AA Teccie (Paul)

"Age is just a number"...it's how you feel on the day that counts (some days I feel 52 and some days I feel...62 ) Paul

Sorry, "a bit late in the day" acknowledged but hopefully "better late than never" Arboricultural Association - AA Logo released to Qualified Members This recognizes an individual person's (qualified) membership status of the Association and is not an accreditation, i.e. it is not ARB Approved Contractor. cheers all, Paul

I'd suggest common Lime (Tilia xeuropea) with the typical 'epicormic bush' at the base and, unfortunately, but not uncommon, decline / dieback in the upper crown. PS questionable protective fencing in situ. PPS Gud'on'ya for taking the initiative n going to site early

Hi, "fair comment," however not sure it's British Law per se but interpretation of guidance and opinion on what is a tree? When you say 75mm at GL (ground level) is that the case as usually it's measured at 1.5m AGL (ABOVE ground level)? Cheers Paul

Hi all, next one on the ARB Approved "roadshow" event calendar is at Barchams, Ely. A FREE event, for further information and booking please see Arboricultural Association - Course Detail OR email me back of course. Remember this event now qualifies for 5 ISA CEUs...and 6 hrs AA CPD of course. Thanks all Paul

:thumbup:

Understood, but thought it might be useful to have it (the published guidance) included in the thread as a point of reference. Agreed that the TO will largely determine what is a tree but having knowledge of the guidance to perhaps influence such might be useful. Semantics perhaps, but I differentiate between a hedge, typically a line of beech / cypress / laurel etc. usually planted on a property boundary, or close to, and maintained / trimmed maybe 2-3 times a year, and a hedgerow, typically occurring in a rural setting to define field boundaries and species including hawthorn / blackthorn / elder etc. Obviously there can be an overlap on the edge of towns but I think the distinction is worthy of note. Clearly (distinct) trees can occur in either situation and may well be subject to legal controls TPO / CA / FC. Thoughts out loud. Cheers, Paul PS Elder TPO'd, what next...Cherry Laurel?

I know this relates to TPOs but the essence is the same of CAs, i.e. hedges are not (normally) covered: Can shrubs and hedges be protected by a Tree Preservation Order? Authorities may only use an Order to protect anything that may ordinarily be termed a tree. This would not normally include shrubs, but could include, for example, trees in a hedge or an old hedge which has become a line of trees of a reasonable height. The removal of countryside hedgerows is regulated under different legislation. See guidance on tree size in conservation areas. Paragraph: 012 Reference ID: 36-012-20140306 Revision date: 06 03 2014 However, if they haven't been managed over the years and have become a distinct, important and visible "line of trees' maybe.. Cheers Paul

I don't know the legal position here but it would seem quite reasonable to ask if there's anything you need to know from a work / task deployment situation to safeguard all involved. Further, maybe a softly, softly approach, at least in the first instance, might be appropriate as it could be something you end up wholly sympathizing with. Further, and at the right moment etc etc, nothing wrong with making sure how disruptive it was and the impact it had on the day. Lastly, at least he did let you know. Cheers, Paul

Hi Si, ARB Approved Contractor could help you put a structure and system / procedures in place too. 12 April I'm delivering at prep workshop (FREE) at Barcham's so might be worth trying to get along see Arboricultural Association - Course Detail People have mentioned Tony and Chris, both of whom are assessors on the scheme, the other option is Paul Elcoat, another scheme assessor. Good luck with it all, Paul

BUMP...for Reaseheath College Go'on, don't bother what "the chimp" says, you know you want to Hope to see you there, Paul PS Remember this is a FREE event and it qualifies for CPD & CEUs (5hrs & 4hrs respectively)

...and then 10 in the 'basket' (MEWP)

Hi ALex, and "welcome" Firstly - congratulations for recognizing "where you're at" and understanding "where you want to be" (riddles anyone?) Basically what I'm trying to say is gud'on'ya fer recognizing that competence, in the true sense of the word, and proficiency (a term used in the industry ICoP) come from "time served." This is variable but a min. of 2 yrs I would suggest. Secondly - what fantastic and encouraging replies from everyone here and some good ideas how / what to improve too. Thirdly - following on form above, it might be worth a visit to the ARB Show in May (Westonbirt Arboretum) to both observe new techniques / equipment and ask questions to (some) industry experts...and of course to meet many of the good people above and buy them a pint...and 12 straws Well done, enjoy and good luck with everything...AND climb safe (the single most important part of competence.) Cheers Paul

Yeah, so I recall. I think last year was better and I'm sure Tiff mentioned further "discussions" for this year...fingers crossed Cheers Paul

Looks like thy lid has been "in service " for a little while anyway so changing it, perhaps considering a better colour that doesn't clash with your 'designer stubble' , would be in order me thinks. Still looks bloody sore...ouch. Tc n speedy recovery Paul

Hi,the ARB Show, not to be missed of course , is at Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire (near Tetbury) Hope to see you there. Cheers Paul

I wholly see your point here Mick..."onist!" (pragmatist to the core) My point is that wherever we remove a tree, and that should ideally always be the last option, we should aim to replace it, as a general principle. The SBs are relatively short lived compared to Syccie so I do think that is / was a viable proposal here. Hope yer well, Paul PS "getting triggered" = new to me (perhaps I need to get out more)

"Makes perfick business sense" dunnit, and, regardless of the technicalities (did I just say that??? ), and in these particular circumstances, i.e. trees previously 'topped', provided the customer is advised / informed accordingly, it might be perfickly acceptable to them. Feel quite rebellious just now Paul

...and be sure to replacement plant with new SBs and let them be next time

Clearly you shudda been working for a "caring" employer like Ben "Ibuleve" anyone Cheers, Paul

Hi Steve, an interesting comment. This approach is deemed as preventative and its also an employer duty (management regs.) The reality is that the work we, you, do does cause stresses on the body and to ignore that would be considered negligent by an employer. Cheers, n hope you're well. Paul

Hi Ben, hope yer well. Remember its not only about being a caring employer, but that's a very good premise for starters, but also about legal compliance too So, HAVS - you can do the Stage 1 assessment in-house using the 'initial' form on the HSE website see Hand arm vibration - Health surveillance and if nothing flags up then repeat annually using the 'annual' form. If anything does flag up it should go to a suitably qualified / competent OHS for the Stage 2 assessment (not a GP.) Noise is a little more challenging and the only real way to do this effectively is by accessing a audiometry unit, often mobile. However, as a first stage indicator you could use the online hearing test at Action on Hearing Loss seehttps://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/your-hearing/look-after-your-hearing/check-your-hearing/take-the-check.aspx and record the outcome. This should however be supplemented every 3rd year I would suggest by a formal hearing test such as Boots, for instance, offer and a record of findings obtained. Hope this helps. Paul

:lol::lol: just don't mention my name...n don't "shout" too loud

Indeed, and I think he was very reluctant about the whole thing but recognized that if he didn't produce a model the insurance industry themselves would...YIKES! Cheers Gary Paul

"hey, get me a drink...NOW" Sorry, just got to dash off as my Birch tree's shouting for a drink This term, as I recall, has been challenged before recognizing that tree roots are opportunistic and whilst they will exploit a moisture source if one is present they don't actively seek out / "demand" water. I think 'usage' was the preferred term. Similarly, Mr Heuch will doubtless be along shortly to "put me right!" Cheers Chris, hope yer well.. Paul