Tree Service Equipment List: Tools You Need for Work in 2026

Equipping yourself with a full set of professional tree trimming equipment will get you up those trees safely, cutting with efficiency, and impressing customers.

Your customers’ trees come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own trimming requirements. It’s important to understand what tools you need to get the job done properly.

Use this tree service equipment list to buy the tools you’ll need to become an arborist and start your tree service business. We’ll also share tips for choosing the right products, along with average prices for each tool.

Chainsaw

Using a motorized chain blade, chainsaws cut through thick, dense branches and tree trunks quickly and cleanly. You’ll need at least one chainsaw so you can fell entire trees, cut through large limbs, and section trunks.

Consider these three different chainsaw types:

• Gas chainsaws are powered by a combustion engine and are typically more powerful than electric or battery-powered models. They handle heavier tasks like felling a large tree and cutting thick branches. Gas-powered chainsaws vary in price as you increase the horsepower.
• Electric chainsaws need to be plugged into a power outlet, but they’re generally lighter, quieter, and easier to start and maintain than gas models. Basic electric chainsaws are the most affordable, with lower-end models designed for lighter work and higher-end models capable of cutting larger branches.
• Battery-powered chainsaws are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. They’re portable like gas chainsaws, but also low-maintenance and quiet like electric models. You can expect to pay more for larger batteries and longer run times, better durability for professional use, and features like brushless motors.

Cost: $250–$1,500 per chainsaw

Pro Tip: Operating a chainsaw at height requires ISA-recommended techniques and equipment, such as a breakaway lanyard for top-handle saws. Following TCIA best practices for chainsaw safety helps keep you safe.

String trimmers and brush cutters

String trimmers and brush cutters handle the cleanup that makes a tree job look finished. Use them for clearing tall grass, vines, and brush around trunks and fences so you can move safely. And customers can see clean lines instead of a mess.

Cost: $200–$800

Hedge trimmers

Hedge trimmers are exactly what they sound like: an essential tool for creating clean lines on hedges and maintaining the hedge shape your customer wants.

Many tree service companies end up using hedge trimmers during light pruning jobs or seasonal tree maintenance. They’re especially handy on properties with decorative hedges or privacy screens.

Cost: $80–$400 (gas-powered on the high end)

Pruners

Professional tree trimmers use pruners, or pruning shears, to cut and shape smaller branches and twigs. Pruners also help you remove dead or diseased wood and manage overgrowth.

Pruners come in handy for gardening tasks, too, so keep them around if you decide to offer landscaping services.

Here are the types of pruning tools you should buy:

• Pruning saws have sharp, curved blades and are designed to cut live wood. Use them to remove medium-sized branches that are too thick for hand saws but not dense enough to need a chainsaw.
• Bypass pruners are handheld pruning shears with curved blades. They act more like scissors and make closer cuts. These hand pruners are great for more precise pruning tasks, like shaping young trees and snipping off unwanted growth.
• Anvil pruners are another handheld pruner but with a single, straight blade closing against a flat surface. Only use anvil pruners to cut dry or dead branches—unlike bypass pruners, they can crush and destroy live plant tissue.
• Extendable (or telescopic) pruners are like a pruning saw and a bypass pruner rolled into one. These pole pruners have scissor-like blades at the end of a long pole, letting you trim high branches from the ground (when they’re too thick for pole saws).

Cost: $20–$250

Loppers

Tree loppers are specialized branch cutters with long handles. These handles give you leverage to cut through branches that are too thick for pruners but too thin for saws.

Using loppers to shape trees and control their growth will give your customers clean-looking, healthy trees.

Cost: $30–$200

Hand saw

Sometimes, nothing beats the accuracy of a manual hand saw. You can saw as precisely as you need to with a hand saw—this tool should be your go-to for cutting smaller branches and for any work in tight spaces.

Cost: $30–$200

Pole saw

A pole saw is a long, often extendable rod with a saw at the end. Without having to climb, you can use this tree trimming tool to prune smaller branches and maintain tree canopies.

Pole saws come in gas, electric, and manual models.

• Manual pole saws are the most affordable and low-maintenance option, but they’re harder on your arms for long stretches of time.
• Gas-powered pole saws are great for cutting thick branches and other demanding tasks. You can use these saws without a power outlet, but their engines need refueling.
• Electric pole saws are much quieter and more neighborhood-friendly than gas models. They’re also easier to handle, especially when reaching overhead, which makes your job less tiring.

Cost: $100–$800 (gas/electric on the high end)

Axe

Buy an axe or two to cut branches and smaller tree trunks. Axes are also great for post-cut clean-up tasks, like splitting logs for removal or processing.

Cost: $40–$200

Hatchet

A hatchet is essentially a smaller, one-handed version of an axe, and is ideal for finer chopping tasks. Use hatchets to chop and split small pieces of wood, or to clear the brush and undergrowth around a tree.

Cost: $25–$100

Wedges

Use a wedge to control the direction a tree falls when you’re cutting it down. Professional tree trimmers insert these wedges into cuts made in the trunk, using them to guide the tree’s descent to prevent damage to its surroundings.

