If you’ve ever looked up and spotted an arborist high in the branches of a tree, you know it’s not a job for the faint of heart.
But what you might not realize is that tree climbing isn’t the only way professionals access and care for trees. Depending on the tree’s location, size and condition, arborists may use different methods to get the job done, each with its own tools, techniques and purpose.
Two of the most common approaches are tree climbing and using a bucket truck or aerial lift. Understanding the difference can help you feel more informed when it’s time to schedule tree work on your property.
Tree Services: Tree Climbing Vs. Bucket Trucks
When it comes to tree care, arborists typically rely on two main methods to access branches: climbing the tree or using a bucket truck. Each approach is effective, but the way they work is different.
Tree climbing involves a highly trained arborist using ropes, harnesses and other gear to ascend and move through the tree’s canopy. This technique allows the arborist to carefully maneuver around branches, get an up-close view of the tree’s condition, and perform precise work like pruning or removals.
Tree climbing requires a deep knowledge of tree structure and climbing safety, and is often used when access is limited or when the tree is located in a sensitive area, such as a backyard or garden.
Bucket trucks, on the other hand, are specialized vehicles equipped with a hydraulic lift and an extendable arm that raises a worker in a bucket to the height of the tree. This method is commonly used for trees in open areas or near roads, where the truck can safely park and extend its boom.
Bucket trucks allow the arborist to reach high branches quickly and is ideal for tall or hazardous trees that may not be safe to climb. Bucket truck specialists should be trained to safely inspect, set up and operate an aerial lift as well. At Ahlum & Arbor, they must demonstrate both efficiency and control while working in and around trees, and must complete a sign-off process verifying they’ve received the necessary training and can operate a bucket truck safely and competently.
Both tree climbing and bucket trucks are used regularly in the field, and the choice often depends on the tree’s location, size, condition and the type of work needed.
Pros and Cons of Tree Climbing
Tree climbing is a time-tested method that allows arborists to perform precise, hands-on work high in the canopy. While it’s a versatile and valuable approach, it’s not always the right fit for every situation. Here are some of the main advantages and drawbacks:
Pros of Tree Climbing:
- Provides access to trees in tight or hard-to-reach spaces, such as fenced yards or landscaped areas
- Minimizes ground disturbance because no heavy equipment needed
- Allows for greater mobility within the canopy for detailed tree pruning or assessment
- Useful for trees located on uneven or sloped terrain
Cons of Tree Climbing:
- Can be more time-consuming than using machinery
- Requires a high level of skill, training and physical fitness
- May not be safe on severely damaged or decaying trees
- Limited efficiency for large-scale or emergency work
Pros and Cons of Bucket Trucks
Bucket trucks are a powerful tool in tree services. While they can streamline certain jobs, they also come with limitations depending on the property and tree location. Here’s a look at the benefits and challenges of using bucket trucks:
Pros of Bucket Trucks:
- Allows arborists to reach tall trees quickly and safely
- Increases efficiency for large-scale removals or pruning
- Provides a stable working platform in hazardous or storm-damaged trees
- Ideal for trees near roads, driveways or open areas with vehicle access
Cons of Bucket Trucks:
- Requires clear ground access and adequate space for setup
- Can cause damage to lawns, landscaping or underground utilities
- Limited to the reach of the boom arm — may not access inner canopy areas
- Less maneuverable than tree climbing in tight or crowded spaces
The Better Choice: Tree Climbing or Bucket Truck
Choosing between tree climbing and bucket trucks depends on several factors, from the tree’s location and size to its condition and the type of work needed.
Tree climbing is often the best choice when:
- Trees are located in tight spaces like fenced yards, gardens or areas with delicate landscaping.
- Ground access is limited or uneven, making it difficult or impossible to bring in heavy equipment.
- The work requires detailed pruning or close inspection inside the canopy.
- Minimizing disturbance to the surrounding environment is a priority.
Bucket trucks make sense when:
- Trees are tall and located in open areas with safe and easy vehicle access.
- The tree is near roads, driveways or utility lines where safe, elevated work platforms are necessary.
- The tree’s condition allows for safe use of machinery without risking damage to the property.
At Ahlum & Arbor, we also offer a third option called a man lift. A man lift – also called an aerial lift, cherry picker or boom lift – is a type of mechanical device used to raise a specialist safely to elevated work areas. The man lift typically consists of a hydraulic arm mounted on a vehicle or a self-propelled base, with a bucket or platform at the end where the arborist stands. Some are on tracked or wheeled bases designed to maneuver in rough terrain.
An experienced arborist will carefully evaluate your trees and property to recommend the safest, most effective approach, whether that means climbing, using a bucket truck, or another option such as the man lift. It’s critical to work with a tree service whose expertise ensures the job is done efficiently while protecting the health of your trees and the safety of everyone involved.
The Decision Process of an Experienced Arborist
Before beginning any tree work, a certified arborist should conduct a thorough tree evaluation to determine the best approach. This evaluation includes:
- Examining the tree’s size, health and structural condition, as well as its location and any nearby obstacles such as buildings, power lines, fences or landscaping features.
- Determining whether the tree is unstable or damaged where certain methods like tree climbing may be too risky.
- Looking at accessibility, such as tight spaces or uneven terrain that may limit the use of bucket trucks or other equipment.
- Reviewing efficiency, looking at factors like whether bucket trucks can speed up the job for large trees in open areas, or while climbing might be better for smaller trees or detailed pruning work.
- Taking into account the customer’s budget, which helps guide the decision, balancing the costs of equipment, labor and time with the quality and safety of the work.
By carefully weighing all these factors, an experienced arborist can recommend the safest, most effective and cost-efficient method for your specific tree care needs.