Working in large, open spaces gives arborists flexibility. In tight spaces, that flexibility diminishes, and planning becomes critical.
Working in Tight Spaces Without Cutting Corners By Jenny Cohen
For many arborists, space is a luxury. Small back- yards, built-up urban areas, narrow access points, and even indoors, oen leave little room for equip- ment, debris, or even a basic setup.
That means every plan has to account for restricted access and nearby obstacles including buildings, cars, and other structures. “For the guys up in the tree, it usually means far more controlled, sectional work because there’s rarely a clean drop zone. You’re dealing with power lines, roofs, fences, and traffic, so every cut has to be planned,” Mairs said. But the challenges don’t end there. As soon as branches and debris hit the ground, swi and pre- planned cleanup is a crucial task. “On the ground, it’s just as challenging — feed- ing chippers in narrow driveways, moving timber through side gates, managing the public walking past. That’s where a good kit and good planning re- ally earn their keep,” he said. According to Levi Williams, an ISA certified arborist at Tree Scouts Tree Service , planning is the num- ber one deciding factor in whether a job in tight spaces can be done safely and effectively. One of the first steps, he said, is to determine what gear
And yet, trees still need care in all of these places.
So, how do arborists overcome this challenge? We talked with a few industry experts who shared that with the right planning, equipment, and expertise, tree care workers can handle tight workspaces safe- ly and effectively. PLANNING BECOMES A PRIORITY Working in large, open spaces gives arborists flex- ibility in how they can approach the job. In tight spaces, that flexibility diminishes, and planning becomes critical. “When you’re working in packed suburban or city areas, the biggest thing that changes is how little room for error you have,” said Jamie Mairs, busi- ness line director for Green-Tec .
ArborTIMES ™ Spring 2026 | 17
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