Arborist Skills Day 2026: Stronger Skills, Safer Crews

At The Tree Doctors, we believe the best tree surgeons never stop learning. That’s why we recently brought the whole crew together at our base in Belbroughton for our Arborist Skills Day 2026, a full day of hands-on training, refresher sessions and good old-fashioned teamwork.

Here’s what we got up to, and why it matters for every customer who trusts us with their trees.

What we covered on the day

1. Aerial rescue

Working at height is part of everyday life for an arborist. If a climber is injured or gets into difficulty up a tree, the team on the ground needs to act quickly and calmly. We practised aerial rescue procedures so that everyone knows exactly what to do, and can do it without hesitation. These are the skills that keep our climbers safe during jobs like dead wooding and tree pruning, where much of the work happens high in the canopy.

2. Chainsaw maintenance

A well-maintained saw is a safer saw. The team went back to basics on chain sharpening, tensioning, cleaning and daily checks. Properly looked-after kit cuts cleaner, works more efficiently and reduces the risk of kickback, which means better results on everything from hedge trimming to large-scale site clearance.

3. Cross cutting

Cross cutting is all about cutting timber safely and accurately once it’s on the ground. We focused on technique, body positioning and reading the tension in the wood, the skills that make clearing up after tree felling and reductions quick, tidy and safe. Plenty of that timber goes on to become our seasoned logs, so nothing goes to waste.

4. Rigging

In tight gardens, near houses, fences, greenhouses or power lines, we can’t simply let branches drop. Rigging lets us lower sections of a tree under control using ropes, pulleys and friction devices. The team practised setting up rigging systems and working together as a ground crew, which is essential for sectional felling and for making trees safe after high winds through our storm damage service.

5. Safety & best practice

Running through everything was our commitment to safety and industry best practice: risk assessments, PPE, communication on site and knowing when to stop and reassess. It’s a big part of why we’re proud to be ARB Approved, and why customers can be confident that every job is carried out to recognised standards.

Training. Safety. Competence. Teamwork.

Those four words were printed on the back of every Skills Day shirt, and they sum up how we work. Good tree surgery isn’t just about one skilled climber. It’s about a whole crew who trust each other, communicate clearly and know their roles.

Why this matters to you

When you book a tree surgeon, you’re inviting a team to work at height, with powerful equipment, close to your home or business. Choosing a company that invests in ongoing training means:

Whether it’s a single garden tree or a larger commercial project such as woodland management or forestry mulching, the same skills and standards go into every job. Take a look at our full range of domestic services and commercial tree surgery to see how we can help.

Want to join the team?

If you’re passionate about trees and want to work for a company that genuinely invests in its people, we’d love to hear from you. Check out our careers page for current opportunities.

Need a trusted tree surgeon in the West Midlands?

From our base near Stourbridge, we cover Halesowen, Hagley, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Kingswinford, Harborne and the surrounding areas. See all the areas we cover. Not sure whether your tree is protected? Have a read of our Tree Preservation Order (TPO) guidance before any work begins.