Best city/climate to do tree work in?

[TreeClimberKP]

I am looking to relocate in a year or two to somewhere else in the U.S.. Here's a little background, I started my tree career in Chicago, worked there for 3.5 years, I love the seasons but the winter was too harsh for me. To "solve" my problem, I somehow convinced myself phoenix az was the promise land for tree work, having 300 days of sunshine a year. I was WRONG. 4-5 months of 100+ degree weather and constantly getting cut up by thorns on a daily basis sucks. No seasons and no rain doesn't help the trees either. I've been here for 1.5 years now, starting to save up to move somewhere else. moral of the story...where do you guys think the "best" place to do tree work is??? I'm looking for somewhere with a milder winter than Chicago, 4 seasons, and plentiful supply of large trees to work on?? I know this question is subjective, but just looking to get some insight on how you enjoy your tree career where you live, mostly based on climate.

 

[bootboy]

PNW.

I've considered heading to suburban/small town Washington for a couple years in search of climbing work.

 

[TreeClimberKP]

WA was an idea for me too, but from what I read it seems gloomy all the time and rains frequently. Some cities I came up with were Seattle, WA, Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, and somewhere in the western Carolinas.

 

[bootboy]

TN and TX... Too hot.
Utah (where I am) isn't too bad, not alot of huge trees though, aside from cottonwoods... Our tallest conifers approach 120'-140' and they don't need to be cut down very often.

 

[Brushwacker]

I am looking to relocate in a year or two to somewhere else in the U.S.. Here's a little background, I started my tree career in Chicago, worked there for 3.5 years, I love the seasons but the winter was too harsh for me. To "solve" my problem, I somehow convinced myself phoenix az was the promise land for tree work, having 300 days of sunshine a year. I was WRONG. 4-5 months of 100+ degree weather and constantly getting cut up by thorns on a daily basis sucks. No seasons and no rain doesn't help the trees either. I've been here for 1.5 years now, starting to save up to move somewhere else. moral of the story...where do you guys think the "best" place to do tree work is??? I'm looking for somewhere with a milder winter than Chicago, 4 seasons, and plentiful supply of large trees to work on?? I know this question is subjective, but just looking to get some insight on how you enjoy your tree career where you live, mostly based on climate.

Here in NW IN , about like Chicago. Watch the forecast and if possible dodge the worse days.
My advice from what you say you want, go west. California Redwoods, and the like get pretty big near the coast and I think the temps are rather mild in the NW and up into Oregon and the WA coast.

 

[Zale]

Washington DC area. Lots of big trees and lots of wealthy people. If you do a search of the richest counties in the USA, The vast majority of them are located in this area. Winters are mild but summers can be hot and humid. If you want steady year round work, its a great place to work.

 

[TheJollyLogger]

I'm just waiting for Bermie to post a help wanted and I'm there.

 

[joezilla11]

Columbus area in ohio. You'll have all your seasons and winter is tolerable. No lake effect like in cleveland. You got everything there from rural to wealthy suburban

 

[jefflovstrom]

Hmmm,
Jeff :msp_confused:

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Ok, Jeff, you get a close second to Bermie, if it wasn't for all those ticks!:msp_thumbup:

 

[jefflovstrom]

Ok, Jeff, you get a close second to Bermie, if it wasn't for all those ticks!:msp_thumbup:

Still thinking,,,,hmmmm,,, ticks gone, weather great, ,,

Jeff

 

[jefflovstrom]

Actually,Depends on the type of work you want to do.
If you want to set up a small biz or hire on with a company. Demographic's.
Jeff :msp_wink:

 

[no tree to big]

Chicago works for me... I work year round no problem :msp_unsure:

 

[TreeClimberKP]

Actually,Depends on the type of work you want to do.
If you want to set up a small biz or hire on with a company. Demographic's.
Jeff :msp_wink:

i was looking to become a firefighter. in the meantime of schooling, work for a decent sized tree company, then if i were to become a firefighter do tree work on the side since you get so many days off. niche market of trimming and small removals, stump grinding, stuff i could do with just a 1 ton and chipper.

 

[sgreanbeans]

San Diego has the best weather, but the worst traffic. Iowa has great traffic and crappy weather. Just so ya know!

 

[stanlee]

Western Oregon probably the best. Lots of big trees, mild climate and it doesn't rain as much as it does in Seattle.

 

[defensiblespace]

Asheville NC has one of the best climates in the US. Just don't plan on getting paid much for what you do. Other than that, the Bay area of CA has a great diversity of tree species and a tolerable year round climate.

 

[beastmaster]

I know I could go somewhere else and make a lot better money, but Calif. will spoil ya. As far as I am concerned there is no where else.
I'll work one day up in the mountains doing big pine removal, next day down by the beach trimming a big euc, Then out to L.A. in hollywood. Rarely do we work when it rains, I bring home oranges and avocados on a regular basis from jobs. The most beautiful women in the world. It never gets colder then 58 deg(Well sometimes) Lot of people hate on calif. but thats because their not here. But there is a price to be paid, and you better like driving.
I think I would check out the bay area. Good pay, lots of trees.

 

[TreeAce]

Its def not Cleveland. Really its not that bad here but its certianly not ideal. someone mentioned the DC area and I was gonna suggest Northern VA. I lived there for a year when I was like 20. Did some tree work and recall it as a pretty good place for it. The traffic was nightmareish though.

 

[Toddppm]

. The traffic was nightmareish though.

True dat! I heard we passed LA in worst traffic in the country, not sure but I know we're close. We just don't have 10 lanes of traffic each direction like LA does, not yet anyway.

I love having the 4 seasons and winter is usually not too bad but I might consider giving it up to live in San Diego if I knew I could make it, loved that area.