Paul Barton

This thread is exactly why I don't like QTRA (ok, the main reason is I am not intelligent enough to fully understand it). Discussions about QTRA invariably wind up batting around probability questions and attempts to define levels of risk which in my opinion can't often be quantified. I used to follow the QTRA forum on their website but got bored of people asking about complex calculations to work out the footfall on a golfing green or the probability of a coconut falling without warning. This not to say that risk cannot be assessed - I just prefer to describe it with words that are easily understood by my clients rather than attempt to impress them (but actually confuse them) with long numbers.

Daltontrees: How are you doing this risk assessment of 8000 trees if you don't know what QTRA is?

It sounds like the local authority want an arboricultural method statement. It should specify the location and specification of barriers and ground protection and any specifics regarding works within the RPA of any retained tree. Maybe best to get a local arb consultant to write it for your mate?

Hi Mike, The site works well but I don't understand why it's called 'Pens of distinction' when there are no pens for sale on it? Paul

Indeed. I wish I'd known that before purchase!

We bought one a couple of years ago from Fletcher Stewart. Great piece of kit that should be used more. My only frustration was that the 'standard' kit we bought had a large nozzle on it which requires a compressor of at least 180cfm - they are quite expensive to hire in or buy. A smaller replacement nozzle was going to be over £300 so I declined! I'd stock the smaller nozzles as standard if I were you.

Depends where in the country you are. Probably between around the £65-75 mark?

You don't need to be experienced to be a subbie, you just need to be honest about your current level of experience and set an appropriate day rate. Start low and build it up slowly. In these hard times some firms may prefer to have a no-commitment low day rate subbie than an expensive employee.

Saw, rope and harness. Fuel and chain oil. Basic saw maintenance tools. Flask. Realistic attitude towards what kind of work you can do and realistic day rate.

Really really well done Monsieur Fox. Great thread and a great result for one who deserves it.

Well said that man

Given the amount of media coverage and public concern I'd say that your last sentence is untrue.

We use these: Welcome to SignuMat - by Latschbacher You can have any logo or name on them. Ordered them via Honey Bros last time as you can't order from the manufacturer.

I'm sure we've all got the odd tree hung up before! Pablo was just unlucky that it happened while the cameras were on him. Not sure about the spikes though....I bet the TV guys just asked him to put on as much gear as possible for effect. I don't know any arborist that has appeared on TV and come off well.

Congrats Sam! My boy is just over 1 now and is getting more and more fun by the day. Being a Dad is brilliant. All the best for the next few days.

Surveyors still required.

Excellent, thanks for the link.

Hi all, We have a vacancy for a tree inspector for a short-term contract in Sheffield surveying street trees. I can accommodate a self-employed sub-contractor or a short term contract employee. There is about 6 weeks work available with an immediate start. You will need a level 3 arb qualification or the LANTRA PTI certificate. Training, PPE and tablet computer provided. Please call me on 07866 773373 to discuss, or email [email protected] for more details.

I am looking for one more person for this role.

Are you cycling that on your 'fast' days too? If so, can you feel the difference on those days?

Done. His program was great - respect to him for taking some action on this mess.

Thanks for sharing that David - great diary of the job.

Hi Shippers and welcome to the forum. The answer to your question depends on what factors you are considering for 'too close'. Do you mean too close because you are worried about damage to the building from a) roots b) the tree failing on to the house....or are you worried about shade to the front windows and leaf litter.....etc? NHBC standards should have been followed when determining the foundation depth so I would say that future damage from subsidence is unlikely, particularly if you are not on a clayey soil. As for the rest - well it's entirely personal. Some people love having trees close by but others see them as a burden. Personally I would do nothing to the tree for a few years and make sure that it actually survives having been built around...a tree report may well have been written that specified protection during construction but I bet that the soil under that lovely new turf is pretty compacted and full rubble under the topsoil.

I've just got back from a week at Centre Parcs too! I don't want to go to work tomorrow.

Yes I have the full version. Have you phoned the librarian to find out how to get yours? Log in to Athens at: https://auth.athensams.net/?ath_returl=%2Fmy%2Fhome%3Fath_returl%3D%252Fmy%252F%26ath_dspid%3DATHENS.MY&ath_dspid=ATHENS.MY You will find a version there.