Aerial Tree Pruning Course (previously CS40) Unit 302 C&G
Aerial Tree Pruning requires you to climb trees and use relevant ropes and harness, along with a chainsaw, in order to carry out pruning operations. This training will provide the individual with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to carry out aerial tree pruning safely and to industry standards in line with current legislation. The qualification covers risk assessment, emergency planning, legislation, industry best practice, tree condition and working at height assessment, pruning techniques, tools and aerial pruning.
Our course Aerial Tree Pruning will provide you with the appropriate techniques and safety guidelines to ensure that you are confident when using a chainsaw and tree climbing and are aware of relevant health and safety guidelines making sure you stay protected.
This course will prepare you for the Level 3 City and Guilds/NPTC award in Aerial Tree Pruning.
Candidates will need to already have qualifications in Chainsaw maintenance, cross-cutting, and felling up to 380mm – Units 201 and 202 (CS30/31 as was) and Tree Climbing, Aerial Rescue, and use of a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness – Units 203 and 204 (CS38/39 as was).
Who is it for?
Our Aerial Tree Pruning course is available to you if you are involved in forestry, arboriculture, woodland industries, local authorities or conservation. You must be experienced in climbing trees using a rope and harness (work positioning system) and in the use of chainsaw from a rope and harness. This course is physical, so you must be fit, and not on any medication that could affect your judgement or safety.
Course content
- Risk assessment and summary of legislation
- Equipment inspection procedures
- Good climbing practice
- Recognise different species and appropriate cuts
- Final pruning position and 123 method
- Types of pruning
- Safety considerations and hand signals
- Crown thinning
- Crown reduction

Course summary
- Title: Aerial Tree Pruning
- Course Code: Unit 302 (previously CS40)
- Cost: £590+VAT per person to include registration, training, City & Guilds/NPTC assessment, certificate, and ID card (based on 2 days training)
Prices may vary depending on location and/or numbers - Duration: 2 days plus assessment on a separate day
- Pre-requisites:
Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting (Unit 201)
and
Felling and Processing Trees up to 380mm (Unit 202) and
Tree Climbing & Aerial Rescue (Unit 203) and
Using a Chainsaw from a Rope and Harness (Unit 204)
Inexperienced operators may need more time, this will incur additional costs
Learners will require...
- Climbing equipment
- Hand saw for tree work
- First aid kit
- PPE
- Lightweight chainsaw
- Tools, fuel and oil
- Chainsaw PPE
- Top handled chainsaw and/ or rear handled chainsaw
- Packed lunch