Paul Barton

Agreed. I am sure as the technology is used more the bank of images that come out of it will be very enlightening.

Superb! That's a fabulous shot.

Hi Scott. I think you have hit the nail on the head - I don't think this intended to be a decay detection device in the sam way as Picus is and therefore should not be marketed in that way. From what I understand (which is always limited) the device is more helpful in determining overall health as represented by the ratio of functional/dysfuntional tissue. It will pickup cankers before they are visible as you point out. I think it will show internal decay as well though. Because dead cells have less conductivity between them, they dissipate heat at a different rate. Therefore cool areas on the surface can indicate areas of dead/decaying wood underneath. This would be helpful when looking at bases of trees or branch unions. However I think it is still prudent to investigate significant cool (ie possibly decayed) areas using a resistograph for example. The nice thing is that it is possible to survey large numbers quite quickly and in a non-invasive way. ..and then there's the potential for investigating bat roosts etc... Hope this makes sense?

Bacon and marmalade sandwiches. Cheese and peanut butter toasties. Yum!

Hi Scott - have a look at the thread in the link above - some input from Marcus Bellet-Travers on there who is the main dude in terms of this technology.

Cheers chaps. Got it all done today - trying to forget about it now. 8 weeks until my fate is decided.

I used to climb on Samson Arbormaster and hated it! Was a relief (sort of) when I cut in to it and had to buy a new one! I found it too waxy, even after several months use. It twisted up constantly and wasn't very pliable in the hand. Moved to Edelrid timber blue a few years ago which I prefer 100%.

I have a Patagonia capilene base layer - had it for more than 5 years now and apart from the odd rip it is still going strong.

Only thing to bear in mind is that most american gear is ANSI certified rather than EN certified. Hopefully it shouldn't be a problem but I am not sure how it relates to LOLER etc. if you buy climbing gear.

Very true. I think that's why the people I work for normally carry on in the rain - they're too nice to let me down for the day. But not so nice as to pay me off....

Being a subbie I go with whatever company wants to do on the day. Normally they carry on in the rain - which is fine because if they didn't I would be sent home with no cheque for the day.

What a ball ache! Fair play for taking it on Steve.

Dave and Andy are superb teachers - have been very impressed by the Treelife service. Can't really comment on the teaching time at Syston though - I am fortunate to be close to Westonbirt so had a day a week in the classroom.

Top job Rich!

I had a feeling you would say that!

Aye, I'm in that boat Dom. This is my first attempt - I have taken 3 days off work this week so I can study hard for the big day on Thursday. I am starting to realise there is simply no way I can know everything by Thursday so am trying to concentrate on improving what I do know at this stage rather than overload with new stuff when it's too late! Not that fun when it's so sunny out...

Given the target area and the fact the client wants it felled, removal is the easy option. If you can convince the client to pay for further investigation I guess you could air-knife the root system on the suspect side to see where/if damage has occurred. Thing is, as you can't remove/relocate the targets, how confident would you be to retain the tree if you find some damage to the roots which you think is structural?

It hasn't been deleted yet so I reckon you're safe!

Nice one Carlos - looking smooth as usual.

How about Meindl's Stu? Had mine just over three years now and they are still good - just the soles wearing out. You can buy them from treeworker I think.

Lovely, glad to know I didn't miss anything decent!!

Cool - one of the few times I wish I had a telly.

what is it stu?

That's a fine looking pie Dave!

Of course! Obvious really