Essential Rigging Gear Every Arborist Needs for Safe and Efficient Tree Work

Arborists — sometimes called tree surgeons or tree care professionals — are vital to preserving Canada’s urban forest health, ensuring safety around homes and public spaces, and maintaining the balance between development and green infrastructure. Their daily tasks include pruning, diagnosing tree disease, cabling & bracing, removals, and risk assessments.

Yet beneath the canopy of public perception lies a set of specialized rigging tools that make their work possible — safely, efficiently, and with precision. In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what arborists do, highlight key Canadian industry statistics, and detail the essential rigging equipment professionals use — plus how Hercules Crane & Lifting Supplies can be your go-to source for gear that meets Canada’s demanding standards.

Arborists in Canada — By the Numbers

To understand why quality gear matters, it's helpful to see how arboriculture fits into Canada’s landscape of forest and urban canopy care:

• In Canada, arborists are categorized under the National Occupational Classification group 22114 – Landscape and Horticultural Technicians and Specialists. 
  

• In the province of Alberta alone, there are about 1,600 employed arborists / tree care professionals, with a projected positive demand for new roles over the next few years. 

• More broadly, Canada’s forest sector continues to provide thousands of jobs, and while arboriculture is a smaller sub-segment, it plays an important part in urban forestry, municipal planning, and sustainability initiatives. 

• In Ontario, the arborist trade is supported by a voluntary Arborist Apprenticeship Program, which trains newcomers in safe practices, rigging, pruning techniques, and tree biology — reflecting a push for professional standards in the field. 

These numbers show that arboriculture in Canada is a skilled profession in demand. With growing urban tree planting, climate change pressures, and the need to preserve healthy canopies, arborists are more essential than ever. That makes it crucial that they have access to reliable, Canadian-appropriate rigging equipment.

What Do Arborists Do?

Arborists bring together science, safety, and craftsmanship in several core tasks:

• Pruning & Trimming — Removing dead, diseased, or hazardous limbs to maintain tree form and reduce risks.

• Tree Removal — Safely dismantling and lowering large sections of trees when health or location makes removal necessary.

• Disease & Pest Diagnosis — Identifying infestations, pathogens, and structural decay; then implementing treatment plans.

• Cabling & Bracing — Installing internal support systems in trees to prevent structural failure during storms or heavy loads.

• Consultation & Assessment — Evaluating tree health, growth potential, clearance, species suitability, or risk, and advising clients or municipalities.

Because these tasks often require climbing tall trees, working at awkward angles, and maneuvering heavy limbs, rigging gear is not optional — it’s the backbone of safe arboriculture.

Essential Rigging Equipment for Arborists

Here’s a breakdown of key tools arborists depend on — with notes on how each supports safety, precision, and productivity:

1. Climbing Harnesses
   A comfortable, well-fitted harness is the arborist’s lifeline. Modern harnesses include padded backs, adjustable leg loops, and multiple gear loops for attaching tools.

2. Ropes
   Climbing and rigging ropes must be high strength, durable, and often dynamic to absorb load shock. Arborists use them for ascending, lowering, and securing loads within trees.

3. Carabiners & Pulleys
   Crucial for constructing mechanical advantage systems, these tools allow arborists to steer heavy branches gently to the ground.

4. Throw Bags & Throw Lines
   These tools make it possible to pitch lightweight lines into tree canopies, enabling rope rigging without immediate climbing.

5. Ascenders & Descenders
   For controlled upward and downward movement, these devices make climbing safer and more efficient.

6. Friction Management Tools
   Items like cambium savers, friction hitches, and other rope-protection components help reduce wear on both tree and rope, prevent heat damage, and improve control when lowering loads.

7. Rigging Plates & Slings
   Rigging plates distribute load forces across multiple anchor points; slings offer flexible anchor setup and load attachment.

When each component is high quality and properly maintained, the entire rigging system becomes more predictable, safer, and longer lasting.

Why Investing in Quality Gear Matters — Especially in Canada

Canada presents unique challenges: extreme cold, icing, rapid temperature changes, and frequent precipitation. Rigging equipment must stand up to these conditions without degrading. Inferior or ill-suited gear can lead to rope abrasion, hardware failure, or compromised grip — any of which can jeopardize safety, slow work, or damage the tree itself.

Furthermore, professional arborists must also align with safety standards, liability concerns, and insurance requirements. Using certified gear designed for arboriculture rather than generic rope/hardware reduces risk and improves confidence in operations.

Hercules Crane & Lifting Supplies — Your Canadian Rigging Partner

At Hercules Crane & Lifting Supplies, we specialize in providing arboriculture-grade rigging tools tailored to Canada’s climate and safety expectations. Here’s what makes us a top choice:

• Canadian-Appropriate Quality — Our ropes, harnesses, and hardware are selected to perform reliably under cold, wet, and variable conditions.

• Curated for Arboriculture — We stock pulleys, slings, carabiners, and rigging plates that arborists trust — not just general lifting gear.

• Expert Guidance — Our team understands both rigging. We can help you configure systems, recommend replacements, or plan new setups.

• Support & Service — Equipment inspection, recertification advice, and parts replacement help extend the life of your system.

No matter whether you're a municipality, commercial tree care operation, or independent arborist, Hercules Crane & Lifting Supplies is positioned to be your trusted supplier and advisor.

Don’t leave safety, productivity, or reputation to chance. Equip your team with rigging gear built for Canada's challenges, backed by arboriculture expertise.

Contact Hercules Crane & Lifting Supplies today to:

• Browse our full line of fall protection and rigging equipment

• Get expert consultation for rigging system design

• Request a quote tailored to your toolbox

• Arrange for training, inspections, or service on your gear

Whether you're scaling your first tree or managing large urban forestry projects, let Hercules be your partner in safe, confident, and professional tree care.

Reach out now — your canopy (and your crew) will thank you. 🌲