Cost: $10–$60

Climbing gear

• Ladder: A sturdy ladder is the best way to reach that first workable height while clearing lower branches or setting an initial tie-in point. It’s also useful when you’re accessing a canopy where throwing a line from the ground would be awkward.
• Climbing saddle: A climbing saddle is the arborist’s everyday work seat. It wraps around the waist and legs, acting as the main connection point for your climbing system. Most modern saddles include padded leg loops and multiple gear loops.
• Climbing harness: While some people say “saddle” and “harness” interchangeably, a harness usually refers to a more full-body setup that includes shoulder straps in addition to the waist and leg support. It distributes weight across the torso and can add stability for certain climbing styles.
• Climbing line or lifeline: Your lifeline is the rope that keeps you secure as you climb a tree. Arborist-rated lines are built for dynamic movement and repeated loading, which standard rope isn’t designed for. You’ll tie the rope into a Blake’s hitch, or add a Prusik knot on top of it, to ascend and descend.
• Carabiners: These metal loops secure your climbing rope to your saddle. Do not use cheap carabiners from the hardware store—buy special climbing carabiners and replace them regularly.
• Flipline or tree climbing lanyard: A flipline is a short piece of braided rope that you attach to your harness and wrap around the tree to flip yourself upwards. Fliplines temporarily hold you in position and help you climb short distances.
• Prusik cords / friction hitches: Prusik cords (or other friction hitch setups) let you advance, hold position, and descend smoothly without relying on bulky hardware. They’re a core part of traditional climbing systems, and many climbers carry backups.
• Mechanical rope grabs and ascenders: Instead of tying hitches on your lifeline, you can use mechanical rope grabs to move up and down your lifeline rope. Mechanical rope grabs are bulkier and cost more, but let you move faster than hitches do.
• Climbing spurs or spikes: Spurs are holsters that wrap around your legs to help you grip yourself onto trees using built-in hooks.

Cost: $700–$2,500

Pro Tip: When choosing climbing lines and carabiners, look for gear that meets Z133 standards for minimum breaking strength (typically 5,000 lb). Using non-rated carabiners from a hardware store is a liability that can lead to OSHA fines.

Rigging equipment

• Rigging rope (or utility line): This rope wraps around branches to help you cut them precisely where you need to and lower them to the ground safely.
• Rigging slings (whoopies, dead-eye slings): Slings are how you anchor blocks and adapt to weird trunk shapes without burning through rope. Whoopies shine when you need fast adjustment, and dead-eyes are solid for fixed setups.
• Rigging blocks: These metal blocks attach your rigging rope to a tree so you can create a pulley system to lower branches after cutting them.
• Friction device / lowering device: This is what keeps heavy wood from free-falling. A lowering device lets the ground crew add friction and control speed without wrecking ropes.
• Throw line and throw bags: A throw line is a thin rope that creates a route for rigging or climbing over a specific branch. You’ll attach the throw line to a weighted throw bag and throw it over the tree. Then, tie your climbing lifeline rope to this throw line so you can ascend the tree along the throw line.
• Speed line and tag line: These lines give you control over swing and landing. Tag lines help guide limbs away from roofs, while speed lines move brush laterally to a clear landing area.

Cost: $500–$1,800

For a full rundown on choosing and using tree climbing equipment, get advice from professional tree trimmer Keith Kalfas:

Wood chipper

Wood chippers break down branches, limbs, and trunks into small chips that you can throw away or use for mulch after you’ve felled a tree. You can typically mount these machines onto a truck or van.

While electric chippers are easier to use and don’t require regular engine maintenance, gas-powered chippers can break down branches much faster. For residential jobs, gas chippers generally cost two or three times more than electric units.

Cost: $10,000–$35,000 for entry‑level tow‑behind (used or basic new); $35,000–$80,000+ for mid‑ to heavy‑duty commercial

Stump grinder

A stump grinder is a large piece of equipment that removes tree stumps after the tree has been cut down. It’s about the size of a lawn mower—sometimes as big as a truck—and has fast-rotating disks with teeth that grind through stumps and roots.

Use a stump grinder to clean up a customer’s landscape after a complete tree removal.

Cost: $5,000–$10,000 for small walk‑behind; $10,000​–$40,000​+ for mid‑range self‑propelled tow‑behind

Bucket truck or aerial lift

A bucket truck changes how you take on work, giving you access to tall canopies and big removals without exhausting climbers or pushing limits on ladders.

For startups planning to move past light pruning, this is often the first big purchase that leads to larger jobs and faster work.

Cost: $40,000–$80,000 for older used bucket trucks; $80,000–$200,000+ for used mid‑range and newer, higher‑reach units

Chip truck or dump truck

Chip and dump trucks let crews process brush and haul debris in one shot. No more wasting time on extra trips or messy job sites. Once you’re running multiple jobs a week, this setup starts feeling like the bare minimum for staying efficient.

