benedmonds

I did the 12 week course at plumpton back in 2001.. It was a very cost effective way to get your tickets and it gives a good start into the business.

My decision not to reduce was based on the fact that if the worse happeded (which it did) there would be little danger. It's in a conservation area so if I had got permision I still wouldn't have done the work yet anyway. It's more likely to get permision now.. Except there is a dark stained cavity which I reckon could be a bat roost so that limits the works... I don't think a climbing inspection would have helped.. No harm done, I explained to the client that it would fail some time in the future, but was probably best not to stress the tree. They are keen on keeping it in whatever condition.

I thought that might be the case... More money for more bit's of paper..

Do you need an operators licence to use one? I used them loads while in New Zealand and have hired them a couple of times over here with no problems. I have a job taking down 5 big previously topped poplars was going to hire a MEWP but the customer thinks I need a licence. Is he right? They make explosives so are quite fussy about H and S.. If I do need one where can I get one quick or is there a subby in the east midlands with a ticket who wants a couple of easy days in a MEWP

Woodlice feed on dead decaying detritus, thet will not cause damage to a tree.

Have you tried Orange Plant http://www.orangeplant.co.uk

Don't you need some tree knowledge?

I didn't record it but you can listen again...

After all the considered advice, I did not recommend the reduce, and... the top blew out of it last week! It's a great crack much better than any coronet cut I could have done.. Looks like there might be a cavity with bats still up there so I don't think the reduce would work. I might be able to bring down one remaining and now rather exposed limb..

Every one says they enjoy this work for the varitey. I had an interview at 720 this morning on BBC radio derby talking about how we prepare for the storms... I haven't been so nervous since climbing a big rotten ash.. Hopefully the free advertising will be worth it..

I love my buffalo, had it over 10 years now, no good for tree work to hot.. I brought the salopettes but ebayed them as it's never cold enough in the UK. I've also got the pants! (a gift). I've got a light pertex shell which I stick on over my HH and it's great for when its cold and windy, packs down to about the size of a tennis ball.

There is always the flat rate scheme, turnover under 150K, you only pay 9% VAT but charge 17.5. You make monthly or quarterly instalments during the year - which are based on an estimate of your total annual VAT bill. At the end of the year you submit a single annual return and any balance due. You don't have so much paperwork, but only claim VAT back on capital purchases over 2 grand. http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_InfoGuides&id=HMCE_CL_001208&propertyType=document

IMO it's best to pay yourself less than the company can afford so that when the tax man comes, or the chipper blows up you can afford to continue working. Also if you balance is healthy you can draw a nice wedge.

I've got the BS, just wondering..

It would have taken no more than 45 mins to spike up cutting your way as you go. A groundie could have it all chipped onsite before you'd finished dropping the logs.

Is that also the case with an old pollard?

If a tree (a cedar) has been reduced can the RPA also be reduced?

We are on the flat rate 9% with 1% discount in first year I think... We still charge 17.5% however. Is this right?

Can you do it? BS5837 5.2.4 states you can move it 20% in one direction for individual open grown trees.. but apart from that is it a complete negative? I'm trying to put together an ARBORICULTURAL IMPLICAITONS ASSESSMENT, but the biulding is well into the RPA. Are they stuffed?

I was asking in relation to Arb Implication assessment reports BS5837 rather then general surveys..

Sort of tree health care related... What programs to people use to plot trees in surveys? Cheers.

I spent about a year in Christchurch on the South Island, loved it, great climate, mountains, sea, etc.. Still regreting returning to the UK. I worked for the council, similar work to the UK, in Chch the trees are even mostly like home apart from all the big elms... Lots more space, rare to have a long shitty drag as stuff is spread out more. We used big truck mounted MEWP's a lot and a 10 inch chipper for most jobs. I'd be back in a shot if it wasn't so far away..

Stu at DM has fixed two of our MS200's with the carb kit.. I also gave him a box containing two dead MS200's (condemed by previous dealers) in the hope he might make one work but in a few days he gave me back two working ones!!

The HCC professional diploma course is pants IMO..?

I have been asked for "a thorough examination of LOLER equipment" from a council. I provided her with a sheet which I did, but she seems to think it should be done by some one else.. I have read and attached part of the http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais30.pdf Thorough examination LOLER requires lifting equipment to be thoroughly examined. This means a detailed examination by a competent person who has appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience to enable them to detect defects or weaknesses in the equipment being examined and assess their importance in relation to the safety and continued use of the lifting equipment. The risks in arboriculture which arise through failure in lifting equipment for lifting people justify independent and impartial thorough examination. In practice this probably means somebody external to your business. ... It should be thoroughly examined either: l every six months where it is being used for lifting people and every twelve months otherwise; or l in accordance with time intervals specified in an examination scheme drawn up by a competent person. Correct me if you think I'm wrong but I don't think "probably means external" is the same as "must be external" and what is a "competent person."?? Do I need my kit inspected by an external LOLER tester or can I do it myself?