AA Teccie (Paul)

Yes, legally, and simplistically...and you would be expected to abate the nuisance and repair the damage / compensate the land owner. Could you try a "hearts n minds" approach and propose a compromise in terms of flexible resurfacing. Regards, Paul PS Replied as former TO.

In the interests of education there's no benefit, biologically / physiologically, to the tree and probably quite the opposite. However it would seem apparent defects / hazards were present, dead branches and the like, and if these were deemed to present a risk (an unacceptable risk) to MoPs etc. then the owner / manager has instructed a 'heavy reduction' (AKA topping / lopping) and certainly exceeding the level / does of pruning implied in BS3998. Increasingly, particularly in rural'ish settings and woodlands etc. natural fracture wounds are used to benefit habitat and deemed, by some, more aesthetically pleasing to look at (see below.) So, in answer to your original question - probably risk management (often over applied, i.e. "just in case" ) Cheers n gud'on'ya fer askin Paul

2nd'ed!

The tree appears to be situated in the highway / footpath / verge and hence the Local Authority should be able to confirm the species...along with being involved in any decision making about the future of the tree...or rather "the building." Regards, Paul

Small trees often make bigger trees and, in the right hands, knowledge is power and can result in correct foundation construction being engineered to avoid future problems. IME Elms are on the "be cautious" list for surveyors / engineers etc...even though less frequently encountered these days The tree looks great and hopefully it's value in enhancing the street scene is recognized. Cheers, Paul

Alongside several other features, and hence why an arboriculturist should be engaged, the leaf base isn't asymmetrical (see https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/common-non-native-trees/english-elm/ )

Hi all, just a quick 'heads up' that the FREE October workshop event is at Sparsholt College, Winchester. For further info and booking see https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=32AB2EB1-F48F-4A7C-9233-4A0895043BBE Hoping to meet you there Paul

Yep, albeit don't try the link as it don't work anymore but if anyone's interested, and as I said it's shelved not binned, it was called 'R2' (Register of Tree Work Operatives) http://www.amlane.co.uk/sector-updates/registeroftreeworkoperativesislaunched ..."a step-wise progression" - what a great turn of phrase, wish I could come up with stuff like that! Cheers.. Paul

I don't think most colleges offer assessments these days so "pass rates" are actually more related to student nos. = "bums on seats" = income. Regarding the term 'competence', that isn't used any more being replaced by qualification or 'licence to practice' and thereafter, in the workplace, skills will be practices and honed and maybe after a 2 year period someone will have attained a level of competency...and maybe 2-3 years later they'll be a proficient operator (an ICoP term.) The Association did develop a system to take account of a whole range of facets associated with operator development from trainee arborist - master arborist, and several in between, which included training / quals / experience / time served / knowledge etc., all of which had to be validated / signed-off by an authorized person, e.g the employer. Sadly the industry never really bought into it and hence it has been shelved Cheers, Paul

Practically, and if you feel 'aerial' tree work is the way forward, what was CS39 (aerial cutting of trees using free-fall techniques) might be a next step. Alternatively, or additionally, you may wish to consider some form of theoretical learning, i.e. with a Land-based college or ISA Certified Arborist, a great founding to improve your understanding of trees and how to best work with them. Good luck.. Paul

Craig, I acknowledge that is (too) often the case but equally it may contribute to better staff retention. However, it was more to do with ensuring climbers, and in fact all staff, have the capabilities to undertake whatever tasks / jobs you require of them...training and quals. are the 'driving test' equivalents which the employer is required to invest in (if it's H&S related of course.)

PS one further thing here (sorry) regardless of training / qualifications / experience etc., all of which are very relevant, but HSE would primarily consider 'capability' of the individual and are absolutely clear that regardless of the afore mentioned issues the employer carries the can here in the event of an incident / accident. Hence at a cost of £124 p/h (HSE Fees For Intervention (FFI) for investigating a material H&S breach) or worse if a prosecution, that employer investment of ''time/money" is probably well spent. P.

Wise words Craig and one would hope that safety culture is embedded such that everyone in the business feels a responsibility to everyone else (perhaps a bit idealistic but it should be the employers intention.) This was team leaders / supervisors have a responsibility to mentor and train, alongside managers and employers, and hopefully as a collective things / safety can move forward. Regarding the "time/money" issue, if an employer feels the issue is important enough he/she will invest such after all an expected outcome would be a more proficient climber / operator surely. IMHO/E age, and associated responsibilities / dependents, is a factor on an individual level as to what degree of risk one is prepared to expose oneself to...and that's often a part of our development and, hopefully, continued progression through the industry...not to suggest it's a good idea of course (exposing yourself to, higher than you need to, levels of risk.) Cheers, n hope you're well, Paul

