Breaking Into Tree Climbing at 35: Real Success Stories from Career-Changing Arborists
Think you’re too old to start climbing? These Lancaster pros prove age is just a number when you’ve got the right mindset and game plan.
Career Change Reality
Let’s Kill the “Too Old” Myth Right Now
Published By: Jim Lewandowski, ISA Certified Arborist – Tip Top Arborists
Listen, I’ve been in this business for over four decades, and I’m tired of hearing guys say they’re “too old” to start climbing. Some of my best climbers didn’t touch a rope until they were pushing 40. In fact, career changers often outperform the young hotshots because they bring something invaluable to the job: maturity, work ethic, and life experience.
Here in Lancaster, where the tree service market is hungry for skilled professionals, age isn’t your enemy—it’s your advantage. Let me tell you about three guys who proved it.
Success Story 1: Mike Rodriguez – From IT to ISA Certified at 42
“I spent 18 years staring at computer screens. My back was shot, I was overweight, and I hated Monday mornings. Now I’m 46, in the best shape of my life, and I actually look forward to work.”
— Mike Rodriguez, ISA Certified Arborist, Lancaster CA
The Challenge: Starting Over at 42
Mike’s story isn’t unique—burned out tech worker, looking for something meaningful. What made him different was his approach. Instead of jumping in blindly, he spent six months researching the industry, talking to local companies, and even volunteering with habitat restoration groups to understand tree biology.
The Smart Approach
Phase 1: Research (Months 1-3)
- Visited every tree service company in Lancaster
- Attended ISA chapter meetings
- Took basic first aid and CPR certification
- Started a fitness routine focused on climbing
Phase 2: Entry Strategy (Months 4-6)
- Started part-time ground crew work
- Invested in quality personal safety gear
- Found an experienced mentor
- Began studying for ISA certification
The Results: Why Experience Matters
Mike’s IT background gave him an analytical approach to tree work that younger climbers lacked. He understood systems, troubleshooting, and risk assessment. Within two years, he was running his own crew. Within four, he started his own company.
Mike’s Key Insight:
“Younger guys rely on strength and fearlessness. At 42, I had to be smarter. I learned every knot, studied every cut, and planned every move. That methodical approach made me safer and more efficient than guys half my age.”
Success Story 2: David Chen – From Restaurant Manager to Climbing Specialist at 38
“Managing a restaurant for 15 years taught me about pressure, teamwork, and customer service. Those skills transferred perfectly to tree work—every job is about managing risks, leading a crew, and keeping clients happy.”
— David Chen, TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professional
The Challenge: Physical Conditioning
David’s biggest hurdle wasn’t learning the technical skills—it was getting his 38-year-old body ready for the physical demands of climbing. Years of restaurant work had left him with poor cardiovascular health and limited upper body strength.
The Training Regimen
6-Month Physical Preparation Program:
Strength Training (3x/week)
- Pull-ups and chin-ups progression
- Rope climbing practice
- Core strengthening exercises
- Farmer’s walks for grip strength
Cardio & Flexibility (Daily)
- Trail hiking with weighted pack
- Yoga for flexibility and balance
- Stair climbing for leg strength
- Swimming for overall conditioning
The Management Advantage
While David worked on his physical conditioning, his management experience fast-tracked his career advancement. He understood job costing, scheduling, and customer relations—skills that made him valuable even as a new climber.
Career Progression:
- Year 1: Ground crew and basic climbing
- Year 2: Lead climber and crew supervisor
- Year 3: Operations manager for mid-size company
- Year 5: Started his own tree service
Success Story 3: Robert “Tank” Thompson – From Construction to Tree Work at 45
“Construction beats up your body, but tree work beats up your mind. At 45, I had the physical toughness from 20 years of construction, but I had to completely rewire my brain to think about biology, physics, and working with living systems.”
— Robert Thompson, Municipal Arborist, Lancaster CA
The Challenge: Changing Mindsets
Tank (everyone calls him Tank) thought his construction background would make tree work easy. He was wrong. While he had the physical skills and wasn’t afraid of heights, he had to learn to think like a biologist, not just a demolition expert.
The Learning Curve
What Tank Had to Unlearn:
- Force over finesse: Tree work requires precision, not just power
- Speed over safety: Construction deadlines vs. calculated tree work
- Demolition mindset: Learning to preserve and protect, not just remove
- Individual work: Tree work requires constant crew communication
The Municipal Path
Tank found his niche in municipal work, where his construction background and new arborist skills created the perfect combination. He understands infrastructure, budgets, and public works—making him invaluable to city departments.
