skyhuck

I've been giving that considerable thought

There is some, but thats not the problem.

Not sure what you mean

This Sycamore had half of its crown removed many years ago, not by me Its in my garden and I am going to top it in the next few weeks. What problem do people think the tree has developed that has made topping necessary???

:lol:

Not here!!! The Oaks are all out, but no Ash!!! I think it could be a scorcher!!!! I'm busy getting my new 33"X18" swimming pool finished!!!!!!!!!! Global warming rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As a percentage of our income motoring costs much less than years ago. Many people could not afford one car per household, let alone the three or four that many now have.

In real terms motoring had been costing less and less, we are just going through a very savage reajustment.

I know 2 guys who had their yards raided (one on a bank holiday!!) they dipped every vehicle in the yard.

Outstanding mate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think most trees are "topped" in order to become pollards.

I thought you were discussing this job, not another. Coming on here is becoming pointless. People just talk nonsense.

Are you running an arctic now????????

You could not have picked a worse time.

I'm aways stuck by how nice and tight all the bits on a new saw are, loverly crisp chain brake, etc. So I would sooner have a whole new saw.

I was under the impretion that branch wood and leaning stems were of little use, as they are very unstable, due to the inbuilt tension and will go like propeller blades when cut?? I think its a real mistake to confirm any customers ideas that their tree has any value. I tell them that because its not woodland grown it will have nails and I don't want a bill from the saw mill for a new band. If they still insist it has value, I say "no problem, you keep the wood and sell it" they soon realise that the fact I really don't want it means its value is at best limited.

Thats the one!!!!!!! Its better than being payed!!!

Indeed!! And why they keep stopping and pestering me for free wood and when I say no they look at me like I shot their dog!!!!!!!!!!

If its one in a million why bother??????

True, but you take the milk home with you when you pay . I have been offered money up front on occasions and normally turn it down, I say to them "I could be hit by a bus before I get back to do the job", if they insist I don't cash the cheque until I have completed the job to their satisfaction If you do ask for payment up front do you ask for cash?? as a cheque can soon be stopped, even after its been cleared. For me its all about trust, they must trust me to do a good job and I must trust them to pay me. Personally I think asking them to sign things or pay up front sets off the alarm bells!!. If I was asked to do this I would be thinking, "what are they worried about?? They seem to be expecting a problem, they must know their work is poor and I going to be unhappy with it" I've even stopped asking people if they are happy with a tree or hedge after I've cut it, this puts a seed of doubt in their minds and they start thinking theres something wrong with it. Now I just say " It look great doesn't it!!!" My confidence gives then confidence and they are happy.

Bin Laden has just been coppiced Many, many more scum will shoot from his stump!!!!!

This if so true!!!!!!!!!! I would not trade places with any of them!!!! And as Stevie said they bring in fare more revenue than they cost.