Turning Every Day Work into Teaching Moments at Jack Cotterill Tree Services

In tree surgery, no two days are ever quite the same. Each site brings its own challenges, whether it’s the structure of the tree, the surrounding environment, or the specific requirements of the job. But one thing that stays consistent for us is how we approach the work: every task is an opportunity to learn.

Recently, we captured a great example of this in action. During a routine job, our team leader Ollie took a moment to guide the crew through a precise chainsaw cut. Rather than simply demonstrating the technique, he broke it down — explaining the reasoning behind the cut, the positioning, and the safety considerations that come with it. (See video!)

It’s a small moment on the surface, but it reflects something much bigger about how we operate as a business:

Building Skills That Last

Tree surgery is a skilled profession that demands both technical ability and sound judgement. These aren’t things that can be rushed or picked up overnight. They’re developed over time, through hands-on experience, guidance, and a willingness to keep improving.

That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on training within our teams. Less experienced crew members aren’t just there to assist — they’re there to learn. By working closely with experienced climbers and team leaders, they gain insight into best practices, decision-making, and the finer details that make all the difference on site.

Moments like Ollie’s guidance help bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. They turn routine work into valuable learning experiences that build both competence and confidence.

The Role of a Team Leader

A team leader’s role goes far beyond managing the job at hand. They set the standard for safety, quality, and professionalism, while also supporting the development of the people around them.

Good leadership in tree surgery means knowing when to step in, when to guide, and when to let others take the lead. It’s about creating an environment where questions are encouraged, knowledge is shared, and everyone feels part of the process.

Ollie’s approach is a great example of this mindset. By taking the time to explain and involve the team, he’s not just ensuring the job is done correctly — he’s helping to develop the next generation of skilled arborists.

Creating Opportunities to Progress

One of the things we’re most committed to as a business is providing clear opportunities for progression.

Every team leader within our company started out in a more junior role. Through hard work, consistency, and a willingness to learn, they’ve developed the skills needed to take on greater responsibility.

We actively support that journey. Whether it’s through on-the-job training, mentoring from experienced team members, or creating opportunities to step up and take ownership, we make progression a realistic and achievable goal.

For those who want to grow, the pathway is there.

More Than Just a Job

At its core, tree surgery is about teamwork. It relies on trust, communication, and a shared commitment to doing the job safely and well.

By focusing on training and development, we’re not just improving the quality of our work — we’re building a stronger, more capable team. One where individuals can develop their skills, take pride in what they do, and see a future for themselves within the industry.

Moments like the one captured with Ollie are a reminder of what that looks like in practice. It’s not always about big milestones — often, it’s the small, consistent teaching moments that make the biggest impact over time.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, our focus remains the same: invest in people, support development, and create opportunities for progression at every level.