lyle

Thanks for replies people, cleared a few things up for me

Hi everyone I'm starting a 2 year course at Merrist Wood in 4 weeks time and I'm lodging there 7 days a week. I'll be studying 3 days a week so I was thinking if theres anyone in the Guildford/Worplesdon area who needs a hand I'll be happy to help. Doesn't matter if it's 4 days a week (most I can do) or just every now and then. I'm also happy to work for any money, it's just to tie me over while I'm at College. Thanks, Jamie

Thanks for the reply mate. You've got a point there, no need to get a TV if you can just use the laptop. My normal phone is 3 megapixel like yours but it seems to be really bad quality, I think the camera screen must be scratched. My brother's old phone however, has an 8 megapixel and he doesn't use it anymore, that'd do the trick wouldn't it. Once again thanks for the help.

Hi everyone, I'm starting a 2 year National Diploma in Arboriculture in 4 weeks and I've just got a few minor questions to ask, hopefully there's some guys on this forum who went there and boarded, who could help On the paperwork it says I need to bring a digital camera but a the camera on a phone will do. I'm not sure what to do, go and buy a camera or just use my phone? Or does it really not matter? I don't really want to be the odd one out and end up with bad quality pictures compared to everyone else say if I just used my phone and they all brought digital cameras. And from your experience what are the best electrical items to have in your room, as anyone that boarded there probably knows, you're allowed 5 electrical items max. Is a good idea to take a little fridge, toaster then a Tv and laptop? Not sure about the last one yet. Sorry if I seem a bit like I'm over-thinking about these things and that it really doesn't matter I'd just like to have things as best as possible for me as its the first time I'm moving away from home and I will be there 2 years. If anyone could just give me some advice and tell me what worked out best for them that would be great Also, even though I'm really not knowing what to expect I'm starting to look forward to it especially as the starting date gets closer and closer. Is it a good laugh at Merrist Wood? What are your experiences from there? Thanks, Jamie

you'd be cut to pieces!!

Hmm round my area I very rarely see a tree firm.. I'f I do the chances are its a little company from not round here or its the South Bucks Tree Surgeons who do all the big council jobs etc.. My boss and the few other Tree Surgeons round here are loving it! However, I have noticed quite a few firms (we've worked with a few) that say they're Tree Surgeons but really all they can do is prune the tiny trees and trim hedges and I guess these lot are definitely on the increase! I suppose it's different for different areas as Uxbridge and Hillingdon round there is absolutely heaving with tree men, every 2nd van is towing a chipper!

I'm just looking for a bit of advice into whether or not the National Diploma Course at Merrist Wood is worth me doing anymore? I've read the old thread on the quality of Merrist Wood at the moment and the fact that a lot of people are coming out of the course without learning much at all.. If I went in there wight the right attitude, made notes as much as possible and tried my hardest to learn would this be worth doing,as I know the qualification is useful itself but I'd just like to know some opinions of everyone here which would be handy because everyone here seems to be very experienced Cheers

Wing Chun is absolutely brilliant for this kind of work, buildsallyour corse muscles up especially those in the back and without knowing it drills good posture, very good for all the joints as well absolutely no stress on them what so ever. Can't think of a better hobby on the side for a Tree Surgeon.. I only quit because it was too expensive!

I've found that they only really give you trouble when a load of stuff gets caught under the cap then it can be a bummer, one time I was filling the climber's saw up and thought i had screwed it in correctly but when he pulled the saw up the fuel went everywhere he weren't a happy bunny! I'm also double checking now..

Those are some amazing pictures mate

the meer thought of what those blades would do to me always stops me from putting my hands anywhere relatively close to those rollers!

haha you guys do give me a chuckle Even though I'm fairly new to the job and only a sprout as some like to say, I still love the job because I'm outside getting fresh air and exercise, having a laugh with the lads, watching some brilliant things like 100ft trees being felled AND watching our climber doing his job in awe every day knowing that with the right attitude and approach I'll be doing that one day

Nah, although I've seen those boys around a few times.. I work for a small company called Pinewood Tree Care

The firm I work for took down a few trees in a car park owned by Windsor Castle, that's the closest to famous we've done lol..

Hi all, Just registered onto the forum.. Working full time at the moment and hoping to get onto the Nationional Diploma course at Merrist Wood this September and get the qualifications to become a climber. Little ambition never hurt anyone However, I'm not the most experienced at the minute as the guys at work have literally no time to teach me anything I'm just teaching myself by watching although, I do a bit of cutting and I'm normally the chipperman lol.. Lyle

Hi mate, I'm 17 and currently working full time for a local Tree Firm 6 days a week 7am-4/6pm and I only get £35 a day, before it was only 30.. As long as you're a beginner like I, enjoying the job and learning more every day then why bother complaining? We all know that in the long run if your ambition is to become a climber then the job can be very rewarding.. I'm just throwing in my 2 pence.. Also, would you be kind as to give me some info on the ND arb course at Merrist Wood? I'm currently in the application process Cheers Lyle