Word Of Mouth Tree Service: Job Description, Income & Salary, & How To Become

Being a word of mouth tree service worker comes with its challenges.

Word of mouth can effectively advertise a business, but it also means that each customer’s experience will significantly influence the company’s reputation. If you’re just starting out, the idea of relying on someone’s recommendations might seem daunting.

If you’re interested in this career, read on to see how much you can expect to make, what steps it takes to get started, and how to effectively market your business. 

What Is a Word of Mouth Tree Service?

A word of mouth tree service worker is a professional who expands their customer base through referrals from satisfied clients. As a low-cost form of marketing, word of mouth tree services rely on providing high-quality services to ensure their customers are happy.

They often prioritize building long-term client relationships, emphasizing a personalized service that exceeds expectations.

Recommendations may come from everyday conversions between friends and loved ones or through organic sharing on social media.

What Does a Word of Mouth Tree Service Do?

A word of mouth tree service is responsible for tree removal and tree health assessments. Typically operating outdoors, tree workers must be physically fit, proficient climbers, and able to handle power tools.

What Does a Tree Service Usually Focus On?

They usually focus on pruning, trimming, shaping, and removing trees. Tree workers may also offer stump grinding and removal.

These services are sometimes provided in times of emergency or at short notice when a fallen or damaged tree poses a safety risk. Occasionally, these tasks occur after a storm or other serious weather event.

Beyond physical work, some individuals provide consultation and advice to support tree health, disease prevention, and planting.

Word of Mouth Tree Service Job Description

Here’s a sample job description:

Our company seeks a highly motivated and skilled Word of Mouth Tree Service Worker to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, and a passion for providing top-quality tree services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform tree pruning, removal, and maintenance services as requested by clients.
• Use tools and equipment to complete tree services.
• Follow all safety protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of yourself, your team, and your clients.
• Communicate with clients to ensure their needs and expectations are met.
• Provide guidance to clients on tree care, maintenance, and removal options.
• Maintain all equipment and tools in good working order.
• Respond to client inquiries and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate with team members to complete projects on time and to the highest standards.

Top Word of Mouth Tree Service Jobs and Careers

Here are some of the top careers for tree service workers:

• Arborist: Sometimes called a tree surgeon, an arborist specializes in the care and maintenance of trees. They often require more thorough education and are responsible for evaluating the health of trees, identifying diseases and pests, and recommending appropriate treatments.
• Tree Trimmer: Responsible for pruning trees to promote their health and growth, and may also have to remove dead or dangerous branches.
• Tree Removal Specialist: Focuses on removing trees that are dead, dying, or pose a danger to people or property.

Where Can a Word of Mouth Tree Service Work?

Word of mouth tree service workers can be employed by landscaping or tree service companies or work as independent contractors.

Their working environment can be as diverse as residential and commercial properties, recreational areas, and golf courses. Some municipalities or government agencies may also hire a tree service to help maintain public streets and parks.

A tree service worker can also specialize in specific species, such as palm or fruit trees, and work in orchards or nurseries.

What It’s Like To Be a Word of Mouth Tree Service

This profession provides opportunities for career advancement, which means you can grow and develop within the field over time. While it can be turned into a hobby that makes money, it’s essential to understand what to expect from it.

Is Being a Word of Mouth Tree Service Hard?

Being a word of mouth tree service worker can be physically demanding and challenging. The job often involves climbing trees, using heavy equipment, and performing tasks at heights, which requires strength and stamina.

Besides physical labor, word of mouth tree services rely on workers with the skill sets to self-promote, communicate, and exceed client expectations.

Is a Word of Mouth Tree Service’s Job Stressful?

Tree work requires strength and stamina, which can lead to physical and mental stress. It is often done in dangerous or otherwise challenging conditions at considerable heights. Despite that, even in foul weather, tree services must be undertaken with accuracy and safety.

Additionally, there may be pressure to complete jobs within a specific timeframe while maintaining a high level of quality and safety. Depending on the type of tree service, you may need to work weekends and take on projects at short notice.

Common Word of Mouth Tree Service Work Day

Here’s an example of what you may encounter daily as a tree service worker and the typical workday schedule.

Word of Mouth Tree Service Tasks & Duties

A word of mouth tree service worker is typically responsible for caring for and maintaining trees, shrubs, and other greenery for residential and commercial clients.

This may involve tasks such as:

• Tree trimming
• Pruning
• Tree removal
• Planting and fertilizing trees
• Diagnosing and treating various diseases or pests that can affect plants
• Having a strong knowledge of tree biology and safety procedures is essential for this role

Word of Mouth Tree Service Work Hours & Schedule

Tree service work can be unpredictable and require flexibility to meet clients’ needs. In particular, this field tends to be highly seasonal and often involves long hours during peak periods, such as spring and summer.

Early mornings, late evenings, and weekend work are often necessary to accommodate clients’ schedules. During the winter months, work may slow down or come to a halt altogether, depending on the region and weather conditions.

Does This Career Field Embrace Work/Life Balance?

The work/life balance can vary depending on whether you pursue a career as an independent contractor or work for a company.

Some companies prioritize maintaining a good balance for their employees by offering flexible schedules, paid time off, and other benefits.

Regardless, workers in this field must be aware that burnout and physical exhaustion are risks associated with the job. That can be most acute when working in a high-stress environment or handling emergency situations like storm cleanup.

Do Word of Mouth Tree Services Make Good Money?

Becoming a word of mouth tree service worker is among the best side hustles, as ground maintenance alone is projected to grow five percent from 2021 to 2031. That rate makes it faster than the average for all occupations.

How Much Do Word of Mouth Tree Services Make?

According to the BLS, as of May 2022, the average yearly wages for grounds maintenance workers, which includes tree trimmers and pruners, was $47,080.

