Professional Tree Service Gear & Tools Glossary

As a homeowner or business owner, understanding the equipment used by ISA Certified Arborists can empower you to make informed decisions about your tree care and health.

By understanding these tools and processes, you can ensure that your tree service needs are met safely and efficiently. Our team at Bratt Tree Company always uses the proper equipment to maintain the safety and health of your trees.

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Climbing Gear

Professional tree removal and other services often involve climbing, and safety is paramount. Here are some of the key pieces of climbing gear:

  • Harnesses and Saddles: Used for climbing and securing arborists during work.
  • Ropes: Essential for climbing, lowering branches, and rigging.
  • Protective Goggles/Glasses: Eye protection against sawdust, wood chips, and other debris.
  • Straps and Spurs: Help in climbing and securing the tree worker.
  • Ascenders/Descenders: Used for vertical mobility during climbing.
  • Eye Slings: High-strength loops of rope used in rigging applications.
  • Pulleys and Carabiners: Used in conjunction with ropes for climbing and rigging.

Machinery

Pruning and removal for your trees also involve the use of various machinery, including:

  • Cherry Picker/Bucket Truck: A vehicle with a hydraulic lift platform for reaching high branches.
  • Crane: Used for heavy lifting, particularly for large tree removal.
  • Spider Lift: A versatile lift that can reach high elevations and operate on uneven terrains.
  • Mini Skid Steer: Used for moving logs and debris.
  • Tree Chippers: Used for breaking down branches and logs into wood chips.
  • Stump Grinders: Used for grinding tree stumps below ground level.

Tools

Tree service professionals use a variety of tools, such as:

  • Chain Saws and Pole Saws: Essential for cutting branches and trunks.
  • Hand Saws and Tree Loppers: Used for cutting smaller branches.
  • Wedges: Helps in controlling the direction of a tree’s fall.
  • Hand Shears, Pruners, and Pruning Saws: Used for trimming and pruning trees.
  • Tree Rope Rigging: Utilized for safely lowering cut branches.
  • Axes/Hatchets: Used for chopping wood.

Rigging

Rigging equipment is crucial for controlling the movement of cut branches and securing workers:

  • Blocks and Pulleys: Essential components of the rigging system used in conjunction with ropes.
  • Light/Heavy-Duty Slings: Used for attaching and lifting loads.
  • Friction Brakes: Help control the speed of descent in a rigging system.
  • Rigging Plates: Used for organizing multiple connections.
  • Carabiners: Used for quickly connecting components.
  • Winches and Power Pullers: Assist with lifting and pulling heavy loads.
  • Ring Slings: Utilized for choke-hitching loads.
  • Cable Hoists: Ideal for heavy lifting.
  • Swivels: Used to prevent ropes from twisting.
  • Rigging Thimbles: Protect ropes from sharp bends and wear.

General Tree Removal Terms

To understand the tree removal process further, familiarize yourself with the following terms:

  • Trimming/Pruning: The process of cutting away dead or overgrown branches to improve tree health and aesthetics.
  • Cabling & Bracing: Techniques used to provide additional support to trees that may be structurally weak.
  • Tree Girdling: An intentional process to kill a tree by cutting into the bark and cambium layer.
  • Stump Grinding: The process of removing a tree stump by mechanically grinding it into small chips.

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Satisfaction Guaranteed

Our job is never complete until you are 100% satisfied with our services.

Upfront Pricing

We offer 100% transparent pricing to all our valued customers, so you know what to expect.

Trained Technicians

Our ISA-certified arborists are trained in the most advanced industry tools and techniques.

Commitment to Community

We’ve proudly delivered trusted tree services to the Twin Cities for more than 30 years.

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Great, very professional service from Bratt Tree Company. Our tree was in a challenging spot, surrounded by buildings. They used a crane and cherry picker and didn't leave a scratch on fences, buildin...

Kristi

Bratt Tree Company is the best in the business — professional, appropriately priced, and great customer service.

Tom

Bratt Tree Company was amazing! We had three large and rather tricky stumps that they grinded out perfectly! They were professional, friendly and very responsive. I asked to keep the mulch and they ...

Kumar
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