Looking to start a career in tree work
- Thread starter Lord Baby Arm
- Start date
Lord Baby Arm
New member
- Location
- Nakina
This is all outstanding guidance! Monday morning I’ll make a few calls and see if I can’t shake an interview or two loose. I’ll keep everyone posted and hopefully be off on the first step in this journey
evo
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- My Island, WA
I’d start by borrowing someone else’s phone, call all the tree services in the area posing as a client, tell them you want a quote for taking the top 1/2 out of a oak that is about 80’ tall. Gauge responses and note it on your ‘list’. This should weed out many companies, that will do whatever the client wants or who are wanting to get their foot in the door to come and talk you out of it. In my experience less than half will tell you over the phone ‘no’ and that is not proper tree care then chat with you for a while
Lord Baby Arm
New member
- Location
- Nakina
If I really had friends in the area, I’d absolutely give that a shot! It’s a really good idea and a way to weed out some of the companies before I start wasting gas driving around to check out their operations. Unfortunately I haven’t had much of a social life since I moved here. My last job I was working usually around 70 hours a week which didn’t afford much of a life outside of the hvac warehouse. Hopefully that’s something that will change in the future; or at least if I’m stuck busting my butt for 70 hours a week that I’ll enjoy the work haha
Does anyone know if any of the national companies operate in my area? I couldn’t find any bigger companies within an hour of me when I googled it
Lord Baby Arm
New member
- Location
- Nakina
This is so much tougher than it looks. Even in the companies with good reviews, I’ll look through customer photos on Google and no one is wearing hard hats, safety colors, and all the equipment is in rough shape; like the rusted up chipper that appeared to be strapped to a trailer that had a sheet of plywood as the trailer deck. Am I being overly critical in my search or are these things to genuinely be concerned about? There is one Bartlett location a little over an hour from me but they don’t have any job listings posted. I’m strongly considering giving them a call anyway but the pay would have to be at least fair (providing they did have an opening at all) to justify driving 2-1/2 hours every day
Stumpsprouts
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Asheville
Keep looking! That sounds like a nightmare!
Bendroctanus
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- Springfield
You can search the ISA database for any certified Arborists in your area. It doesn’t always mean they’re legit but it might help narrow down the call search.
I have met certified arborists who shouldn’t be certified and I’ve met some climbers who let their certifications go and were some of the best tree workers I’ve ever known.
I have met certified arborists who shouldn’t be certified and I’ve met some climbers who let their certifications go and were some of the best tree workers I’ve ever known.
Bendroctanus
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- Springfield
Crimsonking
Been here a while
I tried a 1 1/2 hour commute each way for six months. With a wife and four kids at that point, it was too much. If I’d been single or maybe just one kid, it might’ve worked out.
That said, Bartlett can be a great place to work, and pay is usually decent from what I hear. A new friend used to be pretty involved in Bartlett, I’ll see what he might know of that location.
To answer your question about the other companies- yes, I’d be concerned.
Crimsonking
Been here a while
I did a little searching- if you’re willing to drive to Bartlett, also check out Joshua Tree. They seem legit from photos, reviews, and the nuances of their language. Talking to both could help you with getting the wage you need to justify travel.
On wages- starting out with no experience will limit wages no matter where you go. I’m sure you’re aware, but it’s only right to say so. Around here in the triad, $15 is pretty standard for new guys.
I see the problem you’re having in your search- one of the more legit looking operations had a video that violates several safety standards in less than a minute of footage. Most companies show proud pics of cutting from ladders without any means of attachment, or a guy is sans-harness in a bucket.
On wages- starting out with no experience will limit wages no matter where you go. I’m sure you’re aware, but it’s only right to say so. Around here in the triad, $15 is pretty standard for new guys.
I see the problem you’re having in your search- one of the more legit looking operations had a video that violates several safety standards in less than a minute of footage. Most companies show proud pics of cutting from ladders without any means of attachment, or a guy is sans-harness in a bucket.
Lord Baby Arm
New member
- Location
- Nakina
I’d be more than willing to drive to Wilmington for the opportunity to learn from a reputable company. I do understand that having no industry experience would limit wages. As long as I’m 15 or above starting out with opportunities to advance at a reasonable pace as I prove myself, I’d be quite happy. I’m certain that my attention to detail and work ethic would prove valuable to a company. I have no kids or significant other (though I do have dogs so traveling without them is out of the question at this point) so I am in a fortunate position to be able to pursue a position a little farther away if the opportunity presents itself.
I sent an email to Bartlett earlier this morning inquiring about the availability of a position. I also called but it was before they opened so I got sent to voicemail. I‘ll call again if I don’t hear back by around noon.
I’ll look into Joshua Tree as well! Thank you so much!
And thank you all for confirming that for me, I didn’t want to pass up opportunities if I was being too judgmental in my search for the “ideal” company to start at. It seems in my area there are a lot of smaller, less professional operations. The only one close that turned up in my search on the ‘find an arborist’ link has a poor-ish rating including a review that mentioned alcohol on the job site and a bystander nearly getting hit by the workers. How true that is, I can’t say but the complete lack of website and pictures was concerning. Not to mention that bad review was written by someone whose other reviews on Google appeared to be mostly positive leading me to suspect they weren’t trolling the guy or his rating.
I’ll keep trying to shake things out on my end. I’m extremely grateful for all the help and advice that has been offered to me and that will be offered in the future. You guys have my most sincere thank you
Attention to detail, and work ethic. music to my ears.
Lord Baby Arm
New member
- Location
- Nakina
I have an interview this afternoon with Joshua Tree! I’ll keep this thread posted with updates. Knock on wood, this could be the start of something awesome. Thank you guys so much!!
Lord Baby Arm
New member
- Location
- Nakina
What’s standard wear for an interview in this industry? Nice jeans and a plain black or white tshirt? I don’t want to under-dress but I also don’t want to overdress. It’d be like that scene in step brothers where they wear tuxedos to the interview at the convenience store
Stumpsprouts
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Asheville
Jeans/not too dirty carhartts/button up short or long sleeve shirt
Something that says ‘I can lift things and I’m not on drugs’
Crimsonking
Been here a while
I like to wear work pants and a sport polo to say “I know how to work and be a professional”.
Crimsonking
Been here a while
A tshirt in my mind says you’re a ground worker and aren’t thinking about the future. A polo says you know where you’re headed. Target has them for less than 20 in their athletic section.
If I wasn’t feeding so many in my house, I’d replace all my work shirts with truewerk polos. Maybe just me, but I feel like a collar says a lot to people.
If I wasn’t feeding so many in my house, I’d replace all my work shirts with truewerk polos. Maybe just me, but I feel like a collar says a lot to people.
Reach
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Atglen, PA
As one who does frequent interviews, clean jeans and a shirt with buttons (polo or button down) is great. A t shirt definitely doesn’t come off as professional, but I won’t fault you for it as long as it’s a nice one and you look presentable - clean, hair combed, decent shoes of some sort.
Khakis will up your game a bit, but leave the jacket and tie at home. That’s just too much.
Good luck with that interview. I wouldn't get too hung on your attire.. As long as you brush your teeth, and you don't fart during the interview, you'll be fine...