The lowest ten percent earned less than $30,650, and the highest 10 percent earned around $72,370. Wages vary depending on location, experience, and service type.

Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the industries with the highest levels of employment for tree trimmers and pruners are:

• Landscaping services
• Local and state government (excluding education and hospitals)

How Do Word of Mouth Tree Services Get Paid?

Word of mouth tree service providers are paid in several ways.  

Invoices typically include a detailed breakdown of the services provided, the cost of those services, and any additional charges or fees.

Payment schedules vary depending on the agreement between the provider and the client. Some may require payment in full upon completion of the job, while others might allow for payment plans over a set period.

Many word of mouth tree services accept the following payment types:

• Cash
• Checks
• Credit/debit cards
• PayPal/Venmo

Requirements, Skills, and Education Required

If you’ve chosen to pursue this career path, you’ll need to know what skill sets, education, and other requirements this role has.

Who Should Consider a Word of Mouth Tree Service Career Path?

A career as a word of mouth tree service worker may suit those who enjoy working outdoors and are physically fit.

Moreover, it’s a good starting point for anyone interested in pursuing a long-term career in arboriculture or forestry.

Overall, this career path is best suited for individuals who enjoy working with their hands and are passionate about trees and plants.

Who Should Not Consider a Word of Mouth Tree Service Career Path?

Those with back problems should not consider this career, as outdoor work is often physically strenuous. Additionally, a tree service career may be impractical for people with a fear of heights or who cannot physically handle heavy machinery.

Tree services also typically operate with little to no supervision, making this career unsuitable for those uncomfortable working independently.

Lastly, tree workers commonly face extreme heat or cold. These conditions make this line of work potentially dangerous for those in poor health.

Is It Hard To Become a Word of Mouth Tree Service?

A word of mouth tree service worker typically requires no formal education. While that does make this career accessible, it still takes time and effort to build a reputation and establish a client base through word of mouth referrals.

Besides the many physical challenges, word of mouth tree workers rely on networking and marketing. That can be daunting when first breaking into the field, particularly if you can’t leverage industry contacts when starting out.

What Do I Need To Become a Word of Mouth Tree Service?

Though you don’t need a specific type of degree to provide tree services, there are still some experiential requirements and skills that you should possess.

The requirements vary depending on the location and the specific services. In general, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, as well as some level of experience.

Certification or licensure may also be needed in some states or municipalities, particularly for pruning, pesticide application, or removal near power lines.

If you work for a company, you may also need a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Besides these practical requirements, tree service workers must have physical stamina and be  comfortable working at heights.

What Skills Does a Word of Mouth Tree Service Need?

• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication
• Knowledge of safety procedures and equipment
• Good physical condition

What Education Does a Word of Mouth Tree Service Need?

There are no formal requirements outside of a high school diploma to become a word of mouth tree service worker.

However, some employers may prefer or expect a degree in forestry, arboriculture, or a related field, especially for more advanced or specialized positions.

You could also invest in additional training or certifications through organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture to demonstrate your expertise in the field.

What Experience Does a Word of Mouth Tree Service Need?

Many tree service companies will only hire those with at least two years of working in tree trimming, pruning, removal, and knowledge of equipment and safety procedures.

Workers may gain experience through on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or working with landscaping or tree service companies.

How To Become a Word of Mouth Tree Service

Here’s how you can become a tree service worker that obtains clients through oral referrals:

Where To Find Word of Mouth Tree Service Opportunities

The tree service section has several dedicated online job boards. Specialist and generalist sites, such as Indeed, will cover a range of roles across tree work, including tree care, forestry, and landscaping.

Those who don’t want to operate independently may want to consider local and national tree service companies. They often list job openings on their websites and could have several pathways to tree work you haven’t considered.

Even if there are no vacancies, consider making inquiries to at least register your interest.

If you want to network, join a professional organization like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The organization has chapters worldwide, hosts annual events and conferences, and actively facilitates the promotion of arborists.

Applying for the Gig(s)

The application and quoting process for a word of mouth tree service work varies. Typically, interested individuals will contact the tree service company directly via phone or email to inquire about services and receive a quote.

For those seeking employment, some companies may require an application or resume submission through their website or in person. Prior experience and qualifications may also be considered during the hiring process.

Interviewing for the Gig(s)

The interview process for a word of mouth tree service typically involves a face-to-face meeting with the client. Questions may center on experience, education, and qualifications, as well as their approach to tree work.

Prepare beforehand with references and a portfolio of previous work. You create a list of hypothetical interview questions to practice answering. During the interview, try to have a friendly demeanor, speak clearly, and ensure you dress professionally.

How Do I Prepare for Word of Mouth Tree Service Gigs?

You will need to develop a solid skill set and knowledge of tree maintenance and safety procedures.

To get started, look to training programs, apprenticeships, and building experience working with seasoned tree service professionals.

Besides working knowledge, you will also need reliable equipment and insurance coverage to protect yourself and your clients.

Similar Careers To Check Out

The following careers are also excellent side hustles:

• On-Demand Moving Apps: On-demand moving apps provide job opportunities for individuals offering moving services requested by customers.

• Get Paid to Listen to Music: Getting paid to listen is a job where people can earn money by reviewing and providing feedback on songs and music tracks.

• Pressure Washing Business: A pressure washing business uses high-pressure water sprays to clean and remove dirt, grime, and more from various surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the responses to common questions regarding word of mouth tree services:

Wrapping Up

A word of mouth tree service worker offers a vital service to homeowners, property managers, and local governments. They help to maintain healthy trees and prevent accidents.  

Being a word of mouth tree service can allow you to build strong relationships with clients and establish a loyal customer base, leading to repeat business and a sense of community.

Take a moment to consider this excellent career and its potential opportunities.