RPA

I have just been to look at a job today where there are two ash trees with die back. One has been on the way out for a few years according to the customer (bad stags head) and is to be removed, the other is more of a mystery. It is about 5m from the road (village, mainly light traffic). It has been in full leaf this year but has now lost about 40% of its foliage on the side facing the road. The leaf stems are still visible but no leaf, there are very few leaves on the ground - certainly less than you would expect for early leaf drop. Initial thoughts are that it has to be some form of leaf minor but as it is following the same pattern as the 1st ash and both are only affected on the side facing the road I'm not convinced (there has been no road/drainage work etc which could have caused root damage). Anybody come across similar/any thoughts would be appreciated.

Wearing hi-flex C's and advanced A's at the moment. I was going to get some more at apf until I saw the stein ones. Looked really good to me (very stretch air like with a few tweaks. Anyone else see them and what did u think. Was told they will be available early next year at a decent price. Would love to give them a test/review (hint hint FS)

Could be interested depending on free time etc, will keep an eye on the thread. (could organise shared travel for anyone up north) Rich

Speechless really, I can only go along yet again with Huck's sentiments. All the best, Rich.

Nice to see you again Justin, glad you had a good one (looking forward to getting the spikes )

Don't forget to check air intake and not just the filter.

Good day actually. It was not aimed specifically at you, prob not even just this thread. All too often now comments, both in jest and in good faith, are made that scare the **** out of me. Remember that there will be many people use this site who are not capable (through lack of knowledge/experience/etc) of telling the difference.

Arbtalk used to be a great source of info and good for a laugh at the right times, threads like this make me wonder why I bother any more, how long before someone actually gets seriously injured or even killed due to reading some of this.

Stihl chain = pre stretched = no constantly re-tensioning new chain. Local dealer been on a 3 for the price of 2 with oregon, tried them, would rather have 2 stihl chains.

Reckon it is Steve, his avatar shows the moment he revealed his true identity to his daughter

Some more info I found Treetools Blog | tree climbing information worth sharing with your mates

Thanks Sam, the shrooms where Cherry, just ran over the tops with orbital sander with 80 grit and it brought out the colours nice, no treatment on them.

Did a couple of shows to promote the business this year (arb, not carving). Did a few mushrooms etc just to give a bit of variety on the stand. Sold them all so ended up with the stands for free - result! Some mushies, my logo and dragon.

Not an assessor but one works for me.

Dougie (Ivinson) is up there (Pitty im the only person buying the stuff off him!!!)

Too hot but comfortable. Taking the mesh out has helped. Visor fixings also corroded in (dis-similar metals)

This was a while ago, no way would I have rigged it and Steve is right about bark flying off. Mostly predictable but didn't trust any of it. Saw was a 365 on the climbing with a 24" bar and managed well enough. http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/video-forum/1086-dead-elms.html

Got to price a job to t/d half a dozen poplars and was wondering how good it will be for carving? Imagine it will be good to carve (?) but prob wont last long (?) Any advice appreciated.

Sorry to read about back. They could write a book on my back and the crap its been through. My advice as many others - rest at first then little and often to build back up (no pun intended). Anti-inflams and good pain killers will help but only use them at first coz they can mask the warning signs if things go backwards again. Don't go physio - they don't know what they are treating any more than you do without an MRI (they put me in Newcastle for my last op!) Penrith! - small world.

Do very little with vt myself, I just know that 8 is recommended for 11mm and 10 for 13mm. Like has been said, use what you like/works for you (I use 13/10 combo all the time on flip lines but climb on pruss - fat old fashioned git)

8mm op on 13mm rope

Tony Did my RFS cert a couple of years back and fully intended to follow on with the ISA. I bought the ISA study guide and actually used it as part of my prep for the RFS. I got the CD package - don't laugh, besides the fact that they are American and the accent is a pita they were great to stick on when driving. You end up learning/revising without even knowing. I did the RFS first for one reason, I believed it is a better initial proof of competence because of the practical elements required for full certification. BUT I believe the ISA wins long term with the CPD element. Now for my ISA gripe! I would wave sat the exam asap after RFS, I would sit it next week if I could. It is probably just me but I seem to struggle to find somewhere to sit the exam. I am in Cumbria which does not help, but from what I have seen exam dates are few and far between and too far away to be practical for me. Is it not possible to arrange for the exam to be sat at local collages etc?

Thanks for reply. Been too busy to try again, if it does not come off I will send it back. Exactly the same as I thought re sweat band and fixing....

Sorry been too busy working to get pics sorted. Here are a few (crap ones) off my phone. Got somethin else sorted then no probs. (Maple, Syc, Lime and Beech are all 70'+).

Plenty. If I get time after work tomm Ill stick some pick up. (Only condition would be that a couple of seqs want deadwooding , and I cant be bothered to haul my arse up them!)