Knowing When to Use an Aerial Lift Instead of Climbing: A Strategic Approach for Modern Arboriculture

The modern tree care industry requires more than just technical expertise; it necessitates adaptability, strategic decision-making, and the assessment of optimal and safe access methods for each individual tree. Although climbing remains a foundational aspect of arboriculture, advances in the field have introduced aerial lifts, such as bucket trucks and compact spider lifts, as indispensable assets that enhance jobsite safety, operational efficiency, and promote the long-term well-being of arborists.

The ability to discern when climbing is appropriate versus when an aerial lift should be employed distinguishes a mature, professional tree care operation. This decision significantly impacts not only the safety of personnel working within the canopy but also the overall workflow, productivity, and the sustained health of the crew members engaged in this physically demanding profession.

Safety First: The Foundation of Every Decision

Before accessing any tree, it's essential to consider two key questions: Can the tree handle the loads applied to it, and is it capable of supporting those loads while the climbing arborist is suspended in the crown? Although tree species may share certain attributes, each tree has its own unique structure and potential defects, such as decay, hollow stems, storm damage, or extensive dieback, that can vary significantly. Even highly experienced climbers cannot always predict how compromised wood might react under dynamic stress. A branch that looks solid from the ground may fail unexpectedly when weighted by climbers or stressed during rigging.

Using aerial lifts removes the need to rely on a tree's structural integrity for the safety of the climber. If conditions are deemed safe for rigging, attention can shift to utilizing different branch unions to enhance the strength and stability of the rigging system.

Electrical hazards introduce another layer of complexity, as if there weren’t enough of them already! When tree limbs and ideal climbing routes overlap, maintaining the minimum approach distance required can become difficult or near impossible when climbing. These aerial lifts, provided they are rated to be used around electrical conductors, provide a more controlled body positioning, allowing us to maintain compliance around energized lines without fear of rope swing, unintentional movement, or forced proximity to hazardous zones. 

When the structural integrity of the tree or the surrounding environment poses a meaningful risk, an aerial lift is not just an alternative; it’s the responsible choice. 

Production Benefits: Why Lifts Are a Business Advantage

Bucket trucks and spider lifts can offer significant production advantages that can transform a job from a slow-paced, labor-intensive endeavor into a streamlined, efficient operation. When I say slow-paced, I am referring to having to climb multiple trees. Rather than having the climbing arborist work them all, the job can now be delegated accordingly – the lift operator works one tree while the climber works another. 

Positioning in the exact ideal spot can be done within seconds! Rather than having to traverse from point A to point B, simply articulating the boom and downtime between cuts is drastically reduced. For tree removal operations, bucket trucks provide unmatched efficiency during negative rigging operations. Being able to stand on a stable, secure platform while rigging these tanks will reduce fatigue.

Body Longevity: The Most Overlooked Benefit

All of us in this glorious industry are athletes. Our job places stress on our bodies, which can accumulate over time. Even the best of us will eventually feel the toll: chronic shoulder pain, reduced grip strength, or lower back tightness that can make for a long, difficult day. Using lifts does not diminish climbing skill; if anything, it preserves it! It reduces the physical demands of the job, allowing us to reserve energy for the trees that truly require rope access. Over the years, our bodies break down, and that’s the reality of it. If you are someone who is dedicated to the craft, these machines will extend our careers and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. 

Bucket Trucks vs. Spider Lifts: Understanding Their Roles

Both types of aerial lifts fulfill similar primary functions, but each is optimally suited to distinct environments. Bucket trucks are particularly effective for roadside operations, utility tasks, commercial properties, and locations accessible via pavement or driveways. They are especially valuable for maintaining pruning cycles and any work that requires efficient coverage of large areas.

Conversely, spider lifts are well-suited to confined spaces such as narrow backyards, sites with restricted access, and residential settings where landscaping must be preserved. Their adjustable outriggers enable stable positioning on varied terrain, enhancing their versatility in challenging locations.

Conclusion

Climbing is an essential and irreplaceable skill in the tree care industry. This blog isn’t to deter climbing but rather to accept the secret to longevity and efficiency, which does not lie in climbing every tree, but in choosing the right method for each job. 

The modern arborist isn’t defined by whether they climb or whether they use a lift. They are defined by their ability to select the right tool, adapt to the situation, and protect themselves AND their crews.