Landscaping & Tree Work

Tree care has one of the highest fatality rates of any job, from falls, being struck by trees and limbs, and electrocution. Landscapers also face mower rollovers, chipper injuries, heat and chemicals.

• Landscaping
• Tree Care

Top hazards

• Falls from trees, ladders and aerial lifts
• Struck by falling trees and limbs
• Electrocution near power lines
• Wood chippers pulling in workers
• Chainsaw cuts. See Chainsaws.
• Riding mower rollovers on slopes
• Heat, insects, poisonous plants, pesticides. See Biological Hazards.

Key practices

• Only qualified line-clearance tree trimmers work near energized power lines; everyone else keeps at least 10 feet away.
• Feed chippers from the side, butt end first, and walk away as the chipper grabs the branch. Never reach into the infeed or use your feet.
• Plan felling with escape routes; keep a drop zone clear and use communication between climber and ground crew.
• Use ROPS and seatbelts on riding mowers; avoid steep slopes.
• Wear eye, hearing and leg protection, and helmets with chin straps for climbing.
• Read pesticide labels and use the required PPE.

Tree work basics

• Inspect the tree first: dead limbs (“widow makers”), cracks, decay, lean and nearby lines or structures.
• Plan the fall: pick the felling direction, cut a proper notch and hinge, and clear two escape routes at about 45 degrees back from the fall direction.
• Drop zone: keep ground workers out of the area under climbers and where limbs will land. Use clear calls like “Headache!” and wait for an answer.
• Climbing: stay tied in at all times with a climbing line and lanyard, and inspect climbing gear daily.
• Rigging: lowering heavy limbs puts huge loads on ropes and the tree. Use rated gear and trained riggers.

Mowers and small equipment

• Riding mowers with ROPS: keep the ROPS up and the seatbelt on, except where the manufacturer says to lower the ROPS (and then don’t wear the belt).
• Mow slopes only within the manufacturer’s limit; use a walk-behind or string trimmer on steep banks and near ditches and ponds.
• Shut off blades and engines before clearing clogs. See Lawn & Garden Equipment.
• Wear eye protection; mowers and trimmers throw rocks.

Outdoor health hazards

• Heat illness. See Heat Illness.
• Ticks, stinging insects, poison ivy and snakes. See Biological Hazards.
• Pesticides: follow the label, which is the law. Wear the PPE it lists and observe re-entry times.
• Noise from blowers, saws and chippers. See Noise.

Crew checklist

• Power lines identified; nobody unqualified within 10 feet
• Tree inspected and felling plan with escape routes set
• Chipper guards, feed control bar and stop switches tested
• Chainsaw chaps, helmet, eye and hearing protection on
• Communication between climber and ground agreed
• First aid kit and bleeding control supplies on the truck

Last updated: October 1, 2026