...and don't forget that once you're VAT registered getting, and maintaining, ARB Approval will cost you 20% less AND, as mentioned, some commercial clients, another benefit of being approved, seek contractors who are VAT registered so they can off-set their VAT costs..."win-win" situation However, I do acknowledge a level playing field across the board with all businesses paying VAT would seem a fairer system...as indeed it would if all businesses were 'ARB Approved' (aspirational I know but "hey-ho") Cheers, Paul

Hi John, I do apologise, this slipped me by completely. I'm at Buckfast, kinda between Exeter n Plymouth (juts off A38) in December - see https://www.trees.org.uk/Training-And-Events/Course-Detail?id=A775F7D1-91A8-4581-B365-3D67A73318E7 Cheers, n hope to see you there.. Paul

They've introduced an alternative phrase now to try to reinforce the message that you've just passed your driving test, in effect. It's "License to Practice", no mention of the word 'competent' (except in PUWER, Reg. 9.) Interestingly HSE have a very pragmatic approach with chainsaw etc. competence essentially saying that regardless of what 'tickets' an operator my have its the employers responsibility to ensure they are (truly) competent, and capable, of undertaking whatever work is assigned. However, in the event of an accident / incident resulting in a prosecution if there aren't any tickets in place they'll certainly "throw that in the mix." Regarding 'Welfare' provision, my discussions with HSE have said 5 days or more you should have a mobile welfare unit available, or a suitable facility elsewhere etc., upto 5 days..."back to nature" (or front maybe ) Cheers all, Paul

Hi all, The previously 'open' resource, mainly H&S stuff inc. some RA forms etc., is now a member benefit. Hence in order to access this you would need to join at least at Ordinary Member grade (see https://www.trees.org.uk/Membership/Grades/Ordinary cost £65 per year and includes FREE access to the ARB Show, plus some other stuff.) Respectfully, another thing to be aware of is often copies of the AA RA system are shared / distributed, "fair enough", but recipients often don't understand how the system works, e.g. how the sites specific cross-references with the generics and vica versa, and how to maintain / update it, and hence they may potentially trip themselves up by not doing something they commit to by adopting the system. Just FYI and not trying to sell you a 1-day course covering such. Cheers all n have a good weekend, Paul

Thanks Khriss, many do, particularly when recommending comtractors to tree owners, which is great but still much work to do. With their own tree works it's often a "chicken n eggs situation, ie enough good contractors get ARB Approved n they start using it as a benchmark n specifying it in tenders etc. Thanks for your post. Paul

"Ouch," that hurt Indeed many arguments (reasons) "for and against" but the huge frustration for me is that most bona-fide 'arb' businesses I speak to would welcome regulation for the industry to marginalize the unscrupulous contractors(?) who plaque our industry, it's reputation and often the ability to charge accordingly for a professional service. 'ARB Approval', in reality, is the nearest we're ever going to get, as Central Gvnmt. will never intervene, and hearing decision makers and specifiers think ARB Approved Contractors are too expensive is a negative thing...that's the cost of compliance Thanks for your post, and your candour which I do appreciate. ATB, Paul

"Ouch," that hurt Indeed many arguments (reasons) "for and against" but the huge frustration for me is that most bona-fide 'arb' businesses I speak to would welcome regulation for the industry to marginalize the unscrupulous contractors(?) who plaque our industry, it's reputation and often the ability to charge accordingly for a professional service. 'ARB Approval', in reality, is the nearest we're ever going to get, as Central Gvnmt. will never intervene, and hearing decision makers and specifiers think ARB Approved Contractors are too expensive is a negative thing...that's the cost of compliance Thanks for your post, and your candour which I do appreciate. ATB, Paul

2nd'd! Good post Timon, Paul

Whilst it sounds like business is going well, very well, staff recruitment, and retention, is an increasingly challenging issue for employers. Anecdotally there is some evidence to indicate that ARB Approved Contracting businesses have more success here, albeit not all. Coincidentally, and acknowledging it's very much the "11th hour" (+), I'm delivering a FREE 'Introduction and Preparation' Workshop at Writtle College tomorrow (noting you're Chelmsford based.) If this may be of interest, and you're looking for an opportunity to escape the sun for a day, please come along and join me (9:30am in the Joseph Tucker Suite, Essex Conference Centre (next to the cafeteria.) Good luck with your recruitment drive..! Paul

2nd'ed...or maybe that's 3rd'ed or even 4th'ed (if Mr Dempsey counts )

commonly grafted on Crategus too..

i.e. 2010, but was actually in planning portal guidance from 2008 (circa) see attached. guidance_note-works_to_trees.pdf