What Is a Tree Service and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Tree climbers may need a high school diploma or GED certificate, depending on the requirements of the employer. You should have excellent tree climbing skills and completely lack an aversion to heights. Training, or even an interest, in horticulture, landscape design, or arboriculture can set you apart from other candidates. Some employers may require you have your own tree maintenance equipment. It is imperative you know how to use and maintain the tools you use to trim, inspect, and maintain trees. If your duties include the application of pesticides, some states require you first obtain a special license.

In addition to administrative support for tree service companies, tree service jobs most typically describe jobs like tree climber and tree trimmer. A tree climber climbs trees to cut, trim, and remove excess branches and dead areas. Additional duties include ensuring safety while climbing by using a cable, tie, stake, brace, or bolt to ascend and descend trees. Tree climbers with experience may progress to supervisory positions, working with teams to address larger projects. Tree trimmer responsibilities include chipping and pruning trees, removing stumps after cutting down a tree, maintaining tree trimming and maintenance tools, filling in cavities after removing a tree stump, working on trees to prevent deterioration and promote healing, and removing branches and limbs away from utility lines.