Climb and Cut, Tree Work at its Riskiest
High Stakes Above Ground: The Realities and Risks of Tree Climbing for Removals
When most people think of tree removal, they picture chainsaws, falling trunks, and heavy machinery. But what many don’t realize is that some of the most dangerous work happens high above the ground, where trained climbers carefully remove limbs and trunks piece by piece—often while suspended 60 feet or more in the air.
At Timber Pros Tree Works, tree climbing is one of the essential (and most technical) skills we use to safely and efficiently remove hazardous or hard-to-reach trees. Whether it’s a dead oak over a house or a pine growing in a tight backyard with no equipment access, tree climbing remains the safest and most precise option in many situations. But it’s not for the faint of heart—and definitely not for amateurs.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s involved, the dangers, and why professional tree climbing is crucial for safe removals.
Why Climb a Tree for Removal?
In urban or residential environments, not every tree can be felled from the base with a single cut. Often, trees are:
Surrounded by homes, fences, or power lines
Too close to a structure to fall safely
Located on steep or inaccessible terrain
Damaged or dying in ways that make mechanical equipment unsafe
That’s where climbing comes in.
Using ropes, harnesses, saddles, and rigging systems, our climbers ascend the tree and dismantle it section by section, lowering branches and trunk segments carefully to avoid damage below. It’s an art that combines strength, precision, and deep knowledge of tree structure and physics.
The Real Dangers of Tree Climbing
Tree climbing for removals is among the most hazardous jobs in the tree care industry. According to industry data, arborists and tree workers face some of the highest injury and fatality rates among all professions.
Here are just a few of the risks we manage every day:
⚠️ Falls from Height
Even with safety gear, one slip or equipment failure at 60+ feet can be fatal. Proper anchor points, rope management, and redundant systems are non-negotiable.
⚠️ Falling Limbs and Debris
Climbers must be aware of where cut limbs will fall—or how they’ll behave when rigged. A misjudged cut can result in falling branches striking the climber or damaging property below.
⚠️ Tree Failures
Dead or decaying trees are structurally compromised. A climber could be tied into a limb or trunk section that unexpectedly snaps under weight or pressure.
⚠️ Chainsaw Injuries
Operating a chainsaw aloft, with one hand often securing the operator to the tree, introduces unique risk. Kickback, pinching, or slipping can have devastating consequences.
⚠️ Weather and Visibility
Wind, rain, snow, and even excessive heat can make climbing far more dangerous. Wet bark, foggy goggles, or numb fingers can lead to missteps at critical moments.
What Makes Timber Pros Different
At Timber Pros Tree Works, safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a culture. Our climbers are:
Professionally trained in aerial tree removal
Equipped with top-of-the-line climbing and rigging gear
Skilled in identifying tree health, structural weakness, and weight balance
Backed by ground crews trained in spotting, rigging, and emergency procedures
We invest in continuous training to keep our team up to date with industry best practices. Whether it’s a tight urban removal or storm-damaged tree in a remote location, we have the skills and tools to handle it—safely and efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Tree climbing for removals is a high-risk, high-skill operation that should only be performed by experienced professionals. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about protecting lives, property, and the environment around us.
If you have a tree that needs removal—especially in a difficult or dangerous spot—don’t take the risk. Call the pros at Timber Pros.
Need a Tree Removed? We’re Ready to Climb.
At Timber Pros Tree Works, we specialize in safe, strategic removals using professional climbing and rigging techniques. Serving Vermont and New Hampshire, we’re here to help you clear the way without the risk.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request emergency tree work after a storm.