Andy Collins

And not many of the original posters in this thread around? Hmmmmm I've just been re-assessing this tree, wondering if my view has changed price-wise, judging by the increases in costs. I think my "then" price was a little low at 950, should have been around 1100. Now I'd be looking at around 1500. Immaterial really now.

Isnt there meant to be some mid-term elections over in the States sometime soon? Good time for such a story

Watch the size of the tanks capacity, I know various makes have issues with the chassis snapping due to heavy loads on the racks, usually pelleters.

or help you to raise your game to new, previously unknown heights?

I take it from your smiley Hama, that "Fungus" is a highly respected mycologist?

Maybe he wants to appeal to the larger markets abroad?

Opinions will always differ, just because people dont always see eye to eye doesnt make either opinion wrong. This thred will eventually die and fade away into the archives, a new day and new topics to discuss. Lets just wallow in the patriotic after-glow for a few more hours

But..... she was there!!

[quote=likeitorlumpit;472020 BUT This guy seems to be preying on the elderly who tend to be more trusting and also more easily frightened and also sometimes having mental issues so it's totally below the belt in my eyes. I suspect he also knocks on the doors of the recently bereaved. Pure supposition.

Why should it be a wind-up? Its a discussion, and as such we are discussing a programme covering an element of our trade.

I've seen some real eye-openers in my time, bad practices worthy of such a programme. Not by people we perceive as "bad" but respected people in the trade. What is worse, someone who through his "ignorance" strives to make a living, albeit badly, or someone who knows better and is educated in modern practices, yet carries out equally "roguish" techniques? It seems many are quick to criticize, but how open would you be to scrutiny, esp if caught off-guard? It appears many wish to free-climb to the top of their game, then encourage legislation to hamper those coming up behind them. FTR I am not condoning bad practice, at any level.

Personally, I'd just get the correct bar for the saw, rather than try and bodge one on.

where are you, may thin out the applicants a little:001_smile:

Matt give Gillies Fencing - Specialists in all types of fencing, groundworks and forestry in Suffolk, England and throughout Scotland a call, I've heard good reports of them from various sources:thumbup1:

If he gave a price to do the work and its accepted.......not legit? Yes he was expensive, he talked the work up, he one-handed a 200t, he trashed the brash in the truck (we always used to years ago) he had tantrums (I know some who do) slightly lacking in basic ppe (I know a lot who wear less!) and his facts werent strictly accurate. Did he have PLI? they didnt say.... Did he have any tickets? They didnt say... at least he's working, and not scounging bennys

At least he can afford a new saw after slinging it about

Thought I'd be really constructive and help you out by searching Google for the answer..... and guess what the answer is...? NO.1 cavity auto dump - Google Search so much for that then..... you're on your own now.

Tbh the germans seem to be making a deal out of the story, I'll be following this out of curiosity, nothing else. Now if it was a cloud of radioactive dust I may be a little more concerned.

Just heard this reported on the radio, a huge cloud of Birch pollen is heading this way! Apparently, due to its abrasive and slightly acidic qualities, it can cause damage to vehicle paintwork etc. Dont Panic Mr Mainwaring....dont panic.... get felling now. Giant acid pollen cloud sparks hay fever alert - mirror.co.uk

Hopefully, reduce to the main trunk, then hiab out the butt in one, one cut low down to minimise the risk of hitting concrete. Failing that, maybe a controlled explosion!

Due to the concrete filling in the butt, this suggestion was made to the client, partly to save him money and me the grief of large chains getting clobbered, however due to the fact that there are already 3 such monolithic eyesores his words, not mine!!) in the surrounding area it is not something he wishes for.

Couple of pics of above tree, cavity is callousing over quite well. Though not shown in the pics, Ustulina is virtually all around the base of the butt.

In a similar vein, I looked at a copper beech the other day, full canopy, stunning spring colour. 4foot dbh, about 50feet tall and similar spread, slight signs of dieback at the extremities of the crown, a large long cavity filled way back with concrete and rubble to "seal" the wound. On closer inspection around the base of the butt, very advanced state of Ustulina deusta, a small open cavity filled with very crumbly brown rot. My advice, remove asap due to neighbouring properties and public access. Independent advice from our local TO, the same. The client loves the tree, would love to save it, and in fact bought the property 20 odd years ago because of the tree, but common sense surely prevails. This tree is a feature in the area, part of a series of planting scheme back in Victorian times when there was one large (13acre) garden, and it the last beech standing. Would you fight to save it, and if so how? I'm open to serious options, but I cant see any with my "felling" specs on:001_smile:

The customer seeks advice. Personally I would view this tree from several aspects. Health/vigour, safety, cost in the event of failure (ie damage to property, both the clients and neighbours, and cost in clearing it up in the event of failure). If it were in the corner of a woodland i would leave it be. In the corner of a garden I would recommend removal and re-plant.

Kev, bit of a de-rail, but given your new facilities there at Needham, could you not qualify/apply as a training college?