. 

The Davey Tree Expert Company has U.S. and Canadian operations in more than 47 states and five provinces and provides a variety of tree care, grounds maintenance and consulting services for the residential, utility, commercial, and government markets. Founded in 1880, Davey has been employee-owned for 40 years and has more than 10,000 employees who provide Proven Solutions for a Growing World. For more information, visit www.davey.com

If you need any assistance at any time please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com."

Company Overview

Invest in your future. Join one of the largest employee-owned companies in the nation!  Davey has a unique culture that focuses on the open exchanging of ideas, community partnership, a commitment to safety, and delivering unrivaled client service while acting as industry leaders in horticultural and environmental services. 

The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.

The Davey Tree Surgery Company is based in Livermore, California, and provides a full range of utility tree care and pole test and treat services. The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there’s a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.

Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at SurgeryJobs@davey.com.

Employment Type: Permanent 
Job Type: Full Time 
Travel Expectations: Up to 25%


Working at Davey Tree

Perks for frontline workers

From Davey Tree, via Breakroom

  • Holidays and paid time off

  • Group health plans

  • Vision and dental insurance

  • 401K with a company match

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount

  • Paid parental leave

  • Employee Educational Scholarship

  • Davey Family Scholarship

  • Employee referral bonus program

  • 20% discount on all Davey services

  • Child care discounts

  • Charitable matching gift program

  • Plus, so much more!

About Davey Tree, in their own words

From Davey Tree

At Davey, we care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We’re always striving to be our best, and we expect the same of each and every employee. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, flexibility and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels. And our unique employee-ownership model means you can have a stake in the success of our company every day, with every decision you make. Wherever you want to grow your career – from a new role to a new geography – there’s a place for you at Davey.

Company values

From Davey Tree

Safety, Integrity, Expertise, Leadership, Stewardship, Perseverance


What Davey Tree employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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