Selective Tree and Shrub Removal and Trimming AHA (Activity Hazard Analysis / Job Hazard Analysis)

Updated 2026-06-23

A Selective Tree and Shrub Removal and Trimming AHA (Activity Hazard Analysis / Job Hazard Analysis) plans the specific tree and shrub work — removing selected trees and shrubs and trimming or pruning them. This is arboricultural work, so its distinctive hazard is the at-height tree work: climbing or using aerial lifts to trim and sectionally remove trees, with chainsaw work aloft and falling limbs.

Why selective tree and shrub removal and trimming needs its own AHA

This work is the specific tree and shrub operation — removing selected trees and shrubs, and trimming or pruning them (as distinct from the broader selective clearing operation). Its distinctive character is that it's arboricultural tree work, often done at height: trees are trimmed and removed by climbing them (or using aerial lifts) to reach the upper portions, using chainsaws aloft, and sectionally dismantling trees (removing them in pieces from the top down where a tree can't simply be felled whole — near structures, in tight spaces). So the at-height tree work is the distinct hazard, alongside the falling-limb/tree hazards. And trimming (pruning branches, not full removal) is often done at height and near targets (power lines, structures). So the plan centers on the at-height tree work (climbing, aerial lifts, chainsaw aloft), the trimming near targets, and the tree-felling/removal hazards.

Three concerns carry the plan: the tree and shrub work scope, the at-height tree work, and the trimming and tree-removal hazards.

Breaking selective tree and shrub removal and trimming into steps

• Confirm the trees and shrubs to remove and trim from the design
• Assess each tree (condition, hazards, removal/trimming method, targets nearby)
• Access the tree (climbing or aerial lift) for trimming or sectional removal
• Trim/prune or sectionally remove the tree, controlling the cut pieces
• Fell whole trees where space allows (directed felling)
• Handle and process the removed material

The hazards step by step

The at-height tree work

The distinctive hazard is the at-height tree work — climbing or using aerial lifts to trim and remove trees, with chainsaw work aloft. Much tree work is done above the ground: trimming the upper branches, and removing trees that can't be felled whole (near structures or in tight spaces) by sectional dismantling (a climber or aerial-lift worker removes the tree in pieces from the top down). So workers are at height — climbing the tree (with climbing systems and fall protection) or in an aerial lift — operating chainsaws aloft (a serious hazard: chainsaw use while elevated, with cut control and the risk of the saw or the worker). And the cut pieces (limbs, sections) must be controlled as they're removed (rigged and lowered, or dropped into a clear zone, so they don't fall on people or targets). So the at-height tree work — climbing/aerial lift, chainsaw aloft, controlling cut pieces — is the distinctive, serious hazard, requiring skilled arborists, fall protection, and controlled rigging of the pieces. So the elevated tree work is where the primary danger lies.

The trimming and pruning near targets

Trimming (pruning branches, not full removal) is often done at height and near targets — so the proximity to power lines, structures, and other targets is a key concern. Trimming cuts branches (for clearance, health, or shaping), frequently near things that must not be hit: power lines (a severe electrocution hazard — trimming near energized lines requires special precautions and qualified line-clearance workers, or de-energizing/clearance from the utility), structures (buildings, which the branches or the worker must not damage or fall onto), and other targets. So trimming near targets requires controlling the cut branches (so they don't fall on the target) and, critically, managing the power-line hazard (line-clearance trimming is specialized, hazardous work — contact with power lines is often fatal). So the trimming near targets, especially power lines, is a distinctive hazard requiring care and, near power lines, qualified workers and utility coordination. So proximity to targets shapes the trimming work.

The tree-felling and removal hazards

Where trees are felled whole (space permitting) or removed, the tree-removal hazards apply — falling trees and limbs, chainsaw work, and the removal. Directed felling (dropping a whole tree in a controlled direction) has the falling-tree hazards (the tree must fall as intended, clear of people and targets), and all tree work has the falling-limb hazard (widow-makers, and the pieces being cut). Chainsaws (the primary tool) are hazardous (cuts, kickback). And the removed material (trees, limbs, shrubs) is handled and processed (chipped, hauled). So the tree-felling and removal hazards apply alongside the at-height work. So safe felling, chainsaw use, and material handling round out the tree-work hazards.

The shrubs, standards, and fundamentals

The shrub work (removal and trimming of shrubs — lower, less at-height, but with the cutting hazards), the applicable standards (arboricultural safety, ANSI Z133 for tree care operations, and line-clearance requirements), and the general fundamentals apply.

A simple Selective Tree and Shrub Removal and Trimming AHA structure

Where the at-height tree work defines the work

Selective tree and shrub removal and trimming is defined by being arboricultural tree work — so its distinctive hazard is the at-height tree work (climbing/aerial lift to trim and sectionally remove trees, chainsaw aloft, controlling cut pieces), plus the trimming near targets (especially power lines) and the tree-felling/removal hazards. So the plan centers on the safe at-height tree work and the target/power-line hazards. The elevated, arboricultural nature — and its serious hazards — is what defines this work.

From the field: what actually goes wrong

The tree-work incidents are serious: falls from height (climbing or aerial-lift tree work), chainsaw injuries (especially aloft), struck-by-falling-limb or section (uncontrolled cut pieces, or widow-makers), struck-by-falling-tree (uncontrolled felling), and — a severe hazard — electrocution from contact with power lines during trimming. The lessons: use skilled arborists with fall protection for the at-height work; control the cut pieces (rigging, clear drop zones); manage the power-line hazard (qualified line-clearance workers, utility coordination); fell whole trees with directed technique; and use safe chainsaw practices. The at-height tree work and the power-line proximity are the most serious concerns.

