So what makes a good groundie?

[Mountain man]

No one does tree work to get rich, we do it for the love of it. (And the endless stream of women)

 

I'm in this career for good. If I can't be rich, then I'll make damn sure I'm good at what I do!

 

Speak for yourself, I'm in it for the money.

[Joe Newton]

Speak for yourself, I'm in it for the money.

 

 

Yet your spending your evening on a forum dedicated to trees?

[StephF]

:lol:

the ability to run to the chipper and back for 8 hours a day:001_tt2:

[Mountain man]

Yet your spending your evening on a forum dedicated to trees?

 

Not trees, tree surgery, machines, techniques etc.

Don't get me wrong, I like it, but I'm not doing it for love.

[codlasher]

Interestingly, it would be interesting to know how many company owners actually do the climbing themselves and have a groundy as opposed to vice versa.

I use a climber (I used to climb myself) almost entirely as I much prefer to do the groundwork as well as run the job in general, that way the climber can just concentrate entirely on the job itself rather than having to worry about little dramas unfolding on the ground (machinery breakdowns/customers etc). We are so much more productive working this way, I used to get much more stressed when I did the climbing myself and had groundies.

 

I have never climbed but agree with the above. Dealing with the things going on to keep the site working safely keeps me occupied.

To me the most important part of all this is communication, before, during and afterwards. This results in a smooth stress free and most importantly, safe job.

Keeping your eye on the man in the tree is important and ensuring the base/drop zone is kept as ordered as possible. The result is as Mr Storrs says, the climber does not have to do anything other than his side of the work.

codlasher

[Mr. Squirrel]

Speak for yourself, I'm in it for the money.

 

Sounds like you're in the wrong job fella.

 

A good groundie isn't as illusive a creature as some make out. As long as you're willing to work and willing to learn you'll get there. Climbers are definitely the best groundies but that doesn't mean anyone who hasn't climbed will be worthless on the deck...