ArborMaster Blog

Fall Tree Work Safety

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 17:19:21 GMT

What Arborists Should Reassess as Conditions Change

Fall can be one of the busiest times of year for tree care professionals. Cooler temperatures make outdoor work more comfortable, leaves begin to drop, and property owners often turn their attention to pruning, removals, storm preparation, and other seasonal tree work.

However, changing seasons also bring changing jobsite conditions.

Shorter days, wet leaves, colder mornings, unpredictable weather, and changing ground conditions can all affect how tree work is planned and performed. For professional arborists and tree care crews, fall is a good time to reassess the everyday practices that help support safety, skill, and productivity.

Here are several areas crews should keep top of mind as conditions change.

1. Plan Around Shorter Daylight Hours

One of the most noticeable changes during fall is the loss of daylight.

A job that could comfortably be completed during the summer may leave much less margin for delays in October or November. Reduced visibility can make it more difficult to identify hazards, inspect equipment, communicate between crew members, and perform detailed cutting or rigging work.

Before work begins, crews should consider how much usable daylight is available and build that into the job plan.

Whenever possible, complete the most technical or demanding portions of the job while visibility is at its best. Avoid letting production pressure turn the final hour of the day into a race against darkness.

Good tree care safety starts with realistic planning.

2. Pay More Attention to Footing and Ground Conditions

Wet leaves, mud, frost, and uneven terrain can quickly change the conditions around a tree.

Something as simple as a layer of leaves can hide roots, holes, rocks, branches, or other obstacles. For climbers and ground crews alike, changing footing can increase the potential for slips, trips, and loss of balance.

Before work begins, take time to inspect and organize the work area.

Clear unnecessary debris where practical, identify uneven or unstable ground, and establish designated work zones and travel paths for crew members.

The same principle applies above ground. Arborists should continually evaluate their position and movement while working aloft. ArborMaster's Tree Climbing Methods, Work Positioning & Best Practice training focuses on climbing systems, work positioning, equipment, risk management, and techniques designed to help tree professionals work more safely and efficiently.

3. Reevaluate PPE for Changing Temperatures

Personal protective equipment is essential year-round, but fall weather can require some adjustments.

Cool mornings may tempt workers to add bulky clothing, while warmer afternoons can quickly make those same layers uncomfortable. Rain introduces another consideration.

The goal should be to stay protected without allowing additional clothing or rain gear to interfere with movement, visibility, hearing protection, climbing systems, or equipment operation.

Crews should make sure required PPE remains properly fitted and functional throughout the workday.

Depending on the task, this can include helmets or hard hats, eye and hearing protection, work boots, gloves, and chainsaw protective pants or chaps.

4. Give Equipment a Closer Look

Seasonal changes are also a good reminder to inspect the equipment crews depend on every day.

Chainsaws, ropes, climbing systems, rigging equipment, lanyards, harnesses, carabiners, and other gear should be inspected regularly and maintained according to manufacturer requirements and company procedures.

Wet conditions can introduce additional moisture, dirt, and debris. Equipment that is stored wet or dirty may also require extra attention before the next use.

Chainsaw operators should pay particular attention to saw condition, chain sharpness, controls, and general maintenance.

ArborMaster's Precision Tree Felling, Chainsaw Safety & Handling training emphasizes safety and risk management, chainsaw handling and operation, precision cutting methods, planning procedures, and preventative maintenance.

5. Adjust the Job Plan as Conditions Change

One of the most important elements of fall tree work safety is recognizing that the plan created at the beginning of the day may need to change.

Rain can begin unexpectedly. Wind can increase. Temperatures can drop. Ground conditions can deteriorate. Visibility can change.

Tree care professionals should continually reassess the work environment rather than assuming conditions will remain the same throughout the job.

That is especially important during climbing, rigging, tree removal, and precision felling operations where changes in conditions can influence the way work should be performed.

A strong job plan should identify hazards, establish responsibilities, consider equipment and techniques, and provide room to adjust when conditions change.