Cost: $30,000–$70,000+ for used (older chassis, basic body); $70,000–$120,000+ for newer or purpose‑built trucks

Equipment trailer

Trailers solve a lot of growing pains. They move stump grinders, mini skid steers, extra saws, fuel cans, cones, and more. You can forget the days of cramming everything into a truck.

As soon as your operation expands beyond a single all-in-one rig, an equipment trailer keeps your gear organized and helps your crews work more efficiently.

Cost: $3,000–$15,000+

Optional tree cutting tools

• Top-handle chainsaws: Once your climbers are trained, top-handle saws make tree and bucket work easier. These saws are easier to maneuver in tight spots and let your team make precise cuts without awkward angles or overreaching.
• Extra bar/chain sizes and spare powerheads: Different jobs and trees have different saw needs. Keeping a few spare bars, chains, and powerheads on hand will cut back on your downtime. Swapping out worn or mismatched equipment during a job keeps things moving along.
• Log splitter: If firewood or processed logs are part of your revenue plan, a log splitter turns hours of manual work into just minutes.

Cost: $1,500–$7,000+

Optional climbing and rigging gear

• Foot ascenders and knee ascenders: These can speed up rope-based climbs, making climbers more efficient and less tired. Once you get the rhythm, they make repetitive ascents easier.
• Advanced friction devices or rigging bollards: Beyond a standard port‑a‑wrap, these devices let you manage heavier drops safely. They give the control that’s needed for tricky branches or tight drop zones.
• Rope winch or hand winch: For risky cuts on leaning trees, a winch is a small investment for much more control.
• Swivels, pulleys, and rigging rings: Building more complex rigging systems requires these staples. They reduce rope twist and improve directional control, saving time and protecting your crew from awkward swings.

Cost: $1,000–$4,000+

Optional heavy machinery and vehicles

• Mini skid steer or compact loader: A skid steer or loader is perfect for moving logs and brush quickly. This equipment is small enough for tight spaces, but packs a punch for productivity.
• Full-size skid steer or compact tractor: When your workload scales, these machines handle larger logs and heavier piles. They reduce how much manpower you need, helping you tackle big jobs efficiently.
• Loader or knuckle-boom truck: It’s essential for serious log handling or commercial-scale removals. You can move large timber in one shot and clear sites faster than a dozen wheelbarrows.
• Stump grinder trailer or tow-behind grinder: If you started out with a small grinder, a trailer or larger unit can reduce time on bigger stump removal jobs.

Cost: $50,000–$250,000+

Optional job site support

• Portable winch or capstan winch: This equipment is great for hauling brush uphill or adding leverage when gravity isn’t enough.
• Jobsite lighting: Portable towers or LED lights keep your crew working safely when there isn’t much daylight. Early morning and late evening jobs are more practical.
• On-site storage boxes and racks: When equipment is organized, it makes life easier for everyone. Standardizing your storage reduces clutter and any wasted time looking for gear.

Cost: $1,000–$7,000+

Professional quotes

One of the best ways to tighten your landscape company workflow is to get your estimates out the door faster, without losing accuracy.

Start by building a tree services list and using an tree removal estimate template. Have your items pre-loaded into a quoting system so you don’t need to start from scratch every time someone asks how much something will cost.

With quoting software like Jobber, you can plug in job specs and generate a quote. The result is a line-itemed proposal that looks sharp and makes clients feel like they’re working with a pro.

And Jobber lets you suggest premium packages or add-ons in the quote, so your customers can choose what they want. This helps build trust and credibility with clients and offers enough choice to keep them from shopping around.

Jobber’s advanced quoting software takes things to the next level with advanced quote customization. Impress potential clients by adding images, reviews, or other relevant attachments.

CRM

Jobber’s CRM software makes it easy to organize client information, communication, and project history. Your entire team can access client information, manage leads, update job details, and track customer communication in one place.

You can also:

• Manage online bookings and work requests from your website.
• Manage client and job information on site and in the truck using the mobile app.
• Customize client profiles to manage project details.
• Track employee labor costs, material costs, and other expenses.
• Manage your schedule and send timing updates to the customer.
• Accept credit card payments in person and online.
• Integrate with your QuickBooks Online accounting software.

Payments

If there’s one part of your workflow that should never get held up, it’s sending invoices. Jobber automates invoicing to minimize late payments and improve cash flow. Not to mention, it’s less administrative work for you.

Then, make it easier for clients to pay via multiple payment methods, like credit cards, ACH payments (bank transfers), or mobile payments. For regular services, set up automatic recurring payments to streamline cash flow.

Business management

The Jobber tree service app offers more features to help you run a smoother tree care business, like:

• Schedule work: Add jobs to your calendar, assign them to available employees, and reschedule work due to poor weather using Jobber’s drag-and-drop calendar.
• Manage clients: Manage client and job details, including tree information like location, height, and tree health, all in one place.
• Save time and fuel: Plan more efficient routes and know where your arborists are on the job.
• Track chemical usage: Easily track, store, and report on chemical and pesticide usage for other tree service work.
• Advertise services: Run effective tree service marketing campaigns with Jobber’s built-in tools, like email marketing and automatic review collection.