raafbeard

Looked at a silver birch today which was apparently dying back from no obvious cause. Initially I was struggling to understand why there was significant dieback on all of the limbs and the top of the crown... Then I saw a chainsaw cut in the butt of the stem...I reckon a year maybe two old - followed said cut completely around the butt and about 8mm into the cambium layer - on further inspection we found two more complete circles cut around the butt. Questioning the owner he advised that he'd had a conifer removed by what seemed to be a professional outfit - sign written van etc etc...He then explained that whilst they were there they had offered to remove some ivy from the silver birch as it would have been "strangling the tree"..The ivy was at best 10mm diameter and not very dense barely warranted a silky to remove it. I can only assume the respectable Tree Surgeons had done this intentionally with a view to dropping by later on to fell the dead birch Maybe this is a common trick but I haven't seen it that bad before and it just reminded me what we are up against and how low some people will stoop to make some fairly easy money...

Finishing cut!! Also very important to get right...

Good Work Joe! Looks like you had a couple of fences to contend with as well..

I think it is in no particular order: inboard/outboard, hand held step, freefall sink, and handheld sink - maybe a directional sink too?? Good luck with that mate - concentrate on getting your cuts right and good work position with appropriate attachment points,

Cheers Justin..A very good effort with this I think!!

I would have been screwed if there was.....15 years of neglect would have shown itself... However with the right attitude I think I am getting there now maybe... Apart from killing my lungs I don't think I have ever been fitter than I am now - even when I did used to do some sort of physical activity

Nice one Justin!! Would be rude not to come.....Maybe its just me but I don't think I saw a date on your website???

Nice work!! Really satisfying doing jobs which have such a dramatic affect!!

Think I just inadvertantly cheated Cerne by seeing the .jpg file names...

Thats Magic!! How does it know what you're thinking ?? Doesn't work if you cheat!!

Would have helped if I could Mick but eyes a bit injured for dragging up at the mo,,,, I don't know anyone who could be of use either - not at short notice. Hope you get something sorted!!

Nuts on the inside back?? Or underneath?? Off the top of my head there are a couple more to undo maybe??

Looks great!! Got any more pics??

Congratulations Big Boss!!

Well another 24 hours then the dressing can come off.....5 more days of antibiotics, but 6 months of lubricating my eye before bed to stop the wound tearing open when I open my eyes in the morning (had that before ...) I can go back to work next week if I am careful....too right i'll be careful!!! So all in all a big load of hassle,pain, inconvenience and no work for a stupid scratch from a stupid shrub....very frustrating, but thankful it wasn't worse!! < thats me in my new safety specs!!

Damn Dean!! I hope thats better soon... well done for sharing!

Thanks again for you posts!! Especially Louisa! good to have some inside knowledge!! Fingers crossed all is okay when they unwrap it later, and then it will just heal quickly! I hate that peeling off the top layer every morning when you open your eyes!! I also hope this will be my last scratch for a bit!! definately going to get some more specs and demister!

Thanks for the support Chaps...feeling pretty useless waiting for it to heal and having to wear a massive eye patch for the moment Maybe its worth sacrificing a decent pair of shades to the cause, but they make my eyes horribly light sensitive and you get panda eyes!! ****vain*****

Hey everyone!! Sitting here with my third serious scratch to my eyes - Always happens on the seemingly straightforward tasks! Just thought it might be useful to remind everyone how annoying and frustrating these injuries can be.. Was actually quite worried that my eyesight would be permanently affected this time, if it was that would end my climbing and driving and ruin many things in my life.. So just be careful when rushing in with both your eyes open as they are extremely vulnerable and easy to damage. I wouldn't mind but I was only pruning an overgrown shrub so there was nothing stylish about doing it in this manner. Yes I am going to make a more concerted effort to wear specs as i realise I have had a lucky escape this time. Besides general dust and stuff is annoying enough anyway!! Take care people at all times even when doing a "safe" task!!

The view from my front room veranda on a clear day... Lovely...

Its my new desk top wallpaper!! Stunning!

That sounds very cool!! Would love to be able to try that out one day!!