# Tree Trimmers and Pruners

> Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree. Prune or treat trees or shrubs using handsaws, hand pruners, clippers, and power pruners. Works off the ground in the tree canopy and may use truck-mounted lifts.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 37-3013.00
- **Summary:** Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree. Prune or treat trees or shrubs using handsaws, hand pruners, clippers, and power pruners. Works off the ground in the tree canopy and may use truck-mounted lifts.

## Aliases

- Arborist
- Groundsman
- Tree Climber
- Tree Trimmer
- Climber
- Grounds Worker
- Laborer
- Plant Health Care Technician
- Trimmer
- Brush Clearing Laborer
- Bucket Operator
- Bucket Truck Operator

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Operate shredding and chipping equipment, and feed limbs and brush into the machines. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.k |
| Operate boom trucks, loaders, stump chippers, brush chippers, tractors, power saws, trucks, sprayers, and other equipment and tools. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.k |
| Clean, sharpen, and lubricate tools and equipment. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Cut away dead and excess branches from trees, or clear branches around power lines, using climbing equipment or buckets of extended truck booms, or chainsaws, hooks, handsaws, shears, and clippers. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.n |
| Hoist tools and equipment to tree trimmers, and lower branches with ropes or block and tackle. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.k |
| Climb trees, using climbing hooks and belts, or climb ladders to gain access to work areas. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.n |
| Supervise others engaged in tree trimming work and train lower-level employees. | Core | 4.A.4.b.3.d |
| Trim, top, and reshape trees to achieve attractive shapes or to remove low-hanging branches. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.n |
| Plan and develop budgets for tree work, and estimate the monetary value of trees. | Supplemental | 4.A.1.b.3.b |
| Load debris and refuse onto trucks and haul it away for disposal. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.e |
| Inspect trees to determine if they have diseases or pest problems. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.i |
| Prune, cut down, fertilize, and spray trees as directed by tree surgeons. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.n |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Instruct staff in work policies or procedures. | 4.A.4.b.3.d |
| Supervise maintenance workers. | 4.A.4.b.4.a |
| Operate grounds maintenance equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.k |
| Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties. | 4.A.3.a.1.n |
| Clean equipment or supplies. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Trim trees or other vegetation. | 4.A.3.a.2.n |
| Treat greenery or surfaces with protective substances. | 4.A.3.a.2.ag |
| Remove debris from work sites. | 4.A.3.a.1.e |
| Inspect landscaping to determine treatment needs. | 4.A.1.a.2.i |
| Install equipment to protect or support trees. | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Provide information about landscaping services or costs. | 4.A.4.a.1.a |
| Plant greenery to improve landscape appearance. | 4.A.3.a.1.q |
| Prepare chemicals for work application. | 4.A.3.a.1.a |
| Estimate maintenance service requirements or costs. | 4.A.1.b.3.b |
| Irrigate lawns, trees, or plants. | 4.A.3.a.1.q |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Control Precision | ability | 4 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.88 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.88 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.88 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.88 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.75 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.75 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3.75 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 3.75 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.62 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 3.58 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3.5 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.5 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.38 |
| Dynamic Strength | ability | 3.38 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.31 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Stamina | ability | 3.25 |
| Gross Body Equilibrium | ability | 3.25 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.25 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.12 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.12 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.12 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3.12 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Instructing | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3 |
| Spatial Orientation | ability | 3 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3 |
| Gross Body Coordination | ability | 3 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Facebook | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Facebook | Web page creation and editing software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 5 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.91 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.72 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.67 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.49 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.41 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.39 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.37 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.32 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.23 |
| Contact With Others | 4.22 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.22 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 4.19 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.19 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 3.96 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.95 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.9 |
| Exposed to High Places | 3.82 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 3.82 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.79 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.75 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.73 |
| Time Pressure | 3.71 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.57 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.56 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.53 |
| Level of Competition | 3.51 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.43 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.38 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.36 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.05 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.04 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.02 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 2.96 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.92 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 2.9 |
| Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles | 2.74 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.66 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 2.59 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.52 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 56.81 |
| High School Diploma | 37.13 |
| Some College Courses | 3.83 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 2.23 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 6.63 |
| Nature/Outdoors | specific_interest_area | 5.37 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 3.79 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.09 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Agriculture | specific_interest_area | 2.63 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.5 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.13 |
| Perseverance | work_style | 2.01 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 1.96 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 1.93 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 1.83 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.79 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.62 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 1.49 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 45-4021.00 | role-45-4021-00 | Fallers | Primary-Short |
| 37-3011.00 | role-37-3011-00 | Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers | Primary-Short |
| 37-3012.00 | role-37-3012-00 | Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation | Primary-Short |
| 45-4011.00 | role-45-4011-00 | Forest and Conservation Workers | Primary-Short |
| 45-2092.00 | role-45-2092-00 | Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | Primary-Short |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Primary-Long |
| 45-2091.00 | role-45-2091-00 | Agricultural Equipment Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-2061.00 | role-47-2061-00 | Construction Laborers | Primary-Long |
| 45-4022.00 | role-45-4022-00 | Logging Equipment Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-4051.00 | role-47-4051-00 | Highway Maintenance Workers | Primary-Long |
| 47-5081.00 | role-47-5081-00 | Helpers--Extraction Workers | Supplemental |
| 53-7041.00 | role-53-7041-00 | Hoist and Winch Operators | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Hospitality, Events, & Tourism | hospitality-events-tourism |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 50430
- **Mean Wage:** 54970
- **Pct10Wage:** 37660
- **Pct25Wage:** 43690
- **Pct75Wage:** 63130
- **Pct90Wage:** 78900
- **Employment:** 47870
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 42980 | 49820 | 15.33 |
| 561730 | 561730 | Landscaping Services | National industry | 42380 | 49920 | 149.16 |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 970 | 60780 | 5.39 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 470 | 52490 | 0.19 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 250 | 31140 | 0.3 |
| 237130 | 237130 | Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction | National industry | 180 | 55930 | 2.48 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 130 | 54290 | 0.03 |
| 11 | 11 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | Sector | 90 | 52240 |  |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 70 | 50350 |  |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 40 | 74810 |  |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector |  | 77580 |  |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector |  | 46560 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 561730 | 561730 | Landscaping Services | National industry | 42380 | 149.16 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 42980 | 15.33 |
| 22 | 22 | Utilities | Sector | 970 | 5.39 |
| 237130 | 237130 | Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction | National industry | 180 | 2.48 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 250 | 0.3 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 470 | 0.19 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 130 | 0.03 |
- **Count:** 12

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.77 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.727035 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -1.710986 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.580793 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 6
- **Percentile:** 3
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 3 | felten_aioe |
| 10 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 5 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.727035 | 3 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.07317073170731708 | 10 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.03007783768525113 | 5 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.77
- **Percentile:** 62
- **Band:** Moderate
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.04878048780487805
- **Beta:** 0.06097560975609756
- **Gamma:** 0.07317073170731708

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Provide information to the public regarding trees, such as advice on tree care. | 0.012222226787012805 | 3.87 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 3.3
- **Growth Percentile:** 55
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 7.4
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 56
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 60.1
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 62.1

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 24
- **Skills:** 35
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 4
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** cb9e6900783b758b