Trimming Trees

Nowadays, having one job doesn’t cut it. Well, what if we told you that you can make a decent amount of money performing small tasks, such as trimming trees?

If you have a pruning saw and a couple of hours, you might make a fortune through this side hustle.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to start your tree-trimming side hustle. So, let’s dive in!

An Overview of Trimming Trees: A Primer

When you think of a side hustle, what often comes to mind is an online retailing business or a physical store. However, these require a hefty capital and a lot of time, equaling that of a full-time job.

That’s why trimming trees is a superb job on the side. You can learn the required skills in no time.

All the job entails is trimming overgrown branches, pruning, and shaping the tree. Once you gain more experience, you might learn a couple of landscaping tricks that will help you expand your lawn care business.

Typically, trimming one tree takes about 30 minutes to an hour. So, not only will you have enough time for a full-time job, but you’ll also still enjoy plenty of free time.

How Much Can Trimming Trees Earn You?

Depending on your expertise, the price range of trimming trees is $250 to $700 per tree. Since trimming one tree can take up to an hour, you should expect to work on two to four trees a day.

However, this would be incredibly profitable, as you’ll make an average of $1,350.

Alternatively, you might operate your tree-trimming business on the weekend, helping you earn a whopping $7,200 on average per weekend.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Side Hustle Trimming Trees

Though becoming an arborist seems financially lucrative, you’ll need some time to break even. That’s because working as a tree trimmer requires plenty of supplies and experience.

For starters, you’ll need a valid tree trimming license to start your business. This includes proof of training, which is hours of unpaid labor.

The license costs $230, in addition to a certificate of insurance and learning all the safety precautions.

Tree trimming supplies are vastly different and pricier than gardening tools. You might have some of these pruning tools lying around, or you can borrow them from a friend.

Still, here’s an average breakdown of what you’ll need to start trimming trees:

• Orchard ladder: $600
• Pruning saw: $30
• Electric pruning shears: $200
• Telescoping pole: $50

Where Can You Find Gigs Trimming Trees?

Trees are everywhere! Though you can’t start pruning trees and expect a paycheck in return, finding tree-trimming gigs is just as easy.

Where to Independently Find Gigs Trimming Trees

You might believe that working independently is tricky, as you won’t have your own clientele list. That said, the internet has made finding gigs for under-the-table-jobs exceptionally simple.

For example, Craigslist is an all-rounder website for finding gigs. You’ll be able to find listings looking for tree trimmers or add your own listing advertising your services.

Social media is another excellent place for job opportunities. There are plenty of Facebook groups dedicated to landscaping. So, chances are you’ll find someone looking for a tree-trimming service. Alternatively, you can create a Facebook group or Instagram page for your business.

That’s not all. Once you’ve worked with enough clients, they’ll likely need your help periodically. After all, trees grow back! Your clients might also recommend your services to others.

Gig Economy Companies That Offer Gigs Trimming Trees

As if finding tree-trimming gigs wasn’t easy enough, there are now a variety of gig economy companies that connect clients with service providers. Most of these companies are flexible, allowing you to set your rates.

You might be apprehensive about paying a service fee to find clients. Yet, gig economy companies will save you a lot of precious time, especially considering this isn’t your main job. You’ll also be able to connect with a huge number of clients and create a portfolio to show off your expertise.

Here are the most popular gig economy companies that offer landscaping services:

• Fiverr
• TaskRabbit
• Handy
• Gig smart
• Thumbtack

Why You Should Consider Trimming Trees as a Side Hustle

If you’re still not convinced of the benefits of starting trimming trees as a side hustle, these reasons will surely persuade you:

• High demand: Whether you’re working for individuals, businesses, or clubs, the same clients will require your services on a regular basis. This means you’ll never run out of business
• Well-paying: Tree trimming allows you to earn hundreds of dollars an hour. The more experience you gain, the less time you’ll need to make the same amount of money!
• Potential for growth: Do you want to be able to quit your job at any time? Tree trimming as a side hustle can quickly turn into a career, especially if you expand your business and become a professional arborist.

Problems With Trimming Trees For Money

Unfortunately, everything has its drawbacks. Here are the main reasons why trimming trees might not be the job for you:

• Physically excruciating: Trimming trees requires working at heights, using heavy pruning supplies, and staying outdoors. So, even if you have an exceptional physique, you’ll likely run out of stamina after a couple of hours.
• Expensive equipment: While tree trimming doesn’t require a large sum of start-up money, the pruning tools are significantly pricier than other gardening supplies.
• Requires training: Tree trimming involves working with dangerous equipment. Naturally, you’ll need plenty of training beforehand. To become a tree trimmer, you’ll also need a license, which requires proven experience and training.

Frequently Asked Questions