Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Arborist
What arborists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an arborist?
Hold a job briefing and inspect climbing gear. From there, the day usually includes prune trees and shrubs, remove trees safely, and clear branches from power lines. Most work full-time; storm work can mean long days and emergency callouts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an arborist working full time.
- Hold a job briefing and inspect climbing gear.
- Set up cones and a drop zone.
- Climb and prune deadwood from an oak.
- Lower limbs with rigging.
- Chip brush and clean the site.
- Remove a storm-damaged tree in sections.
- Grind the stump and rake the yard.
Where arborists work
Arborists work outdoors at heights, in all weather, around chainsaws, chippers and sometimes power lines.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; storm work can mean long days and emergency callouts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Prune trees and shrubs
- Remove trees safely
- Clear branches from power lines
- Operate chippers and stump grinders
- Climb with ropes and harnesses
- Assess tree health and hazards
- Clean up job sites
Tools you’ll use every day
- Chainsaws and pole saws
- Climbing ropes and harnesses
- Bucket trucks
- Wood chippers
- Stump grinders
- Rigging gear
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Exciting, physical work
- Work outdoors with trees
- Learn on the job
- Storm work overtime
What’s hard
- Serious hazards at heights and near lines
- Physically demanding
- Weather exposure
- Emergency callouts
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love being outdoors
- I’m comfortable with heights
- I take safety seriously
- I like physical challenges
- I enjoy trees and nature
- I work well on a crew
Not sure? Take the free Arborist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Stay outside minimum approach distances from power lines
- Wear helmet, eye, hearing and chainsaw protection
- Inspect climbing gear daily
- Use clear communication with ground crews