Tree surgeon or not

[nottsarb]

In the past few months I've come across a couple of guys that have introduced them selfs as tree surgeons they have a nice van brand new timberwolf 150 they seem friendly enough chaps albeit there work was very shoddy but as I got talking to them it came quite clear to me they didn't have a qualification between them it got me thinking how can you be a tree surgeon without any qualifications be it cs tickets or a diploma in arb? And why is there no governing body to control such matters?

 

 

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[Joe Newton]

I don't have an academic qualification in arb, just my practical tickets, and I count myself a tree surgeon. I gain knowledge from reading and working with people more experienced than myself.

 

Perhaps if I had gone to college and achieved an HND in Arb I may call myself an Arborist.

 

As it stands at the moment I don't think my lack of academic qualification makes me worth less at my job.

[mad matty]

I agree with Joe I have lots of cs tickets,no Hnd or such like but have read lots of literature and or a recent job knew more than the head forester about what to do and how to go about it. I,m more than at ease to call myself a tree surgeon.

Cheers Matty

[Andy Collins]

Why do you need qualifications to cut a tree? What does it prove? The majority of the best arbs I know aren't "qualified" yet do excellent grade work. Similarly, I know a highly qualified Arb, who in 6 years still can't do a decent tree, and doesn't have a days work in him. He can, however, talk a good job. I have no objection to someone training and furthering their knowledge, but this is a physical and practical job, and all that matters is that you can climb a tree, prune it properly, safely and in control, and go home every day.

[Scott Walker]

Why do you need qualifications to cut a tree? What does it prove? The majority of the best arbs I know aren't "qualified" yet do excellent grade work. Similarly, I know a highly qualified Arb, who in 6 years still can't do a decent tree, and doesn't have a days work in him. He can, however, talk a good job. I have no objection to someone training and furthering their knowledge, but this is a physical and practical job, and all that matters is that you can climb a tree, prune it properly, safely and in control, and go home every day.

 

Well said that man

[Yorkshireman]

Well said Andy

 

However

 

Notts Arb may not be referring to Academic arb quals he may in fact be referring to any tree quals inc vocational "licence to practice" , "certs of competence"

 

and no there is not over riding body as such that you must qualify through to be a Tree Surgeon.

the multi organisation RT2 scheme is trying build that ladder of skills, but right now no

other than an obligation to do work safely and train employees & have a fit for purpose rescue provision when working at height

 

in law the use of a top handled chainsaw is only allowed by a competent operator and not ground use , so thats the only deal breaker really as to be competent you would need to do at least 4 COC assessments, maintenance felling , tree climbing & rescue & use of top handled saw.

 

I might have got the context wrong ,but perhaps another side of the debate re quals

[elliott EGD]

I agree with andy but in my opinion safty is up moast and they should be deemed compatant not just there own opinion even if its just the one and he minds the other whilst useing the saw . Also there insurance will not be valid if the have any if they are not proven compatent via tickets

 

I was on corse years ago and one of the chaps was crap but he gained a ticket because he was crap safely

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Is it worth getting hung up about?

 

I could buy a spanner and call myself a mechanic, I could buy a van and call myself a logistics / supply chain specialist, I could buy a spade and call myself an agricultural consultant.

 

Certain professions have a protected status whereby a predetermined qualification is a prerequisite - architect, dentist for example, others have safety quals - gas safe for plumbers for example. Tree work doesn't.

 

That's just the way it is. What would a "controlling body / register" actually achieve? More admin, more cost and another quango with overpaid, overweight desk jockeys justifying their own existence by having committees and dishing out rules & regs all day long.

[Andy Collins]

The OP does mention a diploma in Arb, hence my reply. I do take my hat off to anyone who wishes to train further, to enhance their skills and knowledge, but it is also essential that they can actually do the job saw well, not just have a raft of qualifications. This "modern" way of having loads of papers, but no real practical skills actually dilutes the trade not enhances it. There are many highly qualified and trained people out there who this would not apply to, and they do a fantastic job.

[bumble B]

What's the score with insurance? Never had to show my tickets for cover but I bet if something went horribly wrong they would want to see proof of my competence (NPTC).