Anybody out there set up a business on their own?

[YoGi_93]

Just interested to see how many arborists work on their own. If not how many people do you work with? and If its a necessity to have a groundsman 100% of the time

[Old Mill Tree Care]

You can't work on your own for insurance reasons, if you have insurance. It also takes at least double the time alone, is unprofessional and extremely dangerous.

Doubling your work force won't double your income but it does improve things as does buying a chipper.

[skyhuck]

I worked on my own quite often when I first got started. When I have claimed on my insurance I was never asked how many people were on site. I would not recommend working alone through.

 

Taking on a groundie MORE THAN DOUBLED my income, I find two people working together can easily do more than two working alone, also my groundie is only paid a wage, not half the profit, so my income is greatly improved.

[Stephen Blair]

You may save a few quid on the day but if something goes wrong, which is never planned you will be in trouble.

I was working on an island last week, it still had ambulances and doctors but i know if you are in trouble you need air lifted off. I had a word with my lad to be extra carefull just in case. We scouted out a landing zone, a field behind the job, checked for wires and dangers and worked at a far slower pace for 2 days. The job was pretty tricky anyway. The 2 of us got a lot done in a short space of time, just taking it easy and comunicaing.

Look after yourself.

[johnty]

Insurance companys will try and get out of paying out, if there's a loop hole they will find one. Some of the big ones are even if you use a subby a few days a week you still need Employers liability insurance , and if you ar dismantaling a tree and you don't have CS41 then your insurance is invalid, in there eyes experience isn't enough, they need to see the paper trails(qualls) same as the council.

Just be carefull

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

Forestry alone is common and OK but extra hard work and nice to be sociable:thumbup:

 

Tree Surgery alone is extra time costs/loss of income and a serious risk if one has an accident high up in a tree and need help fast. (No good waiting for the fire service when bleeding)

 

I thought at least one person in a team had to be able to do aerial rescue?

[scottythepinetree]

Also if you are like me, you'll be sure to drop a load of branches on the end of your rope and get stuck at the top of the tree.

[john p]

having no groundie is a seriously bad idea!!

[Alinicoll]

If you work alone you generally end up with a massive mess to clear up. It takes longer. If you get injured you will have problems and if you get your rope caught you can have a real problem getting down. Best avoided really.

[Billy]

On small jobs alot of people do it, but its generally easier safer and more pleasent to have a groundy or 2.