The bottom line

A Selective Tree and Shrub Removal and Trimming AHA covers the arboricultural tree and shrub work — removing and trimming trees and shrubs — so its distinctive hazard is the at-height tree work (climbing or aerial lifts, chainsaw aloft, controlling cut pieces via rigging), plus the trimming near targets (especially the electrocution hazard near power lines) and the tree-felling/removal hazards. Use skilled arborists with fall protection, control the cut pieces, and manage the power-line hazard. The at-height tree work defines the work, completing the clearing operations.

Frequently asked questions

How does this differ from selective clearing?

This covers the specific tree and shrub work (removal and trimming), while selective clearing is the broader clearing operation that preserves designated vegetation. Selective clearing is a site-clearing operation — clearing a site selectively, removing designated vegetation while protecting the preserved (with the focus on what's retained). This selective tree and shrub removal and trimming is the specific arboricultural work on individual trees and shrubs — removing selected trees/shrubs and trimming/pruning them — which may be part of selective clearing or done on its own (e.g., trimming trees for clearance, removing specific hazardous or unwanted trees, pruning for health or shaping). So this doc focuses on the tree/shrub work itself — the arboricultural operations, with their distinctive at-height tree-work hazards (climbing, aerial lifts, chainsaw aloft) and the trimming near targets. So while selective clearing is about the selective clearing of a site (preserving some), this is about the specific tree and shrub removal and trimming operations (the hands-on tree work). They relate closely (selective clearing often involves selective tree work), but this doc addresses the tree/shrub work specifically, with its serious at-height and power-line hazards.

Why is the at-height tree work so hazardous?

Because tree work is often done above the ground — climbing trees or using aerial lifts — while operating chainsaws and handling heavy cut pieces, combining fall hazards, chainsaw hazards, and struck-by hazards at height. Trimming upper branches and removing trees that can't be felled whole (near structures or in tight spaces, requiring sectional dismantling from the top down) means workers are elevated: climbing the tree (supported by climbing systems, requiring skill and fall protection) or working from an aerial lift. At height, they operate chainsaws (an extremely hazardous combination — a chainsaw is dangerous on the ground, more so aloft where balance, positioning, and cut control are harder, with the risk of cutting oneself or losing control). And they cut pieces (limbs and sections) that must be controlled as they come off (rigged and lowered, or dropped into a clear zone) so they don't fall on people or targets below. So the at-height tree work combines falls, chainsaw hazards, and falling-piece hazards — making it among the most hazardous work in tree care. This is why it requires skilled, trained arborists, proper fall protection and climbing systems, careful rigging of cut pieces, and adherence to tree-care safety standards (ANSI Z133). So the elevated tree work is the distinctive, serious hazard of this operation.

Why is trimming near power lines singled out?

Because contact with energized power lines is often fatal, and trimming trees near power lines puts workers and their tools dangerously close to the lines — so it's a severe, specialized hazard. Trees frequently grow near or into power lines (requiring trimming for clearance), so tree trimming near power lines risks contact: the worker, the tools (a chainsaw or pole saw), or a cut branch touching or arcing to an energized line — which can electrocute the worker (directly or through the tree/tool), often fatally. So trimming near power lines is treated as a special, high-hazard operation: it requires line-clearance qualified workers (specially trained in line-clearance tree trimming, who understand the electrical hazards and maintain safe approach distances), coordination with the utility (which may de-energize the lines, provide clearance, or advise), and strict adherence to the electrical safety requirements (OSHA 1910.269 for line-clearance tree trimming). Ordinary tree workers must not trim near energized lines without these qualifications and precautions. So trimming near power lines is singled out because of the fatal electrocution risk — it's specialized, hazardous work requiring qualified workers and utility coordination, distinct from ordinary trimming away from lines. So proximity to power lines is a critical hazard demanding special measures.

How does this relate to the clearing operations and shrubs?

This tree and shrub work is part of the clearing family, focused on the specific tree/shrub operations, and it includes shrub work alongside the tree work. Within the clearing family: the site clearing head covers general clearing, clearing and grubbing covers clearing with below-grade removal, selective clearing covers preservation-focused clearing, and this doc covers the specific tree and shrub removal and trimming. So this is the arboricultural component — the hands-on tree and shrub work that may be part of clearing (selectively removing and trimming trees/shrubs). It covers both trees (the at-height, higher-hazard work) and shrubs (removal and trimming of shrubs — lower, less at-height, but with cutting hazards). So the tree work carries the serious at-height and power-line hazards, while the shrub work is lower-hazard (ground-level cutting and removal). So use this doc for the specific tree and shrub removal and trimming (the arboricultural work), and the other clearing docs for the broader clearing operations. Together they cover the clearing operations, with this doc providing the tree/shrub-work specifics — the most hazardous being the at-height tree work and power-line trimming. So it completes the clearing family with the tree/shrub-work detail.

Related AHAs and JHAs

• Selective Clearing AHA — the broader selective clearing operation
• Site Clearing AHA — the general site clearing head
• Clearing and Grubbing AHA — clearing including root/stump removal
• Tree Removal JHA — the tree-removal fundamentals

Written by Mustafa Tok, CSP, ASP, CHST — OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer with 14+ years of international construction safety experience across federal, heavy civil, and industrial projects.