Groundie: A Training Book for Ground Workers

Groundie is a training book for the ground worker on a tree care crew, the person who runs the lowering line, feeds the chipper and keeps the drop zone safe. It covers the skills that make a good groundie and a safer job site.

Why ground work deserves its own book

The groundie runs the friction on the lowering line, watches the drop zone, sends gear up, hauls brush and feeds the chipper. Much of the crew's safety depends on that person, yet ground workers often learn on the job by trial and error.

A training book gives new hires the basics in one place: knots and rigging support, clear communication with the climber, chipper safety, and keeping the work zone controlled around customers and traffic.

A well-trained groundie speeds up every job. When the ground crew knows how to run friction, tag pieces, keep the drop zone clear and anticipate what the climber needs next, the climber spends less time waiting and the whole crew finishes sooner and safer. That is good for the customer and for the business.

Using it on your crew

Hand it to new ground workers in their first weeks and go over chapters during tailgate safety meetings. Pair reading with hands-on practice, and follow ANSI Z133 and your company's procedures on every job.

Experienced climbers can use it to explain what they expect from the ground. Browse more books and training materials.

Many crew leaders assign a chapter a week and talk it through at the start of the day, so lessons stick and new hires learn the crew's own calls and signals.