How To Become A Tree Trimmer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a tree trimmer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

A tree trimmer specializes in pruning, trimming, and removing trees. They check a tree's health, decide which branches to remove, and ensure that the tree remains aesthetically pleasing. Tree trimmers use tools such as chainsaws, ladders, and ropes to perform their duties safely. They also work with power lines and utility companies to prevent interference with electrical wires. Furthermore, they remove and dispose of debris. Tree trimmers work outdoors and typically require no formal education.

ScoreTree TrimmerUS Average

Salary

3.2

Avg. Salary $40,939

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.6

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.78%

Asian 1.02%

Black or African American 7.54%

Hispanic or Latino 20.07%

Unknown 4.74%

White 64.86%

Gender

female 4.82%

male 95.18%

Age - 36

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36

Stress level

8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.2

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a tree trimmer?

Pros

Physical exercise and staying in shape
Opportunity for self-employment or entrepreneurship
Job security due to ongoing need for tree maintenance
Potential for higher pay with experience and expertise
Meeting and interacting with different clients

Cons

Exposure to adverse weather conditions
Dealing with difficult or demanding clients
Seasonal job availability in some areas
Difficulty in finding qualified workers to join the team
Limited opportunities for career advancement or promotion

Key steps to become a tree trimmer

Explore tree trimmer education requirements

Most common tree trimmer degrees

High School Diploma

57.4 %

Associate

13.1 %

Diploma

12.9 %

Start to develop specific tree trimmer skills

Skills	Percentages
Work Ethic	22.92%
Hand Tools	6.79%
CDL	6.24%
Hand Saws	4.85%
Bucket Truck	4.67%

Complete relevant tree trimmer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New tree trimmers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a tree trimmer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real tree trimmer resumes.

Research tree trimmer duties and responsibilities

Tree boarding, bush trimming, and lawn mowing.
Complete CPR training and all safety courses.
Grind cleanup on job site each day by using back pack blowers, rakes etc.
Use knives and require PPE equipment to pull the flank steak out of the carcass.

Prepare your tree trimmer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your tree trimmer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a tree trimmer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable tree trimmer resume templates

Build a professional tree trimmer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your tree trimmer resume.