“Headache!”
Choosing the Right Helmet for Tree Work
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When working in trees, what is above can quickly become a hazard below. That includes risks to your own head.
Whether you are in the canopy or on the ground, dangers like falling debris, low-hanging limbs, and other obstacles pose a serious threat to your safety.
That is why choosing the right helmet is essential. It is not just another piece of gear — it is a critical part of your protection on the job site.
“Helmets are definitely a crucial and integral part of everyday work whether it’s on the ground, in a lift or from ropes,” said Reuben Shelton, the Northeast technical sales representative for Petzl.
Whether pruning from the ground or climbing branches, not all helmet models are built alike. So, what makes a reliable helmet? Here are some elements to consider so you can pick the best defense for your dome.
Safety Starts at the Top
The first and most essential part of finding the right helmet is determining the right fit for your head. No matter if you are working at height or have two feet on the ground, a loose helmet will not protect you from falling debris or gear. It might not be as easy as selecting a product online, though.
“Really, this comes down to feel,” said Casey Selner, owner of Arbsession. “All helmets are similar, but they all fit differently.”
Unlike other pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE), no two noggins are shaped the same. So, even if a brand has your size, it may still not fit snugly enough to protect you on the job site.
“Most standard arborist helmets can fit a wide range as they are adjustable, but helmets should be adjusted to be snug without cutting off circulation,” added Kaustubh Deo, the president and owner of Blooma Tree Experts.
More than just a safety feature, proper fit is vital for comfort on the job site as well. You do not want a tight helmet that causes pain or discourages you from wearing it because it does not fit right.
Some rules of thumb to keep in mind when sizing your helmet are to make sure it fits snug around the forehead but does not dig into the skin. You also need to be able to adjust the fit of the helmet while wearing gloves, according to Shelton.
He also suggested reviewing the integrated chinstraps for helmets, which maintain head protection when working at height. According to the Petzl representative, arborists should make sure the chinstrap will break away to avoid strangulation in the event of a fall.
Another vital safety feature in helmets is ventilation, especially if you are working in extreme weather conditions like heat.
“In our kind of heat and humidity, ventilation isn’t just a bonus — it’s essential,” said Misty Kelly, operations director at The French Lumberjack, which is based in Australia.
Some helmets may also include sliding shutters as part of their ventilation systems, which can be opened when working in the heat or closed during colder temperatures, rain, or wind.
However, ventilation is not ideal for every arborist, and there are valid reasons to avoid it. For instance, if you require a dielectric helmet for electrical protection, it must meet Class E standards. According to Selner, helmets with vents do not qualify under these specifications.
This highlights an important point: not all features make a helmet suitable for every job. To ensure compliance, always refer to local safety regulations and standards. Shelton also advised confirming that your helmet meets ANSI Z89 certification requirements.
Accessories That Fit Your Needs
Once you have found your ideal helmet model, you may begin looking at accessories to customize the fit and features of your PPE. These additional elements can help create a better fit and even attach to other pieces of protective gear, enabling you to work more efficiently and safely on the job. That said, there are a few key accessories that all arborists should check for that come with the shell.
“Your helmet should be compatible with all accessories and PPE that will be worn with it,” Shelton said. “Premium helmet manufacturers will often offer eye and face protection, which is crucial for most arbor work, and those that can be easily installed and removed are preferred.”
Most arborists prefer helmets that have built-in earmuffs or a socket to add earmuffs that are rated for various levels of decibel protection, Deo shared. You can also find ones with added technology to help you communicate with your team.
“Some helmets have options to wire in Bluetooth headsets,” he explained. “These can be helpful for teams that work together on large properties, so they can speak and hear each other more clearly.”
Many helmets take that into account and offer built-in visors or eye protection. You can also add these options depending on what you would prefer when customizing your helmet.
Keep in mind that in many cases, these visors are not sufficient eye protection per ANSI standards, so Deo recommended operators wear safety eyewear underneath them. Check with your local arbor equipment supplier to see which options work best with your helmet while complying with safety standards.
There are also other customization options that can help you get the job done right or make it easier for you to work. If your work carries over until dusk, for example, Shelton recommended the Petzl Slot Adapt which has guards to keep a headlamp in place.
Even with all of the accessories available, this piece of PPE does not have to break the bank. Helmets can be customized to each user, and you can spend as much — or as little — as you want to get the best product for you.
“Helmet protection is so unique because some workers will get by with a $40 helmet while others have a $350-plus set-up,” Selner commented.
Still, it is vital to keep in mind that the foundational protection of the helmet is the most important aspect, regardless of any variations you add to it.
“Personalization is really a preference issue,” Deo said. “But in general, as long as the helmet meets tree care safety standards, it should be fine if worn and used properly.”
What You May Have Overlooked
You have built a helmet setup tailored to your safety needs, complete with accessories to make the job easier — but what comes next?
Like any piece of equipment, your helmet requires regular maintenance to ensure it continues to offer reliable protection. Check frequently to confirm it still meets the safety standards necessary for your work.
Components like clasps and harnesses often take a beating and may be overlooked during routine inspections.
“Many arborists get into the bad habit of leaving their helmet unclasped,” Deo pointed out. “If they do, the helmet itself can fall off their head during a fall, which obviously removes any protective element.”
Equally important is recognizing when a helmet has reached the end of its life. If the shell sustains an impact — from falling debris or equipment — it should not simply be brushed off and reused. Most helmets are designed to be single-impact pieces of PPE, meaning one serious hit is enough to compromise their integrity.
This is also why buying a used helmet is a risky choice. Even if it appears undamaged, prior impacts or wear may have weakened its structure in ways that are not visible, putting your safety in jeopardy.
Eventually, every helmet reaches a point where it must be replaced, whether due to damage or age.
“Check the manufactured date and product lifespan as dictated by the manufacturer,” Shelton advised.
This information is usually found inside the shell, printed on a label or stamp.
No matter how well a helmet fits or how many features it offers, it cannot protect you if it is worn out, damaged, or improperly used. Staying vigilant about maintenance and replacement timelines is one of the simplest, yet most effective, ways to protect yourself in the field.
