Professional Tree Service Equipment Cost List 2025: 5 Categories You Need

Following our high-level guide on starting a tree care business, let’s dive deep into the essential equipment you need for the business. A tree service business requires more than just a chainsaw and ladder. The complete commercial equipment list has specialized tools for heavy-duty work. For example, tree service professionals need specialized climbing ropes (10-13mm) and safety harnesses to work safely at heights.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know from safety equipment to specific costs. This knowledge will help you make smart decisions when starting or upgrading your tree service business.

We’ve also created a quick-reference breakdown, jump to the bottom to view the complete list.

Essential Safety Equipment

Safety equipment is always the foundation of any professional tree service operation. Crew protection comes first, and that’s why high-quality safety gear is important.

Personal Protective Gear (Helmets, Harnesses, Safety Glasses)

The essential PPE lineup begins with class B first-aid kits, which are made for high-risk jobs like tree work. Every crew member should have access to complete protective gear.

A professional-grade helmet with integrated face shield and ear protection costs between $87-$584, based on features. It’s also useful to invest in safety glasses from simple models to premium options with improved protection features.

Fall Protection System and Climbing Gear

Fall protection creates a complete safety system that goes beyond just preventing falls. We recommend a full-body harness system that has:

• Primary climbing harness with side D-rings
• Adjustable chest harnesses for optimal support
• Safety lanyards and flip lines
• Mechanical prusik devices for rope adjustment

Professional Cutting Tools

Professional cutting tools are the backbone of tree service operations. Quality equipment improves efficiency and gives our clients consistent results.

Commercial Grade Chainsaws

Professional chainsaws come in three types, each suited for different tree care needs.

Professional Hand Saws and Pruning Equipment

Hand saws also play a vital role in climbing operations according to ANSI Z133 standards. Curved pruning saws give us extra cutting power on the pull stroke. It features Japanese steel construction and tapered blades that won’t bind during cuts.

Most of the precise pruning work relies on:

• Professional-grade pruning saws ($20-70) for medium-sized branches
• Bypass pruners for live wood and precise cuts
• Telescopic pruners for extended reach operations

Climbing and Rigging Equipment

A set of professional arborist gear blends safety, quick work, and modern technology to tackle complex tree removal tasks.

Professional Grade Ropes and Harnesses

Professional tree removal demands specialized climbing ropes that meet strict safety standards. When choosing the ropes, consider its Moving Rope Systems (MRS) and Stationary Rope Systems (SRS) and whether if it provides superior handling and durability. Modern arborist harnesses have made great strides with advanced padding and multiple attachment points.

Professional-grade models cost between $350 and $400.

Rigging Hardware and Pulleys

Quality rigging blocks and pulleys designed for tree work are crucial investments. These vital components handle working loads and make the movement of trees smooth. The suggested rigging hardware has:

• Impact blocks in various sizes for dynamic forces
• Specialty pulleys for static tension operations
• Professional-grade rigging plates ($46-$87)

Heavy Machinery

Heavy machinery is at the heart of commercial tree removal equipment fleet, and picking the right equipment can optimize your daily operations.

Bucket trucks are our go-to choice to reach tall trees safely. Many companies will use tracked lifts that can handle 40-degree slopes and move through three feet of water when the terrain gets tough.

The aerial lift fleet usually has:

• Compact units for urban environments
• Tracked lifts for rough terrain access
• Telescopic booms for extended reach

A standard forestry bucket truck with a 60-foot reach and chipper body costs between $30,000 to $50,000.

You have several wood chipper options in your fleet, from those handling 7-inch to 21-inch wood sizes. For stump removal, you can use specialized grinders. While daily rental costs $178-$364, purchasing your own makes sense for regular use.

Technology and Software ArborNote

Modern technology has reshaped how people manage our tree service equipment and operations. ArborNote has blended all solutions that make tree tracking and customer management easier.

Our advanced GPS capabilities allow users to precisely monitor trees, track real-time job progress, and share interactive maps with clients instantly. We seamlessly integrate essential business functions, from customer relationship management to proposal creation and job scheduling.

Through our QuickBooks integration and HubSpot sync, we’ve automated invoicing and marketing processes for tree care professionals. This all-in-one solution streamlines workflow, allowing arborists to focus more on delivering quality tree care services rather than managing paperwork.

Tree service equipment is a vital investment that every serious arborist business needs. Digital tools can help you manage all these equipment categories better. Book our App walkthrough to see how you can track your equipment and streamline operations today!

Professional Tree Service Equipment Comparison

(Based on guidelines from ISA and TCIA)