What is a Utility Arborist?
Not everyone is familiar with what a Utility Arborist (a.k.a. tree trimmer) is or what they do. A Utility Arborist is someone who uses highly technical skills to prune, clear vegetation or remove trees while respecting the “limits of approach” of energized electrical infrastructure and power lines. The two main aspects of this occupation are routine vegetation maintenance and storm response and clean up. This involves working at both the ground level and at very high heights. According to the national occupational standard, a Utility Arborist needs to be able to implement safe working practices, coordinate work activity, climb trees, rig to control trees, prune vegetation with appropriate techniques, fell trees, and participate in professional development activities (EHRC, 2013).
Not everyone is familiar with what a Utility Arborist (a.k.a. tree trimmer) is or what they do. A Utility Arborist is someone who uses highly technical skills to prune, clear vegetation or remove trees while respecting the “limits of approach” of energized electrical infrastructure and power lines. The two main aspects of this occupation are routine vegetation maintenance and storm response and clean up. This involves working at both the ground level and at very high heights. According to the national occupational standard, a Utility Arborist needs to be able to implement safe working practices, coordinate work activity, climb trees, rig to control trees, prune vegetation with appropriate techniques, fell trees, and participate in professional development activities (EHRC, 2013).