Tree Surgery Groundsman: Job, Pay and Tickets

What Does a Tree Surgery Groundsman Do?

A groundsman, or groundie, is the ground crew on a tree job: dragging brash, feeding the chipper, loading timber, handling the sections the climber lowers and keeping the work area safe. You can start with no qualifications. If you're employed, you must be paid at least the minimum wage for your age: £12.71 an hour if you're 21 or over, from 1 April 2026, though apprentices under 19 or in their first year can be paid the apprentice rate (GOV.UK). The usual first chainsaw ticket is NPTC 0039-20, and climbers add 0039-22 and 0039-23.

TreeBay is for people aged 18 and over. If you're under 18, you'll find apprenticeships on GOV.UK's Find an apprenticeship service and help from the National Careers Service.

The Work

A typical day on the ground:

dragging brash to the chipper and feeding it;
cutting up and loading timber and logs, once you hold the right chainsaw ticket (below);
working the lowering lines and handling the sections the climber rigs down;
keeping the drop zone clear and keeping people and traffic out of the work area;
cleaning up and leaving the site tidy.

It's physical work outdoors in all weathers. It's a common way into tree surgery; the other is an apprenticeship (below).

Do You Need a Chainsaw Ticket?

Not to start, but you need one before you use a chainsaw on the job. HSE says anyone using a chainsaw on or in a tree should hold a certificate of competence, unless they're training under supervision (HSE).

The usual order (see our NPTC chainsaw tickets guide):

0039-20 Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting: the first unit, for cutting timber that's already on the ground;
0039-21 Felling Small Trees up to 380mm: the next unit, for felling and processing small trees;
NPTC also lists 0039-24 Arboricultural Ground Worker.

The chipper needs training too: your employer must make sure everyone who uses work equipment has had adequate training for it (PUWER 1998 reg 9).

Once you use a chainsaw, first aid matters too. HSE recommends an emergency first aid at work certificate for chainsaw operators (it isn't a legal requirement) and says anyone working with chainsaws needs training in controlling major bleeding and dealing with crush injuries (HSE: Chainsaws at work). On forestry sites you may be asked for first aid with a forestry context, the "+F": Forestry and Land Scotland's first aid policy (dated 2015) requires it on its land (FLS first aid policy). The forestry industry's guide says a tourniquet is "essential for chainsaw operators", with training to use it (FISA Safety Guide 802).

PPE: Who Pays?

If you're an employee, or a "limb (b)" worker (someone who works for a firm personally and isn't in business for themselves), your employer must provide the PPE a risk assessment says you need, free of charge, in Great Britain (HSE). If you're genuinely self-employed, you buy your own. Being called self-employed, or being paid by the day, doesn't settle it: HSE says only a court or tribunal can finally decide someone's status.

For chainsaw work, HSE's list covers a safety helmet, eye and hearing protection (for example a mesh visor and ear defenders), chainsaw trousers, chainsaw boots, suitable gloves and non-snag outer clothing, as the risk assessment requires (HSE: chainsaw PPE). Before a trial day, ask what the firm provides.

What Does a Groundsman Earn?

Employed: at least the minimum wage for your age (above). Arbjobs' salary report, from 898 salaries in UK job adverts on its site in 2024, puts the average for ground staff at £31,400 (Arbjobs).
Self-employed: groundies who subcontract charge a day rate. Our guide to charging for tree work covers day rates and what you pay for yourself.
Adverts on TreeBay: see current job adverts.

From Groundie to Climber

Climbing pays more: in the same 2024 adverts, Arbjobs puts the average for climbers at £34,850, against £31,400 for ground staff (Arbjobs). The core climbing units are 0039-22 Climbing Trees and Aerial Rescue and 0039-23 Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness (NPTC tickets guide).

The other route is an apprenticeship: in England, the Level 2 Arborist apprenticeship, typically 18 months, paid from day one (our apprenticeships guide). For the wider career, see how to become an arborist.

FAQ

What is a groundsman for a tree service?

The person on the ground: they drag brash, feed the chipper, load timber, handle the lowering lines and keep the work area safe while the climber works in the tree.

Do I need my own chainsaw trousers?

If you're employed, or a limb (b) worker, your employer must provide the PPE you need, free of charge. If you're genuinely self-employed, you buy your own. Ask before a trial day.

Can you make a living as a groundsman?

Arbjobs' report on 2024 job adverts puts the average for ground staff at £31,400, against £34,850 for climbers (Arbjobs). Climbing tickets are the usual next step.