Crews initially responded at 10:10 a.m. to the 2900 block of Sunburst Drive and determined that the Cal Fire helicopter crew was needed to assist, the San Jose Fire Department said.
"This is the first time they have done an aerial pick off of a tree of this type. We are typically able to gain access from our aerial apparatus so this is a unique event," said San Jose Fire Department Asst. Fire Chief James Dobson
The helicopter crew was able to eventually remove the man from the tree and lower him safely to the ground.
"Based on the complexity of this event, it took over an hour to get the person down from the tree and receive medical assistance," said Dobson. "Because of the height greater than 75 feet and distance from the street it made the rescue a very challenging rescue."
The Fire Department posted a video of the dramatic rescue on social media and said the man was taken to a hospital in serious condition.
Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.