6. Keep Safety, Skill and Productivity Connected

Seasonal safety isn't simply about adding another checklist.

It is about developing crews that consistently evaluate conditions, make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and apply the right techniques for the work in front of them.

That philosophy is central to ArborMaster's approach to professional arborist development. Through private on-site training , open enrollment programs , and workforce development initiatives, ArborMaster helps tree care professionals build the practical skills needed to improve safety, skill, and productivity in the field.

Prepare for the Conditions, Not Just the Job

Fall brings new opportunities for tree care work, but it also changes the environment crews work in every day.

Shorter daylight hours, wet surfaces, colder temperatures, changing footing, and unpredictable weather all make ongoing jobsite assessment especially important.

Taking a few extra minutes to inspect equipment, review PPE, evaluate the work area, and adjust the job plan can help crews approach fall tree work with greater awareness and preparation.

For organizations looking to strengthen their team's professional development, explore ArborMaster's training programs and workforce development options and discover how ArborMaster helps tree care professionals. Be Safer. Do More.

Work Positioning: How to stay "hip" and not be too attached to them

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 15:42:28 GMT

With so many options for tree climbers in this day and age and social media being such a huge influence, how do we make decisions on purchasing equipment and the systems we use to perform the tasks that face us in our day to day operations.

A major push towards SRS/SRT systems in modern tree climbing has left many forgetting the power and versatility of using MRS/Double Rope systems to be the most effective and productive climber we can be. At ArborMaster Training, we encourage our students to select the right system for the task at hand and not be completely committed to one or the other. Both of these powerful weapon climbing systems can travel with you wherever they are needed in the canopy with a tool we have with us every climb, our Work Positioning Lanyard!! I like to tell my students that "SRS systems will get you anywhere, but they won't get you everywhere".

Sometimes it takes that little bit of the MRS advantage to get those couple of extra feet to make the perfect cut. SRS systems are an extremely effective way to access and work position in the canopy giving yourself the best work position by having the ability to redirect and have no worries that friction will affect your ability to navigate through your work plan. SRS systems can also make certain tasks when work positioning difficult because when getting in and out of these positions, the climber will have to pull their entire body weight back up and on to the rope to create enough slack to advance.

Climb Safe & we will

"See You At The Top! ® "

4 Crucial Elements To Creating A Safer, More Efficient Jobsite for Arborists

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 18:17:05 GMT

1. Jobsite Briefing H.O.P.E

The best way to ensure the whole crew is prepared for safe, efficient work is to conduct a jobsite briefing before the tree work begins. The entire arborist team should participate in the jobsite walkaround led by the crew supervisor.

Use the acronym H.O.P.E. to cover the four basic steps of the arborist jobsite briefing:

Hazards — things on the jobsite that could be dangerous to arborists
Obstacles — people or things on the jobsite that can be hurt or damaged by equipment
Plan — tasks that need to be performed and positioning of the individuals involved.
Equipment — the equipment and PPE needed to safely and efficiently complete the plan

The Arborists Five-Step Tree Felling Plan!

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 13:47:09 GMT

One of Noah Webster’s definitions of an accident is “an unplanned event.” So, it stands to reason that to avoid accidents, you must plan your work and work your plan! When felling trees, it is vital that arborists have and use a tree felling plan. The following five-step tree felling plan incorporates up-to-date cutting methods, is widely used by professional chainsaw operators worldwide, and has recently been adopted into the ANSI Z-133.1 standard for tree-care operations. Using the five-step tree felling plan will help you to achieve successful results consistently.

Cut Safe and we will See You At The Top!®

Press Release: ISA Honors Ken Palmer and Rip Tompkins

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:50:59 GMT

ISA Honors Ken Palmer and Rip Tompkins

August 12, 2018

Written by Chris Donnelly of the CTPA

Press Release: Ken Palmer and Rip Tompkins were honored to receive the Alex L. Shigo Award for Excellence in Arboricultural Education from the International Society of Arboriculture. We invite you to read the full release below and view the videos of Ken & Rip created by the ISA.

