Spider Tree Lift: A Safe and Cost-Efficient Way to Trim and Prune Trees

It’s tree season, which means aside from seeing fallen leaves strewn across yards and roadways, you are also noticing a lot of machines that resemble a spider.  The “spider lift” is an aerial work platform that arborists use during tree trimming and tree pruning season.  With a spider lift, tree professionals can access those high and hard to reach spots not manageable with a mere ladder.  The “spider-esque” appearance, and name, stems from the four riggers, or legs, which are stabilizers for this elevating piece of equipment.

Spider lifts are designed to get into tight spaces and can be maneuvered in a range of different ways.  The spider lift arms can stretch up to 100 feet or more, which makes them the go-to machines for tree trimming and pruning Pennsylvania’s robust trees that exceed heights of 50 feet.  Trees that have decayed to the point that they need removed are likely to be unsafe to climb.  The spider lift allows arborists and tree experts to remove trees without being in them, which provides the safest possible solution.

A platform basket spider lift, which is the choice for many arborists, is extremely compact in size, and is completely safe and durable when trying to trim and prune towering trees.  When pruning trees on property with narrow passageways, or neighbors who won’t allow access onto their property, the spider lift is a great tool.  Since the spider lift is less than three feet wide, it can fit through most gates, down most sidewalks, and between most structures to get the job done with little difficulty or inconvenience to others.  Using a spider lift allows for work to be accomplished without crossing a property line, ultimately reducing time and cost commitments.

Many tree trimming or tree removal scenarios are the result of weather-related damage.  Heavy trucks on wet yards can cause deep furrows.  The spider lift uses tracks to displace its weight, which reduces ruts and makes it lighter than a standard bucket truck.  Being light weight, the spider lift will not damage other tree roots or leave muddy tracks in your yard.