Our industry

[Paul Barton]

Great subject for an assignment by the way...I'd like to read that!

[Gary Prentice]

Great subject for an assignment by the way...I'd like to read that!

 

I'll send the one that I'm probably going to have to re-write after I get it moderated. It was sort of mentioned that it might be relevant to explain to a government representative what 'arboriculture' was.

 

I suppose, with hindsight, that that sort of set the tone of the assignment/answer. My opinion was that the FC had fulfilled their remit fairly successfully to oversee and manage timber production but arboriculture and the urban environment could hardly be defined as within that.

[Gary Prentice]

You mean the thread wasn't on the mandatory reading list?!

 

.

It isn't but maybe it should be.I'll suggest it.

 

Interesting figures on the membership of different organizations. I wouldn't mind having the up to date ones. Maybe Arbtalk needs to become the governing body of arb in the uk. Jon could be the technical advisor for big butts in the mendips and so forth:lol:

[Old Mill Tree Care]

 

I have done some research as to what the client expectations were prior to engaging a contractor. The answers seem consistanlty to suggest the most clients expect some halfwit inbred with fingers missing or a beardy weardy to turn up three days late, if at all, and do some grunting before leaving them with a quote written in crayon on the back of a rizzla packet.

 

Many clients just don't believe that relatively educated and presentable humans would be doing such a job, and so their expectations are so low that in many cases they accept un-insured bodgers (or boskers) as being the norm, and just don't bother trying to find anybody better.

 

Until this image is changed we will forever fight this battle, but for many its not worth it and I personally look toward commercial contracts where a level of proffessionalism is required/expected, then all I need to do is deliver instead of havign to try and educate each individual that wants there one and only self seeded sycamore reduced by 50% because it blocks direct light for the one day of the year they want to use the garden.

 

I agree entirely with this because I too have asked many questions and achieved the same conclusion.

 

Speaking purely from a view point in the domestic Arb sector. We are horribly undervalued by every other walk of life.

However, despite the fact that it really annoys me I won't loos sleep because I know it will never change if we are an unregulated industry.

 

Until this sector is regulated properly, it's easy pickings for 'gypos and cowboys'.

[likeitorlumpit]

I see it differently- are you all sure you're not just 'moaning' in the way that all trades moan.

I experience all trades and must note here that there are gripes with them all. Even electricians have issues.

Just remember the jobs where the customer/ passing public stop and watch. They love it and respect how technical it can be.

I don't see people rushing for the nearest cowboy. The secret is to do a good job, politely. be happy because everyone prefers happy tradesmen and charge according to your costs. That way, you'll build a business.

Just remember we're not here on a mission to save the world and the trees we are asked to work on belong to the customer. In the world of public trees, I'm sure there are reasons to use legislation to achieve an aim but it represents maybe 10% of this industry. The rest of us just have to listen to what the customer wants and respond professionally.

[j r hartly]

The customer is always right

 

trees, waves and cakes!!:-)

[Lee Winger]

Isn't it funny how over time opinions change, today 4 years on from some of my original posts I find myself disagreeing with myself.

[Gary Prentice]

Isn't it funny how over time opinions change, today 4 years on from some of my original posts I find myself disagreeing with myself.

 

4 years! I know lads who start disagreeing with themselves - and everyone else- after four pints:laugh1: