Silver Back

Mmmm think it is a bit more complicated than that, all that follows is opinion, and I am happy to be corrected on points.... No Lantra update as yet unless I have missed it. Problem has all started with defination of "independent" assessment. This no longer means 3rd party without a vested interest. It now means separate from the training. So as long as the trainee is being told that he is being assessed, that is separate from the training, even though it is the same person assessing him. OK it would appear Lantra & NPTC (or City and Guilds) are offering the same products, however, a current Lantra Trainer will have to do a "how to assess" course, cost £300+VAT even if he is a current NPTC Assessor. Ergo a current NPTC Assessor will have to do a 2 day "how to train and how to use a "Digi-pen"" course £300 + VAT for course and £300+VAT for pen (which actually increases the paperwork, but we won't go there!) The pen thing, is a joy to behold, not. The only people to have a foot in both camps, are the Verifiers, most Trainers & Assessors who are both are likely to choose 1, or spend twice? Also NPTC can't offer the insurance for the training element, so this has to be separate, and can't actually offer the training although sweeteners by Husky including vouchers for sucessful candidates, instruction manuals etc are part of the deal. Why because the industry tells us via the NOS (National Occupational Standards) set by the Trees & Timber Group (??) that this is what we want Ads & Disads, well chainsaw units will no longer be denoted by CS, possibly cheaper courses, trainees are hand-held until they become "competent" candidates, confusion of what qualifications mean what to employers/insurance industry/public & clients

Hi, Should be Capel Manor in the Autumn, more-than-probably likely October, please contact ISA office to register [email protected] should work

Sorry that sent too quick........ So Certified Arborist, ISA and the Certificate of Arboriculture with the RFS are on a par knowledge wise. One of the many advantages with the ISA, is that it is recognised globally, requires continuing education to maintain the credential. The exam has recently been changed in that the plant identification has been modified to testing botantical keys instead - leaf shape etc You will also need to contact the Chapter office to get a free download of the safety and legislation chapters pertinent to the UK. Although some of the American terms have slipped though in this years exam paper, we strive to look at the questions and make them relevant to the country that holds the exam. Hope this helps, please feel free to ask more.........

Hi, it is a valid question. To sit the Certified Arborist exam you need to; have 1 year academic study/or apprentice scheme or 3 years experience

that is such a good tip! Thanks Moreton

Damn good effort Sir!

I imported a stump grinder when £1=$2, importing is no big deal, for certain equipment it is zero VAT. So some say support UK market, well lets face when does some of this equipment come from?? CE marks well I think Honey Bros used to get away with stating on their invoice that the standards were equivilent or exceed those required for CE marking. Freighter & Craterts were the company I used, incredible service.

Right time for a rant, been doing conifers all day....... Well I for one will stand up and defend the Bartletts' approach, too easy to suffer from tall poppy syndrome. I certainly don't hear any complaints when Barchams do their seminars. I don't consider any sales pitch from them, I climb trees, what were they trying to sell me??? They turn up basically saying this is who we are, what we do, and what we have found out. Whatever your view, this is one the the world's biggest arb companies who put a huge amount of time, energy and resource into research. The only vested interest that is in common with these forward thinking companies is in getting the knowledge out there. This approach effects each and everyone one of us by raising the bar of the profession, in advising of best practise, improving working methods, sponsorships, oh hold on better tree management etc. If they kept their info and didn't share what would you know?

Hi Island, Well done on being a Certified Arborist, which in itself shows commitment to the global arb industry and general care for trees. In the UK we are expected to show certificates on competence on the use of equipment as well as knowledge of our health & safety requirements. Assessment schedules are freely available online, I can supply you a link, or more info if you want

Good advice and relevant to many tropical timbers, not just splinters but dust etc too. Another thought is that that tree is able to deposit minerals within the wood, so chainsaws will blunt, seem to remember silca being one that is commonly found.

Very good, might even have to get a helmet cam

Must've been about 10 years ago I was there spent a year climbing. Teeescape are a really good first point of call, great company BUT they know how to keep you down. To them you just work and if you break there's always more. After having enough of them, I went on the road and wherever I stopped phoned the local companies via yellow pages, might be worth contacting councils inadvance to see if they have an opinion or even local approved list. Treefellas another Auckland based company were great too. If you are an ISA member look up other members in NZ

Hope all wrong, my educated guess is purplehart, Peltogyne spp It is an incredible wood and if you've just done it for firewood you've missed an opportunity. The tree grows in Guyana and as well as great beauty has great strength too. Has uses from diving boards, cart wheel spokes, counter tops, cabinet making

I would just double check to see if you are definately getting a Lantra instructor/course. More-than-likely you would, had a slight issue with them before, in the description of a course

Hey like this thread. Taupotreeman like your style.... So my go, Depends on mood and, hugely unprofessionally, how preety she is!! To get you to another place, or foot in the door, to show that you can do a good job, I may do a job cheap. Although judge this carefully whenever someone says they can get you in here, or we'll use you again it rarely happens, and then do they think that you are cheap?? Probably. A customer will always say "can you just" either build it in to your original quote or say "Yes, I'll just get pen & paper and quote you properly" Good quote from someone I recently met from a different industry "reassuring expensive"

Nylon mallet is invaluable, VTA course. Need some qualifications AA recommends as a minimum for inspection a level 3 course such as the Tech Cert. Don't forget the PI insurance think it's about £250 for £500,000

more pictures less text, and/or split the leaflet into 3, reasons, types of operations & good contractor requirements

Hi, Just so I not missing anything you have contacted EAC?? There is an agreement between the ISA & EAC that does indeed allow the recognition of each others qualification so; ISA Certified Arborist + ISA Tree Worker = European Tree Worker = ISA CA & ISA TW if you are ISA you need to apply to EAC, and visa versa. In your case please refer to EAC via the following link EAC - Any problems, I know a man...... Hope this helps.

Prenty good advice there. State-side you may need to consider ISA Certified Arborist, European Tree Worker is becoming popular on the continent, get awarded one and you can apply for the other without sitting the exam. Do not under estimate your abilities and know where to watch and learn. Arb jobs may be able to help, persoally this time of year try NZ & OZ, Treescape in NZ are an incredible outfit.

Houghall for me too!

The ISA are the only one to to Certified Arborist, just depends on where you are in the industry. So briefly Certified Arborist; over 24,000 world wide, has always had CPD in the form of Continuing Educational Units as an ethics statement that has to be signed, as it is enforced described as a level 2 qualification that requires level 3 knowledge you can be certified an not be an ISA member believe some Local Authorities are promoting Certified Arborists alongside AA Approved Contractors, we would obviously like all to do! any further questions please pm me, we are also to looking to re-launch this next year with a more all encompassing approach - more news later

As a brief answer to the merger, yes the membership did overwhelming vote in favour. The devil would be in the detail, the industry has a place for both organisations. I believe that they are moving closer together in more of a common understanding small steps in the right direction approach. Personally not sure if an outright merger would be a positive one, and realise this is getting off topic a bit. Might have to start another one! So back to the thread, ISA would charge in the form of membership benefits for the research etc, however Barchams free seminars often have speakers that include may companies/organisations

Is it necessary for dehumidifers? They tend to work slower than kilns, part of the problem with a kiln is that they alomost cook the timber to get rid of the moisture, dehum's will draw the moisture out slower. You could also control to some degree the process by the sticks you use - size and spacing