clima

Resurrection of an older thread but I looked at a very mature sycamore today of which the owner wishes to retain although it has two huge limbs almost overhanging a cottage nearby. Basically the tree will require at least a percentage of reduction in any case but at the base there are several growths of xylaria/ dead mans fingers.The roots and basal section of this affected area are ..as expected...very poor,rotted,hollowed. At the opposite side of the main stem where the huge limbs are situated,the wood is solid.My concern is that the tree may fall towards the cottage sooner rather than later without significant reduction taking place of which the owner is resisting.What is the experience any of you have had where xylaria are present? It is sacrobic I am aware, but would it act as a catalyst in the demise of the tree? The owner is in need of some convincing to undertake the work,I would like to be able to correctly suggest the effect the xylaria may have but have only seen it on dead stumps and branches up to now.As I know the people who live in the cottage it would be good to leave the owner more informed.He has estate workers who will deal with work on the tree.This question is more out of personal interest/learning.

Is this one of the she oaks ? Reminds me of some I saw in Australia. would be interesting if one of the experts could say what it is.

I am out in Adelaide at the moment for a couple of months staying with family,having a look at what the treework might be like etc.seems theres plenty of money in trees over here,certainly the guys I have spoken to suggest that the pay is good,a lot of work is done from mewps and cherrypickers etc, It would be worth getting a book on australian tree species , theres allsorts out here.....mind you, loads of eucalyptus so its not too bad.The heat is a shock to the system but you get used to it,I am not here to work but in the current temperature it would be uncomfortable in chainsaw trousers etc....would be an exciting prospect though to work around places and to see parts of Oz...loads of wildlife and a good experience. Some excellent trees to climb if thats what you are doing here,some really good ones around. Enjoy your stay.....its a good place to be.

Hi Adam...good luck with everything mate and hope you get sorted.I passed through kuala Lumpur over a week ago on way to Oz,not like Scottish weather there is it !!! ?? very very hot ... have a good xmas and as I said,hope you get sorted soon.

Hi Atree.....hope things still going good over there ... yep a pm is fine Tilia,I have been down in Devon/Cornwall but back up in Galloway for now. (Be prepared to travel all over the place for the best experience or rather the widest experience where you can also benefit from different peoples opinions,their experience,and what is relevant to a particular region or location. Having climbing cert will open up more opportunities and may be pretty much a requirement to develop your own interests). ok mate just pm and I will point you in the direction of some local-ish people who may be able to give you that experience you are looking for.I am off to Australia for a while in a couple of weeks so wont have time to do much before then apart from direct you on to active eco arbs and give you other relevant information/ links. Hope thats ok.

Just to add to that ....I have used one for years made from an old hammer head with a wood planing blade in front...its kind of a hybrid between both,the blade is super sharp and crisp cutting and the weight from the partial hammer head gives excellent balance and drive. The commercial equal would cost a lot in a shop,this type of adze is good to use....very good.

Hi Matty If its of any value to your purpose I have climbed daily on samson arbormaster over past couple of winters in all weathers mainly in the Scottish highlands and Northumberland where it was good to have a rope that gives good grip and other qualities even in bad snow and ice etc; unlike other ropes I had used previously,arbormaster keeps its "feel" regardless of conditions,very good grip,also does not suffer from milking and other issues like some other ropes might. once the newness wears off it stays with the same feel to it consistently. excellent rope. Dont know what its like using gloves as I never wear em but a workmate does and he reports the same qualities.

We can all go at it the hard way,but wisdom is a good thing.We have all done flat out climbing/cutting in frustrating conditions under pressure to finish the job and move on....anything that makes the job easier and quicker is welcome.I also climb a lot of trees in very poor condition to survey for bats and birds,often just prior to a cutting team so that they can actually carry out their work on the day so speed and a thorough survey of every part of the tree is essential,.....believe me there are times when these reach gadgets are very useful on such trees, though most trees should be straight forward to climb.How many times have we seen blokes using a snapped off twig or branch to do the same thing. Its just about sensibly using what is a useful tool, although the tool is a good idea,it could do with some modifications to make it even better...... it promotes efficiency,speed,safety,.... I think they are essential elements for any business concerning trees. (Once I get my credit card unblocked I"ll have one...)! Enjoy work,hard or easy.cheers.

I made a similar thing last year out of a camera mono pod rest,telescopic to 2m when extended,was excellent to use but kept modifying the hook as it caught on everything.very useful for reaching ropes and for placing them over a particular branch where growth prevented an easy throw.Has several uses. 1m is not much use though,needs to be 2m really.stein do one at 2m for about £34 I think. well worth having one to save time and make things much easier all round,really useful.

Hi,as with any site you just have to ensure there are no protected species present...legally.Basically if nests(or other protected species) are not present and its not a listed protected site/ssi,then there should be no issue of concern.No nests=yes to work.The law is all about disturbance to species and how work might affect the local/wider population of species.(If you want to be 'safer'then consult with local wildlife group/RSPB/Natural England etc and record any interaction with them for proof of responsible work ethics/good practice), but really should be ok,especially at this time of year.For mitigation purposes you can state that there is adequate alternative foraging and cover in the vicinity,in fact you may be promoting new growth or foraging potential for the future.Hope that helps.

Best to begin with is Sycamore,beech or young/medium aged ash....older ash becomes darkened and has other issues which make a board less saleable for the "professional" maker.Ensure wood is seasoned or it is likely to split etc.Be aware that oak looks good but the dust from sanding is quite damaging to you.Kiln or natural dried doesnt matter.If for food use avoid usual non poisonous oils like danish oil due to nut allergies,use veg oil but it can create a"bloom"where grain becomes discoloured if not used regularly.

Good on you for making an effort to find employment and advertise your experience/certs.That deserves credit when many other people your age just give up.Its just a clear decision of gaining experience now and be in a good position with more certs by the time you would have finished uni....by which time you may have become a useful member of a team and perhaps your efforts have paid off.Look at groundie jobs and learn to climb asap,try directly contacting good companies who may help you get more certs.

Just to add to the previous info,attendance at ALL properly designed courses are evidence that you have made efforts to educate yourself on the subject.BCT do run more specific courses which may help TOWARDS getting a licence in the future but the more usual approach to date is that you undertake appropriate training..i.e.courses etc; AND have a percentage of "hands on" practical experience also.It may take some time to achieve all necessary experience/training but is worth pursuing even if just for interest and knowledge.