launchster

Hi,I've just seen a recent post of someone trying to find a borer. I know they are used for taking samples, but what do you do with the samples? Can they be tested for certain diseases? Many thanks

Thank you, thats very interesting. I will recommend that to them. Maybe its possible to have a chalk bedrock, with clay superficial. Then i suppose it would depend on the depth of the footings as to what they are sitting on.

Hi guys, does anyone know what a VISCAT assessment is in relation to soil type and subsidence and how it works? A friends neighbour has had a subsidence survey done, because they believe the cracks that have appeared in their house are due to my friends sycamore tree, which is on the boundary. It is fairly close to the house, but i personally cant see that the tree is the issue, i think its just become the scapegoat. We are at the foot of the downs, so therefore on chalk, which i always thought was pretty permeable, so i didnt think soil shrinkage would be a huge problem. Whats strange is at the beginning of the survey there is a geology report in which they state the local area is permeable chalk, yet by the end of the survey, the blame is due to clay shrinkage. Is it possible to have both, i'm no expert. I might be being cynical but it seems the tree removal is their first step, as its an easy fix and my friend is being lumbered with the bill. Then if it doesn't solve the problem, they'll investigate further

Perfect mate, that is what i will do. Sounds very realistic!

Thanks guys, yeah it does seem like alot of faff for such a small job. Think i will contact the council see what they suggest, and see if i can get a realistic solution from them,that they'd be happy with. Hopefully just stop/go boards. I'm happy to block a lane for a bit, its just this particular road it feels wrong,its busy and tight and just on a bend. We used to set up in single lanes all the time when i was working in the borders, just feels like you're more in the way down in the built up south!

Hi, i've been asked to price for my first roadside job. I just wondered, who do i have to apply to and for what as far as finding out if stop/go boards will be enough or if traffic lights are needed? And to gain permission either way. It seems silly as the tree is only 15ft and more ivy than tree, but it has fallen and is leaning against a phone pole. The other side of the phone pole is a busy road. I could guy line the tree and reduce it from the garden side, but obviously i cant take the risk of it going wrong and landing in the road. Thanks in advance

I went through a stage of struggling with the VT, knew exactly how to tie it but it just didnt look right. I find now, the best thing is to tie it,put some weight on it and twist the whole hitch round the climbing line until it looks right

Ok cool, i see what you mean. Version 2 coming up! Thanks

I attach it to my hitchclimber with a second krab in the top hole, so that adds another 4" or so, probably should have taken the photo with that. I noticed since you said,that alot of people tend to have them connected straight to the hitchclimber via the krab that the hitch is tied to so are longer. Might try that

Gotcha, i know what you're saying. I think its just about ok, but i will double check. Just started playing with srt, think its going to take a little while to adjust, but its exciting! Cheers

Due to my inability to splice and dislike of spending money, this is my homemade stiff tether. 8mm hitch cord, with a fishermans knot at each end. Stiffened with a piece of hose and tidied up with gaffa tape. Seems to work well at the min:thumbup1:

Check out the barony college in dumfries. Thats pretty close. Did my 32 and 39 there.

that's great thanks. I think the advice about staying close to the stem is important, and it seems to be a natural reaction anyway.

Man, thats is nice and dead! Big tree.

Thats a felling cut in it as well

Great advice, i know to much confidence can be a bad thing, but its funny how a few replies from people with more experience can make you feel better lol

Yeah thats it, mind over matter!maybe i'll wait for the next storm then get up it the next day

Thanks for that, i think you're right. Its probably a mix between experience, being sensible and a bit of guts lol. Also the thought of taking the job on, then backing out lol. Gota get over it

Hi guys. I'm just looking for thoughts on climbing dead and dying trees. I've been climbing for about 5years, but for a company. So whenever there was a dodgy tree, the boss dealt with it. Now i have my own company and so am calling the shots myself. I tend to air on the side of caution with most things (not so gun ho!) I've had a look at a dying poplar, its approx 1.5m diameter base and stems into 3 pieces about 7ft up, then goes to about 90ft in height. One stem looks more dead then the others. I'm not after advice on this specific tree as i know it cant be given without seeing it. Is just there is no access for a suitable mewp, to far to reach with a crane (even just to tie into) There is space to fell it in 3 pieces just above the forks if i can find a strong winch base. I guess i'm just looking for thoughts on when a tree isnt safe to climb in personal opinions. If a tree has died fairly recently and the site allows for a climber to cut and chuck (no stresses from rigging, or dropping huge pieces from a hinge cut) do you think the climbers weight makes much difference to the tree if say its still standing after fairly strong winds etc.

I'm just going through the process of public liability etc. At the moment I have cs 30 31 32 38 39, but not 41. apparently my insurance covers me for what I am qualified to do, therefore if I touch any sort of rigging before I do cs 41 I wont be covered. as far as learning on the job, yes that is the case, but without proper training I bet some (not all) of that is learning by trial and error, I'd rather do a course trained by a professional with modern techniques, than pick up someone else bad habits.