Reaching New Heights: Your Ultimate Guide to Using an Aerial Lift for Tree Trimming in NH

What type of lift is best for tree trimming?

This is the most common and important question we receive. The truth is, there isn't a single "best" lift; the best choice depends entirely on your specific job site and the tree you're working on. Choosing the right aerial lift for tree trimming involves assessing three key factors: height, reach, and terrain.

Let's break down the most common types of lifts and their ideal applications for tree care.

Articulating Boom Lifts (Knuckle Booms)

Think of an articulating boom lift as having an "elbow" in its arm. This jointed design gives it incredible "up-and-over" capability.

• Best For: Reaching branches that are obstructed by obstacles on the ground. If you need to get up and over a fence, a garage, a garden shed, or even lower sections of the tree itself, the articulating boom is your best friend. Its ability to navigate around obstacles is unmatched, making it a favorite for residential tree trimming in tight or complex environments.

Telescopic Boom Lifts (Stick Booms)

A telescopic boom lift features a single, straight arm that extends outwards, much like a telescope. While it doesn't have the "up-and-over" agility of a knuckle boom, its strength lies in its incredible horizontal reach.

• Best For: Situations where you have a clear, straight shot to the work area from a distance. If the tree is in an open field or at the edge of a large lawn, you can set up the lift on a stable, level surface like a driveway and extend the boom directly to the branches. They often offer the greatest horizontal reach of any lift type, making them perfect for covering a wide area from a single position.

Towable Boom Lifts

For homeowners or contractors working on smaller-scale residential jobs, a towable boom lift is an excellent and cost-effective option. These lifts are relatively lightweight and can be towed behind a standard pickup truck, eliminating the need for specialized delivery. They are a popular choice for general maintenance and trimming on private properties.

Spider Lifts (Atrium Lifts)

This specialized machine is a true game-changer for difficult-to-access trees, and we'll do a deeper dive into its benefits in a moment. In short, its unique design with track-style wheels and four independent "spider" legs allows it to go where no other lift can.

• Best For: Backyard trees, jobs on steep slopes or uneven terrain, and work on delicate surfaces like manicured lawns.

The NorthPoint Recommendation: The best way to choose the right aerial lift for tree trimming is to assess your site honestly. If you need help, our expert team can help you select the perfect machine from our extensive lift rental catalog.

What is the cheapest time of year for tree removal?

This is a fantastic question that shows smart planning. While tree trimming can be a necessity any time of year, if you're planning a full tree removal and have the flexibility to schedule it, timing can certainly impact the price.

For most of New Hampshire, the cheapest and often best time for tree removal is the dormant season, which typically runs from late fall after the leaves have dropped until early spring before the buds appear.

Here’s why the off-season can be more budget-friendly:

1. Supply and Demand: Spring and summer are peak seasons for arborists and tree care companies. They are busy with emergency storm cleanup, pruning, and landscaping projects. In the winter, their workload often lightens, and they may offer more competitive pricing to keep their crews busy.

2. Better Visibility: Once the leaves are gone, the arborist has a clear, unobstructed view of the tree’s entire structure. This makes it easier and faster to plan the safest way to dismantle the tree, which can translate to lower labor costs.

3. Ground Protection: If the ground is frozen, it provides a solid, stable surface for heavy equipment. This significantly reduces the risk of creating ruts in lawns or damaging delicate landscaping, saving on potential restoration costs. Expert advice from resources like the UNH Extension Service often highlights the benefits of working on frozen ground to protect soil structure.

So, if you have a non-emergency tree removal project, consider scheduling it for the winter. You'll likely save money and protect your property in the process.

Are spider lifts worth it?

For years, certain trees were considered "unreachable" without hiring an expensive crane or a climber willing to take on significant risk. The invention of the spider lift changed all of that. So, are they worth the rental cost? For the right job, they are not only worth it—they are the only viable solution.

A spider lift is a marvel of engineering, designed to solve three major access problems:

• Narrow Access: The most defining feature of a spider lift is its ability to retract its tracks to become incredibly narrow—often less than 35 inches wide. This allows it to fit through standard backyard gates, side alleys, and other tight spaces that are impossible for a traditional boom lift to pass through.

• Low Ground Pressure: Instead of heavy rubber tires, spider lifts run on wide tracks that distribute the machine's weight over a much larger area. This results in very low ground pressure, making them exceptionally gentle on sensitive surfaces like lawns, pavers, and even golf courses. They leave minimal trace of their presence.

• Uneven Terrain: This is where the "spider" name comes from. The machine has four independent, articulating legs (outriggers) that can be adjusted to create a perfectly level and stable base on very uneven ground, slopes, or staircases.

So, a spider lift is absolutely worth it when:

• The target tree is in a fenced-in backyard.

• You must cross a pristine lawn or delicate hardscaping to reach the tree.

• The only place to set up the lift is on a hill or sloped terrain.

While they may have a higher rental rate than some other lifts, the cost is easily justified when you consider the alternatives: expensive lawn repair, removal and replacement of a fence section, or the higher cost and risk of hiring a climbing crew for a difficult tree.

Can I use a boom lift to cut trees?

This is the most critical safety question on our list, and the answer requires careful clarification.

Yes, a boom lift is an essential tool used for cutting trees. However, it must be understood for what it is: a work-positioning platform, NOT a crane or a brace.

The purpose of an aerial lift for tree trimming is to safely elevate a trained operator to the cutting location. The actual cutting is done with a chainsaw or handsaw. The lift's role is to provide a stable, secure base, eliminating the significant risks associated with climbing or using ladders.

However, there are absolute, non-negotiable safety rules that must be followed. Misusing a boom lift during tree work can lead to catastrophic failure and serious injury.

• NEVER Attach Rigging to the Basket: A boom lift is not a crane. You must never attach ropes, blocks, or pulleys to the basket or boom to support or lower a section of the tree. The forces generated by a falling log can far exceed the lift's capacity, leading to structural failure or tipping. All rigging must be done directly to the tree itself.

• Account for Falling Debris: The operator must plan cuts so that branches and logs fall safely away from the lift's boom and chassis. A large, falling log striking the equipment can cause severe damage.

• Always Wear Proper PPE: Anyone in the basket must wear a full-body harness secured to the designated manufacturer's anchor point. This, along with a helmet, eye, and ear protection, is mandatory. The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) provides extensive safety standards that are the benchmark for the profession.

• Understand Weight Capacity: The basket's weight limit includes the operator, tools (chainsaws, fuel), and gear. Never exceed this limit.

As stated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), proper training is essential for any lift operator. When used correctly by a trained individual, a boom lift is the safest way to perform tree work at height.

Your Local Partner for Safe Tree Trimming

Whether you're a homeowner tackling fall cleanup in Tilton or a professional arborist servicing clients across the Lakes Region, having the right equipment is key to a safe and successful project. At NorthPoint Equipment Rentals, we don't just rent lifts; we provide solutions. Our team can help you select the perfect aerial lift for tree trimming, and we can walk you through the safety features before you get started.

Don't let that problem tree be a source of worry this winter. Explore our full range of equipment rentals online and contact us today to discuss your project. Our team in Ashland and Tilton is ready to help you reach new heights, safely.