Another newbie, Silver birch

[kentjames]

Hello Arbtalk! I have been reading with interest over the last few months various posts and thought it was about time I joined in!

 

This is my first post, I haven't been doing climbing for very long and this was one of the first tree's I did. The owner wanted it reduced and clean out as its right next to a Koi pond. He didn't want it looking too formal once pruned so I tried to keep it a little 'free form'. There are a few bits on the tree I now look at and think maybe that could have been different but the client was very happy and it was one of the first ones I did.

 

Anyone thought I'd find the courage to post it for constructive criticism as its a great way to learn from others, but go easy

 

BEFORE

 

AFTER

 

NOW IN LEAF

[chrisgilltreesurgery]

Not a bad job for your first tree mate, although I think it would have looked better if you hadn't if thinned it out as much. Remember 3998, don't remove more than 33% in growing season.

 

If it had been my job I think id have raised the crown and not reduced it in hight quite as much.

 

Good job though fella and a big for being brave enough to post it on here!!

[Tom10]

Good points - very good first reduction, nice consideration for pruning back to growth points, decent shape

 

Bad points - arguably too thinned as mentioned above I would of tried to of left growth mid branch as well as the end growth point to create a better shape in future as the tree reacts to your work, not crown lifted which would of been my choice, although a decent shape its not perfect.

 

Very good though - theres working 'arborists' that do worse than that on a daily basis I assure you.

 

Be interesting to know what you charged for this (without being nosey) and if the customer had other quotes - newbie pricing seems a hot topic on here.

 

I also personally consider chainsaw trousers minimum standards when climbing (even if not using a chainsaw)

 

Good work.

 

Tom.

 

ps - Put the ladders back in the garage and only take them out under the cover of dark and only use them when you realllllly reallllly need them

Edited May 9, 2012 by Tom10

[MATTMOSS]

Not a bad job for your first tree mate, although I think it would have looked better if you hadn't if thinned it out as much. Remember 3998, don't remove more than 33% in growing season.

 

If it had been my job I think id have raised the crown and not reduced it in hight quite as much.

 

Good job though fella and a big for being brave enough to post it on here!!

 

I agree with Chris Not bad for youre first effort, but try not to take too much out of the middle of the crown.

When you take all the growth off the branches and leave alot on the end ( begginers tend to do this) it is known as 'LION TAILING' and can lead to the branches breaking in the wind and it looks bad.

But very good for a first go and youre on the right lines! well done

And remember different species of trees react differently to how they are pruned! I would be reluctant to take much off the top of a birch.

[chrisgilltreesurgery]

Are those jeans?................. Come on now.............. You dont pull your caravan with your transit now do you???

 

If your not using a saw then Sip do some cracking workwear pants, bit of the £££ side but look the part.

 

Jeans are a big no no mate

[kentjames]

Thanks for the feedback so far

 

To answer a few questions there -

 

Raising - yes I did suggest the removal of the lower branches to raise the crown however the client wanted to retain these as it provides some shade on the pond and shade for sitting under. I agree it would look better.

 

Removing less - Yup I totally agree looking back it, that I took out too much inner material, I have done other trees since and avoided this, something which has been picked up on reading various threads on here and seeing all your pics

 

Jeans - Something I avoid now anyway, was before I purchased work trousers however I rarely climb without my cs trousers on now for added protection even when not using a chainsaw.

 

Ladder - yes I know but I was being lazy I have been getting over a back problem and so a little boost helps me (insert feeling old smilie lol)

 

And no Chris I don't own a caravan cos I despise them

 

Thanks guys for your welcome and feedback so far

[chrisgilltreesurgery]

Keep up the good work and keep learning mate

 

I look forward to seeing more pics from you in the future

 

.......oh and welcome to the site!

[ecotreecare]

How long have you been doing tree work for? It seems to me (no offence) that you don't really know what your doing when it comes to pruning. Like already said so many times in here.... Work with experienced guys for a few years, learn the ropes.

 

Personally I think the trees ruined now and needs felling. I think you just need some more experience.

[Tom10]

How long have you been doing tree work for? It seems to me (no offence) that you don't really know what your doing when it comes to pruning. Like already said so many times in here.... Work with experienced guys for a few years, learn the ropes.

 

Personally I think the trees ruined now and needs felling. I think you just need some more experience.

 

?... IMO the tree is not ruined and does not need felling The reduction is too harsh as already stated but no so much that it will not retain health and a decent shape.

 

There's good points to this and bad points - but he had the confidence to post it on here and get criticism and feedback. He admits and states this is one of his first reductions.

 

The tree will hopefully shoot epicormic from mid branch and with a little further (and better) maintenance the tree will be absolutely fine.

 

I agree with you new people to the industry need to work alongside experienced arborists for knowledge but this chap (if you click on the link to his website) already clearly has a very good horticultural business in motion and adding a professional arboricultural side seems a very good idea if he is interested in trees

 

He needs to get in touch with local, experienced arborists and gain experience but to say it is ruined seems harsh.

 

I bet if this had been a known guy on this forum that posted this pic everyone would say ooh thats a bit harsh but hey decent shape and decent work.

 

Were picking up on the bad things because he asked for feedback. To say it needs felling would not be my advice. I see worse than this daily from 'reputable' companies.

 

[David Goss]

How long have you been doing tree work for? It seems to me (no offence) that you don't really know what your doing when it comes to pruning. Like already said so many times in here.... Work with experienced guys for a few years, learn the ropes.

 

Personally I think the trees ruined now and needs felling. I think you just need some more experience.

 

Thats a bit harsh IMO...

The guy already said it was one of his first pruning jobs and i tend to agree with everything else that has been said.