Tree Worker Safety: How You Can Help Keep the Crew Safe
When you see a crew trimming branches, clearing storm damage, or removing hazardous trees, you're witnessing one of the most dangerous professions in action. Tree workers perform a vital service—but they also face intense risks every single day.
What many people don’t realize is that residents and passersby can play a big role in keeping these workers safe. When you are giving them a safe amount of space and driving cautiously, your actions matter more than you might think.
Why Tree Work Is So Dangerous
Tree work combines quite the unique mix of high-risk factors:
Heights and falls: Crews often work high up in trees or from aerial lifts, where even a small slip can be catastrophic.
Electrical hazards: Power lines may be hidden among tree limbs, making trimming work especially risky.
Heavy equipment: Chippers, chainsaws, and cranes are powerful—and potentially deadly—if not used with extreme caution.
Falling debris: A misjudged cut can send a large limb crashing down unpredictably.
Weather exposure: Crews work in the heat, cold, rain, and wind, all of which can impact judgment and physical performance.
Roadside conditions: Working near roads adds another layer of danger from inattentive drivers or poor visibility.
Despite extensive training and safety gear, accidents can and do happen. The good news? With a little awareness, you can help minimize those risks.
8 Ways Residents Can Help Keep Tree Workers Safe
1. Give Them Plenty of Space
Always stay clear of work zones. Workers need room to maneuver safely, and falling limbs can travel farther than expected. Barriers, cones, and caution tape are there for your protection—respect them.
2. Keep Kids and Pets Inside
Tree work is fascinating, especially to children and animals, but it’s not safe for spectators. Keep little ones and furry friends inside or far from the action.
3. Avoid Parking Near Work Sites
If you know a crew will be working on your street, move your car well away. This gives them the space they need for equipment and eliminates the risk of property damage.
4. Follow Traffic Instructions
When tree work happens near roads, it often involves lane closures or temporary traffic reroutes. Crews may use flaggers or signs to control flow. Please be patient, slow down, and follow their directions.
The Added Challenge: Working Near Roads
Working on or near roadways is especially dangerous for tree workers. Passing cars—sometimes speeding or distracted—pose serious risks. Even with cones and high-visibility vests, accidents happen far too often.
Here’s how you can help:
Slow down when approaching a tree crew near the road.
Avoid distractions like texting while driving.
Obey all signage—if a lane is closed, don’t try to sneak past.
Be especially cautious at dawn, dusk, or in bad weather, when visibility is low.
Remember: the crew’s focus is on the tree. Your job is to help them by being alert and responsible behind the wheel.
Heat Safety: Summer Is No Joke for Tree Crews
Summer brings its own set of hazards—especially heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Tree workers often spend hours in direct sunlight, wearing heavy safety gear like helmets, chaps, and gloves. They’re lifting, climbing, and operating machinery—all while sweating buckets.
Signs of heat-related illness include:
Dizziness or fainting
Nausea
Heavy sweating or, worse, lack of sweating
Confusion or irritability
Many crews schedule early morning starts or take mid-day breaks, but even so, summer can be brutal.
How you can help during hot weather:
Be patient if work slows down—they may be taking a water break or working at a safer pace.
Offer water if you see a crew working nearby (if it feels appropriate).
Understand delays—safety takes priority over speed in extreme heat.
5 More Tips for Tree Work on Your Property
If you’ve hired a crew to do work at your home:
Clear the area beforehand—Move furniture, toys, vehicles, and garden décor out of the way.
Secure pets indoors so they don’t wander into harm’s way.
Mark underground utilities if needed (or ask the crew to coordinate with local utility marking services).
Let the crew know about hazards like beehives, soft ground, or low-hanging wires.
Give them time and space—it’s tempting to watch or chat, but trust the professionals to do their job safely.
Bonus: Hire the Right Tree Service
Not all tree companies are created equal. Before hiring someone, ask:
Are they licensed and insured?
Do they employ certified arborists?
Do they follow OSHA safety standards?
Can they provide references or reviews?
Hiring trained professionals isn’t just smart—it’s safe.
Final Thoughts
Tree workers make our neighborhoods safer, more beautiful, and better prepared for storms and emergencies. Their work is often invisible until disaster strikes—but it’s always important.
By staying aware, keeping your distance, and driving carefully, you can be part of the safety solution.
So next time you see a crew up in the trees or working in the summer heat, take a moment to appreciate the skill, effort, and risk involved—and help out however you can. Even small actions make a big difference.