At the 2018 ISA meeting in Columbus, Ohio, the International Society of Arboriculture presented its Alex L. Shigo Award for Excellence in Arboricultural Education to Ken Palmer and Rip Tompkins. The award was presented to each of these ground-breakers in arboricultural education individually, in recognition of their efforts through ArborMaster Training, Inc. to advance working safely and effectively in tree care. Through their company, Ken and Rip helped establish a new plane upon which the standards of arboricultural safety and safe practices continue to be built.

For Ken and Rip, this award is a double honor. Not only have they been recognized by their peers for their high accomplishments, but the award is named in honor of fellow New Englander Alex Shigo. Both Ken and Rip knew Alex personally, worked closely with him and consider him to have been a good friend. Dr. Shigo, of course, is one of the transformational figures in modern arboriculture. To have their work now associated with his is something both men take great pride in.

Their receipt of this award breaks a long chain of recipients of this award with largely academic backgrounds. In announcing the award, ISA acknowledged the innovative nature of the ArborMaster approach.

“When ArborMaster Training came along, they changed the way that training was viewed in arboriculture" .

ArborMaster Training was founded 23 years ago, based on a systematic approach that highlighted professionalism, innovation and hands-on practicality. Through in-person classes, videos and other training tools, the company continues to reach a widely diverse and truly worldwide audience of tree care workers and arborists.

It is without a doubt that Rip and Ken have changed the way arborists and tree care workers approach their work. The field is safer and more safety conscious because of their efforts. Tree work is being done more efficiently and effectively. It is also without a doubt that Ken and Rip’s efforts have saved lives. It is reasonable to say that this award reflects, not just the respect but also the gratitude of the arboricultural community for their accomplishments.

ArborMaster Training is an Allied Member of CTPA .

Press Release: Greenworks partners with famed arborist – Ken Palmer

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 23:07:02 GMT

Greenworks partners with famed arborist

November 18, 2019

Posted by Lauren Rathmell

Press Release:

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Greenworks Commercial announced that it has entered into a sponsorship agreement with ArborMaster and its internationally known arborist and Co-Founder, Ken Palmer for 2020 .

Per the agreement, Palmer will use Greenworks Commercial’s line of lithium-ion battery powered saws as his exclusive battery-powered equipment in 2020, which also marks the 25 year Anniversary of ArborMaster. In addition, Palmer will conduct private training programs, make celebrity appearances and consult on new product research & development with Greenworks engineers.

The agreement coincides with the release of Greenworks Commercial’s two newest members of its professional duty line with the new 48TH12 48V 12” Brushless Top Handle Saw and the GS181 18” Rear Handle Chainsaw . Being 30% lighter than its gas competition, the 48TH12 is much easier to maneuver in arbor applications. Plus, this saw will be the first product in the Greenworks Commercial line to include the 21700 lithium-ion battery cells – offering more power and lighter weight to its users, along with longer life and improved run-time. The GS181 is Greenworks most powerful saw to date, delivering power that approximates a 50cc gas saw. The GS 181 provides its users with easier operation and a safer work environment yielding 50% less noise and 5x less vibration than gas equivalent products to protect crews from long term hearing damage and reduce fatigue.

“Greenworks new top handle saw is a game-changer,” said Palmer. “Using this tool makes job sites safer with easier maneuverability and better productivity. And their new GS181 rear handle is far and away the most powerful battery-powered saw I’ve ever run. I’d put it up against any saw running an 18” bar, gas or battery, in terms of its performance. I am confident that using Greenworks products will help to enhance ArborMaster’s core pillars of safety, productivity and skill, so I am proud to help other arborists learn about these great tools.”

Stay tuned for details on upcoming training's and other appearances where Palmer will partner with Greenworks. For more information visit Greenworkscommercial.com .

About Greenworks Commercial

Greenworks Commercial is the leader in battery-powered outdoor equipment for landscaping, turf management, sports facility and municipality professionals. An innovative, best-in-class 82-volt battery platform powers multiple tool systems, delivering the power and performance of comparable gas-powered tools without the mess, fumes and noise.