A tree surgeon is a climber who takes part in all the areas of tree work. Duties will primarily include domestic, commercial, street or park tree pruning and removals. In some situations, work duties can also include tree planting, tree hazard assessment, diagnosis, and pest control.
The tree surgeon's work really begins once they have climbed into the tree.
In addition to tree pruning, branch removal and felling, they may also undertake work such as cable bracing and inspections to assess the health of trees. Work is usually done from a rope and harness but may involve the use of mobile elevated work platforms.
Duties may also include landscape and other non-arboricultural duties such as tree and shrub planting.
Working Conditions
Work can be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Tree surgeons typically work full-time. However, the hours may vary and weekend or Bank Holiday work can be required. Some work for a company while many are self-employed.
Depending on the area covered, there may be a significant amount of travelling between different sites.
Salary
Salaries vary with experience, qualifications and between companies, but here's a guide to what you can expect.
£16,000
£21,000
Getting started
Individuals becoming Climbers are likely have worked in the industry, usually as a Groundworker. Some may enter the industry having undertaken a full-time training programme and so already have some experience of climbing.
Employers are looking for people who:
- Enjoy working outside
- Have a good head for heights
- Enjoy practical and physical work.
What experienced workers can do
- Identify tree species and their properties
- Crosscut timber using a chainsaw
- Carry out aerial pruning of trees
- Carry out aerial rescue operations
- Establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues
- Prepare and use equipment and machines
- Carry out routine maintenance of chainsaw and cutting system
- Carry out aerial tree rigging
- Felling trees
- Use of a chainsaw from a MEWP
- Carry out emergency treework operations
- Manage specimen trees.
Personal qualities you should have
- Energetic
- Attention to detail
- Safety awareness
- Problem solver
- Flexible.
Next steps
With experience and training, new entrants to the arboricultural industry should progress to undertake work as a basic tree worker and they may then train as a Climber.
Climbers may train to work from a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) as well as being able to use a rope and harness.
As they gain experience they might choose to take further training and assessment to be able to undertake tree bracing, tree dismantling (sectional felling), felling of large trees and various other skills.
Although the career structure will vary depending on the organisation, an experienced climber may be able to progress to the role of Team Leader. Some workers may specialise by working in areas of tree care such as commercial or utility arboriculture.