Is the Arboriculture Industry Ready for the Green Switch?
Battery-powered tools are reshaping arb – but can they currently match petrol’s power?
As sustainability becomes a pressing priority across industries, arboriculture is no exception. Companies are now trialling electric chainsaws, pole saws, woodchippers, and more as a way to cut emissions, reduce noise pollution, and align with environmental targets.
But while the shift is underway, the big question remains: are battery-powered tools ready to fully replace petrol?
Beechwood’s Perspective: Practical Progress with Real Challenges
At Beechwood Trees & Landscapes, Managing Director Simon Rotheram sees both the opportunities and obstacles of the transition. The company has committed to a net-zero target by 2030, already introducing hybrid and electric vehicles and phasing out petrol-powered tools where possible.
Battery equipment is increasingly viable for many day-to-day operations, but Simon points out that high-output work still tips the balance towards petrol. Felling or dismantling large trees demands sustained power and runtime that current battery systems struggle to deliver.
Operational logistics also remain a sticking point. Battery and charger availability has occasionally disrupted work, highlighting the importance of strong supply chains.
And beyond the technology itself, there’s a cultural challenge: many professionals still see petrol as more “powerful” and “professional.” Beechwood has responded with trials and training to prove the capabilities of modern battery tools while reinforcing safe charging and handling practices.
Simon’s advice to other business leaders:
“Think of batteries and chargers as your fuel investment over several years, not a one-off equipment cost. Spread the investment the same way you would with petrol, and it becomes a manageable and justifiable step forward.”
Industry Perspectives: Adaptation, Safety and Innovation
Other leaders across the industry echo similar themes.
Glendale highlights differences in technique, with electric saws requiring operators to “let the saw feed itself,” retraining long-standing habits. They also warn about safety: many electric saws now run chain speeds of up to 30 m/s, while most protective clothing is rated for 20–24 m/s.
Connick Tree Care has set environmental goals but believes full electric operations won’t be realistic until the mid-2030s, citing runtime limitations for large-scale operations. They see promise in hybrid and future solid-state battery tech, while also adopting drones, AI scheduling, and EVs to drive efficiencies in other areas.
Manufacturers like Husqvarna and STIHL stress how far the technology has already come. Battery tools now often match petrol performance for handheld operations. However, runtime on heavy-duty applications — such as high-powered chainsaws and woodchippers — is still the limiting factor. Both brands continue to expand their professional battery ranges, with Husqvarna’s 550iXP and STIHL’s GTA 40 pruner being key new launches.
The Road Ahead
Battery-powered tools are no longer a novelty in arboriculture, they’re here, they’re effective, and in many areas, they’re already replacing petrol.
But for the industry to make a full green transition, three barriers need to be addressed:
Power parity with petrol for heavy-duty operations.
Safety adaptations, including protective equipment suited to faster chain speeds.
Cultural resistance, as professionals adapt their mindsets and methods.
For now, the shift will be gradual and pragmatic, but innovation is accelerating fast.
With major manufacturers investing heavily, businesses like Beechwood setting ambitious net-zero targets, and clients increasingly asking about sustainability, the green arboriculture switch feels less like if, and more like when.
👉 What’s your take, are battery-powered tools ready to replace petrol in your business?