Municipal Career Path:
Tank’s progression in municipal arboriculture:
- Year 1: Contract climber for Lancaster Parks Dept
- Year 2: Full-time municipal arborist
- Year 4: Urban Forest Supervisor
- Current: Regional coordinator overseeing 5 cities
Why Career Changers Actually Have Advantages
The Maturity Factor
- Risk Assessment: Life experience translates to better hazard recognition
- Patience: Willing to learn properly instead of rushing
- Professionalism: Understand customer service and business relationships
- Financial Responsibility: Serious about career investment and development
Transferable Skills
- Management Experience: Many become crew leaders quickly
- Technical Background: Problem-solving and systematic thinking
- Customer Relations: Communication and service skills
- Work Ethic: Understand the value of showing up and following through
Industry Statistics: Age vs. Success
Based on 10 years of hiring data from Lancaster area tree services:
Retention Rates (5+ years)
- Ages 18-25: 23% retention
- Ages 26-35: 45% retention
- Ages 36-50: 78% retention
Advancement to Leadership
- Ages 18-25: 12% become crew leaders
- Ages 26-35: 31% become crew leaders
- Ages 36-50: 67% become crew leaders
Your 12-Month Action Plan for Breaking In at 35+
Months 1-3: Foundation Building
Physical Preparation
- Start climbing gym membership
- Build cardiovascular base with hiking
- Focus on grip and upper body strength
- Get complete physical exam
Knowledge Building
- Read “The Well-Tempered Arborist”
- Study ISA Best Management Practices
- Learn Lancaster’s common tree species
- Take first aid/CPR certification
Months 4-6: Networking and Entry
Industry Connections
- Attend ISA SoCal Chapter meetings
- Visit local tree service companies
- Connect with equipment dealers
- Find a mentor in the industry
Skill Development
- Practice rope and knot systems
- Take basic tree climbing course
- Learn chainsaw operation safely
- Study OSHA safety requirements
Months 7-9: Getting Your Foot in the Door
Job Search Strategy
- Start as ground crew with growth potential
- Consider part-time to prove yourself
- Highlight transferable skills from previous career
- Show commitment through certifications
Equipment Investment
- Purchase quality personal safety gear
- Invest in professional climbing system
- Get proper work boots and clothing
- Budget $3,000-5,000 for initial gear
Months 10-12: Proving Yourself
Performance Excellence
- Be the most reliable crew member
- Show initiative in learning new skills
- Take on additional responsibilities
- Focus on safety above all else
Career Development
- Work toward ISA certification
- Pursue climbing specialist certification
- Build relationships within the industry
- Plan your 5-year career trajectory
Avoid These Career-Killer Mistakes
Physical Preparation Mistakes
Rushing into climbing without conditioning
Result: Injury, poor performance, quick burnout
Ignoring pre-existing health issues
Result: Career-ending injuries, insurance problems
Buying cheap, inadequate safety gear
Result: Safety compromises, frequent replacements
Career Strategy Mistakes
Thinking you know better than experienced climbers
Result: Dangerous practices, crew conflicts
Job hopping before learning proper skills
Result: Reputation damage, limited advancement
Focusing on pay instead of skill development
Result: Plateau at entry level, limited opportunities
Expert Tips from Lancaster Veterans
From Jim Lewandowski – 45 Years Experience
“The best climbers I’ve hired over 35 all had one thing in common: they treated this like a profession, not just a job. They studied, they practiced, they asked questions, and they respected the danger. Youth gives you fearlessness; maturity gives you wisdom. I’ll take wisdom every time.”
From Mike Rodriguez – Started at 42
“Don’t let anyone tell you it’s too late. Your previous career isn’t wasted time—it’s preparation. Project management, customer service, technical skills, leadership experience—it all transfers. The physical part you can train. The mental part, you already have.”
From David Chen – Restaurant to Trees at 38
“The hardest part was convincing my family I wasn’t having a midlife crisis. The best part was proving to myself I could master something completely new. Every day I climb is better than every day I managed that restaurant.”
Lancaster Market Reality Check
Market Opportunities
- Growing demand: New developments need tree services
- Aging workforce: Many established climbers nearing retirement
- Municipal contracts: Cities need certified arborists
- Fire prevention work: Year-round demand for defensible space
- Drought recovery: Tree health and replacement projects
Market Challenges
- Extreme weather: Desert heat limits working hours
- Seasonal work: Winter months slower for non-emergency work
- Competition: Established companies dominate contracts
- Licensing requirements: California has strict contractor regulations
- Insurance costs: High liability coverage requirements
Earning Potential in Lancaster Market
Ground Crew
$35,000-45,000
Starting position
Certified Climber
$55,000-75,000
2-3 years experience
Crew Leader/Foreman
$70,000-95,000
5+ years, management skills
Ready to Make the Move?
Age is just a number when you’ve got the right strategy and mindset. Mike, David, and Tank all proved that career changers can not only succeed in tree work—they can excel. Your experience in other industries isn’t a liability; it’s your secret weapon.
Your Next Steps:
- Assess your fitness level and start a conditioning program
- Connect with local tree services and start building relationships
- Invest in education – books, courses, and certifications
- Find a mentor who understands the challenges of career change
- Create a timeline with specific goals and milestones
Want to Connect with Career Changers in Lancaster?
Tip Top Arborists hosts monthly “Coffee with Climbers” meetups where industry veterans share experiences and mentor newcomers. Contact us to join the next session and meet professionals who’ve walked this path.
Remember: It’s Never Too Late to Climb Higher
The tree care industry needs experienced professionals who bring maturity, reliability, and diverse skill sets. Your age isn’t a barrier—it’s your advantage. The only question is: are you ready to take the first step up?
Tip Top Arborists – Growing Careers Since 1976
Lancaster, CA • (661) 942-5501 • Licensed, Insured, ISA Certified