How Much Do Tree Surgeons Earn?

How Much Do Tree Surgeons Earn? Salary, Training & Career Guide (UK)

Tree surgeons—also known as arborists—are skilled professionals who manage the care, maintenance, and removal of trees. Whether pruning branches, assessing tree health, or felling dangerous limbs, it’s a physically demanding and often hazardous role. But it’s also rewarding, well-paid at higher levels, and ideal for those who love the outdoors.

This guide breaks down how much tree surgeons earn in the UK, what qualifications are needed, career levels, the best companies to work for, and how to get started in arboriculture.

Job Description: What Do Tree Surgeons Do?

Tree surgeons carry out a range of duties to maintain trees in parks, streets, gardens, and woodlands. The work can be routine (pruning, planting) or high-risk (felling, emergency tree work).

Responsibilities:

• Tree pruning, crown reduction, and shaping

• Felling and dismantling trees using climbing gear or platforms

• Inspecting and diagnosing tree health and diseases

• Planting new trees and advising on maintenance

• Removing dangerous limbs after storms or decay

• Using chainsaws, rigging equipment, and stump grinders

• Following strict health and safety protocols

How Hard Is It to Become a Tree Surgeon?

It’s not academically difficult, but it’s physically demanding and requires specific training and safety awareness. Most tree surgeons train through college courses, apprenticeships, or short qualifications in arboriculture and chainsaw use.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

• Physical fitness and stamina

• Comfort with working at height

• Good coordination and balance

• Safety-focused and disciplined

• Teamwork and communication skills

• Interest in nature, ecology or the environment

• Problem-solving and spatial awareness

Do You Need Qualifications?

Yes. To work as a tree surgeon, especially with chainsaws and at height, you’ll need certified training.

Key qualifications (UK):

• City & Guilds NPTC Level 2/3 in Chainsaw Operations

• LANTRA Awards in Tree Climbing and Rescue

• Level 2/3 Diploma in Arboriculture or Forestry

• CS30, CS31, CS38, CS39 tickets (Chainsaw maintenance, felling, climbing, aerial cutting)

• First aid at work (with trauma certification)

Training can take from a few weeks (tickets) to 1–2 years for full diplomas or apprenticeships.

Career Levels and Specialisations

Groundworker / Labourer - Assists with lifting, cleanup, support

Climbing Arborist / Tree Surgeon - Performs pruning and removals at height

Lead Climber / Crew Leader - Supervises team and oversees rigging

Consulting Arborist - Assesses tree health, writes reports, planning advice

Tree Officer (Council) - Public sector role managing local tree stock

Business Owner -Self-employed arborist or tree surgery firm

What Experience Do You Need?

• You can start as a labourer or groundsman

• Entry-level roles require chainsaw safety training (CS30/31)

• Climbing roles require CS38/CS39 and experience with ropes and rigging

• Most employers value on-site learning over formal study

• Experience with arborist software or consultancy is required for tree officer roles

Benefits of Being a Tree Surgeon

• Hands-on, outdoor work

• High job satisfaction—you see the results immediately

• No university needed

• Path to self-employment or your own business

• Rising demand in urban and rural areas

• Strong earnings, especially for experienced climbers

• Opportunity to specialise in consultancy, ecology, or rope access

Drawbacks and Negatives

• Physically intense—lifting, climbing, cold/wet weather

• Dangerous—chainsaws and working at height carry risk

• Can be seasonal, depending on location and weather

• Requires regular re-certification and PPE upkeep

• Early starts and travel to job sites

• Injury risk and insurance cost for the self-employed

Tree Surgeon Salary Levels in the UK

Groundworker / Trainee -£18,000 – £22,000

Climbing Arborist - £26,000 – £35,000

Lead Climber / Supervisor - £35,000 – £45,000

Consultant Arborist - £40,000 – £60,000

Self-employed / Business Owner - £40,000 – £100,000+

Tax Example (Self-employed on £50,000):

• Income Tax: ~£7,432

• National Insurance: ~£4,149

• Take-home pay: ~£38,419/year or £739/week

Self-employed tree surgeons can claim expenses like:

• PPE and chainsaws

• Climbing gear

• Vehicle and fuel

• Insurance and subcontractors

• Marketing and admin

What Factors Affect Salary?

• Qualifications and tickets

• Climbing ability vs ground-only roles

• Geographic location (London and South East pay more)

• Private vs local authority

• Self-employed vs employed

• Overtime and emergency callouts

• Specialist gear (MEWP, rigging, crane work)

What’s the Future for Tree Surgery?

Very strong. Urban greening, conservation, and safety all rely on skilled arborists.

Trends:

• Rising demand due to climate and storm damage

• Emphasis on conservation and tree health

• Increased demand for qualified surveyors and consultants

• More local council work linked to biodiversity

• Tech advances—drones for inspection, GIS mapping tools

• Green jobs and rewilding efforts boosting demand

Best Companies for Tree Surgery Jobs in the UK

Bartlett Tree Experts - Global firm, science-led approach

Gristwood& Toms - National contractor, local authority work

Tree Works (Bristol / London) - Professional and mid-sized firm

Glendale - Urban parks and environmental management

Capel Tree Surgeons - Family-run and reputable

Local councils / Tree Officers - Stable employment and pensions

Self-employed contractor - Highest potential earnings with freedom

Final Thought

Tree surgery is a hands-on, high-skill trade that combines physical strength with environmental knowledge. While not easy, it offers a good income, strong demand, and a career you can grow—literally and professionally. For those who love the outdoors and aren’t afraid of heights, it’s a fulfilling and secure path.