Description
Prune, remove, and care for trees using climbing, rigging, and plant health expertise, applying safe cutting techniques to protect people and property and promote tree health.
- • Establish drop zones, communicate with crew, and retreat to safe positions during cuts and lowers.
- • Inspect trees for defects, species traits, lean, and load to plan pruning or removals with minimal risk and damage.
- • Make proper notches and back cuts, maintaining hinge wood to control felling or limb release.
- • Clear work areas and escape routes; remove interfering brush and saplings using hand tools or chainsaws.
- • Plant, transplant, and stake trees according to ANSI A300 standards and site conditions.
- • Diagnose pests, diseases, and abiotic issues; recommend pruning, PHC treatments, soil amendments, or removals.
- • Determine cut locations, rigging points, and wedge or mechanical aid placement to control piece movement.
- • Use rigging, taglines, friction devices, and wedges to direct and lower limbs and trunk sections safely.
- • Prune trees for clearance, structure, and health using climbing, aerial lift, and pole tools.
- • Evaluate site conditions, utilities, and weather; develop job hazard analyses and work plans.
- • Maintain and inspect chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, ropes, saddles, and PPE; clean and sharpen tools.
- • Employ wedges, jacks, blocks, or cranes to prevent saw binding and manage heavy pieces.
- • Identify and mark hazardous trees; set barricades, cones, and signage to protect the public.
- • Install cabling, bracing, or lightning protection to support weak structures and reduce risk.
- • Chip brush; manage debris and logs; load and secure materials for transport and disposal.
- • Document assessments and recommendations; communicate with clients; obtain permits as required.
- • Work as part of a crew, rotating between climbing, ground operations, aerial lift, and cleanup.
- • Protect property with rigging mats, cribbing, and padding; control rolling or swinging pieces.
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Agriculture
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
