Zenfordinner

I opine that a balance has to be struck regarding the type of work one does. I am a bit of a purist at heart and would prefer to see only necessary work done, but as pointed out, a firm could go bust. (also am inclined to removing a tree altogether rather than trying to keep a large tree small through regular hard core reductions, for example; and replacing it with a species suitable for the size and nature of the area in which it is to grow, where at most a bit of maintenance pruning is sufficient) I think it is bad for morale if tree people are doing work that goes against the grain. We have refused work that would break our hearts, although we choose carefully, such as if someone had their tree mullered years ago and wants a repeat (mainly pollard style of things), and the regrowth permits a more creative reduction/thinning that will leave the tree with a somewhat decent crown, we advise the client accordingly. If they insist, we generally will do the work. Change comes slowly, more often than not, so patience with elevating peoples awareness of trees (biology/pathology) may prevail! Meaning that if tree people keep trying to educate laypeople, gradually people may shift to making better decsions regarding their trees. Despite refusing work, or advising clients that what they think needs doing can actually result in what they are afraid of, or that it really is not necessary and the tree is best left alone, or recommending work that will give them what they want (often more light) without compromising the trees aesthetics or structural integrity, we have managed to increase both our client base and turnover. Last year, we were booked a month in advance, at a minimum, for the whole year, with perhaps a week in total in down time (after New Year, and 2 day drought during holiday season). Often, laypeople have never considered that a tree is a living organism that responds to its environment, yet alone will endeavour to recoup the energy lost through removal of material, or the energy required by the tree to seal wounds and survive human impact. Upon finding out, many a person lookes upon their tree(s) differently, and, alas, many a person does not give a toss, such as it is. (perhaps they should be charged what we refer to as 'wanker tax') One positive thing that may come with a slow down in the economy: many a person will not easily part with their cash to have superfluous work done to their trees!

Mind you, on that premise we might consider banning humans. oops, meant to quote re: as long as people use them for violence they should be banned.

5%, as you say.

We have used a company called Amenity & Horticultural Services Ltd. when we are overwhelmed with woodchip. They send an artic lorry,which we load, that takes about 25 tonnes. They pay a pittance at $4 a tonne. I am certain they make more out of it but I could not get them any higher than $4. (Need about a 14' reach to load) Contact was Charlie on 01797 252 728.

We sell mixed bag (cubic meter, bulders sac stylie) for £35, hardwood for £45, reductions come in at 3 bags. Transit load around £150. Plus vat though. Depending on quantity we do low price for unsplit cordwood for clients who like to play with chainsaws and axes:proud: We have wood/logs coming out of our ears, so if anyone wants any unsplit rings, and some lenghts, give us a shout. We are thinking to clear the lot, as we need to move yards. We were cleared out of tools in December, compliments of some thieving b******* who gas axed the shipping container and helped themselves on a cold windy night. Luckily for us we had taken the chipper home, so they did not get the prize, even if they took trailer and thirteen saws. It was a sad day, as you can imagine

I bet a case could be made against the seller if the knot failed.

A sterling job!

Looks warm, if not a bit slippery!

Shall we all bare with you? It's a bit nippy at present!

Ain't that the truth Ruth!

One cut his head off? Holy moly. How did that happen? There was a story in the news a few summers back:Apparently, a man was using a chainsaw on a ladder, his wife was suporting the ladder, or somesuch. The man lost his balance and swooped the saw in an arc and cut through his wife's head.

Mind you, then anything that can hurt people, including a piece of wood, may have to be banned. where does such banning lead? Tyranny? Oops, I should have read the whole thread first, my apologies.

I concur, 'feral scum', is a bit of a whitewash, too dismissive, too bland to be of use.

I live amongst farm land with ridden with rabbits, many of which are suffering with mixo, sad to see them incapacitated thus. Last summer my dog and I walked within inches of one. It was blind, defenceless, with much of its fur missing. The foxes have a hard time keeping up with the number of rabbits. Speaking of which the fox that hangs about the back garden/fields is wholesome (great coat) looking, unlike one I saw in town recently, mangy looking creature. My partner killed a rabbit with an air rifle last summer-clean shot through the base of its skull. I skinned,gutted and cooked it, pretty tasty. I chopped its head off with a hatchet- it was a perfect chop! (probably should not say that!). As for banning air rifles? If only it was that simple.

Good photos! Why was the Beech removed? We had a similar job early autumn, a Beech that was finished off with Merilipus gigantues. Lovely old tree, the last of four in a row.

Running your own business is hard work, little pleasure, certainly at first, very long hours, much to learn, expensive and risky. Worth it indeed. I think these gentlemen are simply letting you know what you are in for if you set up on your own. There is no guarantee of a solid wage, you are responsible for absolutely everything, it is a relatively expensive industry in terms of overheads & expenses, your life becomes thoroughly dominated by the business. There are ALWAYS things that need attending, and there is an abundance of competition. If you choose to set up with a partner, choose wisely as, it will bear a major influence on your life, day to day and in the long term. Good luck.

I concur, unless the clientele base is middle upper classes upwards, much tree work will fall in the luxury category. Who knows what the next year will turn out economically. I am working on premise of running a tight as possible ship so that whatever happens we can weather any storm.

Needed some luck, indeed! Fingers crossed that fortune wants to travel with us for a little while... Any thoughts on air spades?

Found someone!

How much do you think we should be offering someone who fulfills our requirements?

Although, not everyone is suited to working for themselves; hopefully, someone will come forward. I recently spoke with a gentleman who has been in the tree industry for 35 years, he said that good climbers are like gold dust, and he has only met perhaps ten in that many years.

Lol, indeed. One can hope.

Require 5 years experience unless unsually gifted (then 3 years), good craft/skill set, all necessary tickets, qualified to tow chipper/trailer, good work ethic, can do attitude to match ability to undertake any aspect of tree work, good tempered/team player, good customer service skills, presentable. Full time employment, salary negoitiable depending upon experience and skill set. Subbies welcome. Contact: [email protected]

Hello. I am looking for a skilled & experienced climber- our best arboriculturist is seriously ill- any help would be appreciated. I tried to post new thread/job but unable. I have only just signed up, perhaps, this is untoward, if so apologise. I/we require min. 5 years experience (unless unusually gifted then 3 yrs is fine), craft/high quality work essential, as are all necessary tickets and qualified to tow chipper/trailer, with cleanish licence).Must have skill to undertake any work presented. Full time employment, salary dependant upon skill and experience. Good understanding of tree biology, pathology and ident preferred. Must be presentable and have good customer service skills. Must love trees, tree work and be flexible with good work ethic. Mainly working Herts/Beds area with some working away (food & accommodation provided). If interested can respond via email: [email protected]