AA Teccie (Paul)

Hmmm, depends how you interpret the PUWER regs, which is a statutory instrument, i.e. tis the law. Reg 9 talks about training n uses the word "should have" in relation to chainsaw qualifications, essentially meaning must...at least that's my interpretation. In reality it all falls down when it comes to enforcement by the "workplace police", i.e. the HSE, due to lack of resources and, as other have said, is only really likely to become an issue in the event of an incident or accident unfortunately. Also, and again as others have mentioned, your insurers may choose to place importance on your training / "tickets" / qualifications in the event of a claim and, for instance, if it involving something going wrong whilst rigging and you don't have CS41 (level 3 qual - "aerial tree rigging") it could get difficult. Just my thoughts / views on the matter. Cheers.. Paul

Hmmm, I guess the 'biggie' with L. Cypress is Phytophthora (see attached), well certainly the most current issue...that I'm aware of. Obviously as with all cypresses you get "inner-foliage" browning through being shaded out but new growth but if its external, and prevalent, its more likely to be something like Phyto. Paul FCPH-PL-02-2014.PDF

Oh dear, this could/will backfire...but hopefully not. Earlier on someone mentioned that, in order to undertake aerial treework because you cant do what you need to from ground level (straight fell etc), you have to 'consider' the use of a MEWP first...which is technically correct. However, aside from personal preferences, and the "use it or lose it" brigade for pro-tree climbing who do indeed have a very valid point, this is both about compliance with the Work at Height Regs...BUT, more specifically, the arboricultural industry code of practice (ICOP for Arboriculture - Tree Work at Height) an important document than you may not be aware of (copy attached.) The document is not 'anti-tree climbing' at all but what is seeks to do is develop a framework for managers planning and organizing tree work at height so it can be done in the most safe and effective manner (see p.24, 2nd column...I think you'll like it.) Cheers.. Paul ICoP_TreeWorkAtHeight-090215.pdf

STOP IT NOW....or there'll be an eruption (nearly said summat else there!)

Surprisingly not Stuart Leith at Ayrshire Tree Surgeons, funnily enough, and an ARB Approved Contractor, also "funnily enough" , might also be interested. Give him a bell 01475 670327 We do have a Scottish Branch of the Arb Assoc but it tends to be Perth / Edinburgh'centric mainly based on the location of the branch officers and, I guess, the AA members. This of course may be both too far, and too formal, for what you are looking for but perhaps bear it in mind anyway. Cheers fer now n hope you get something off the ground...forgive the pun. Paul

Maybe, ask around. I wholly acknowledge your point about "travelling south" and the additional cost and time etc and hence we are happy to "come north" but it has to be viable. Best thing for people to do really is to register an interest in a ROLO course in Scotland with Tiff at Head Office and she'll manage it ([email protected]) Cheers.. Paul

I could be persuaded to get a hire car and come up to Perth but again it depends on numbers. I don't think we've tried to run the ROLO course before but others we've had to cancel unfortunately. Paul

Hi there, Certainly I'm very happy to deliver a course in Scotland, the Royal Highland Showground is a convenient venue being next door to the airport, but the challenge is getting enough people to commit...really need a min. of 8 and ideally 10 (max. 12) Any thoughts? Cheers.. Paul

In relation to branches, and "abatement of a nuisance", I think Lemon v Webb is a case often cited and Mynor's talks about it in detail from p.83 onwards in his The Law of Trees, Forests and Hedgerows book (very expensive book I know but hopefully your local library, or college library, might be able to help.) Cheers.. Paul

Thanks Ed, albeit I'm not involved in its delivery (Paul Elcoat & Simon Cox, my colleague here at the Arb Assoc are) it does seem to be very well received. Its a 2-day course and cost, on average (member / none member rates) is £550 +VAT (inc. B&B). They had some evening speakers on Day 1 this year, people from the industry, which apparently went down very well too. Delegate feedback also rated "networking" very highly...an added bonus. The point being is that to successfully manage a business, including allocation of resources and roles etc, generally requires a different skill set to that most arb's will have experienced previously and hence something like this can help. Regards.. Paul

Kinda along the lines of what Edward's said above. Whilst waiting at IoM airport for flight back to Glos. (exciting stuff) I read an article in a business magazine and whilst I can't just remember the phraseology it was something like are you the manager "in" the business, inferring you're probably meddling in stuff you should be getting others to do, OR the manager "of" where delegation has happened n your role is more strategic etc. Okay, she, the author, was referring to SME's but probably ones employing upto 20 people say so quite, quite different scenario, and available resources and knowledge / experience, to a micro-business. Nevertheless an interesting read and perhaps something worth thinking about, i.e. what exactly is your role and are you delegating...where / if you can. Tc Ian, stress manifests itself in many different ways and can be very bad news...stating the obvious BUT! Paul

I would hazard a guess at Dryads Saddle on the Sycamore, often present on old pruning wounds IME. The Beech could be an emergent Gannoderma perhaps. There, now where did that "Mr Humphries" disappear to? TTFN.. Paul

Just to throw another option into the pot you could consider the FdSc Arb (level 5), if you're existing level 3 would give you access. The ISA Certified Arborist, whilst an excellent course of study, is probably not where you want to be aiming given what you've got already and where your aspirations lie. I did the ABC level 4 / level 6 (equivalents, AA Tech Cert & RFS Prof Dip as they were at the time and found them both very good.) Cheers, n good luck.. Paul

Hi Mark, Simon has responded by saying look here http://www.trees.org.uk/Trees.org.uk/files/20/20e15007-09c7-4900-a91f-a8605a3bd623.pdf and advised it is best to check with CSCS / BALI about fees (for tests / cards etc.) to ensure current prices are quoted. Hope this helps.. Paul

Hi Peter, We offer 'bespoke' courses all over the place and usually need 6-8 people to make it viable. If you can find a suitable venue, and ideally the other 6 or 7 delegates, just let Tiff know at Head Office...she may already have people looking for the same. Her contact details are [email protected] or call Head Office on 01242 522152. Cheers.. Paul

I'm not sure here Mark TBH. Whilst I have heard of "others" doing so I think you have to declare what industry sector your working in before you do the test and obviously if you sat tree surgery / landscape it probably won't allow you to proceed...I don't know this to be a fact tho! The other possible issue is that if you do manage to do so, say for construction labourer for instance, and you get a stickler of a site manager who says that card doesn't cover your activities whilst on HIS site, he doesn't let you on...worse case scenario and yes, of course I would say that...BUT what a PITA if that happened. I know the formal route is convoluted but its probably safer. Maybe, ask your clients / prospective client, what type/colour of CSCS card they would expect to see before deciding on a course of action. Cheers, n good luck.. Paul

Hi Mark, thanks for the post here. TBH I dunno exactly n my "go to person", my colleague Simon Cox, is currently on holiday. Hence I will check next week when he's back in and get back to you with a fuller, and more accurate, reply. In the interim, if you approached CSCS saying you needed a card, usually for either construction site work or Highways Agency land, and said you were from the tree surgery / arb industry sector, they would direct you to BALI in the first instance (BALI are the pan-industry representative organization for the landscape and related sectors including arb.) With BALI you have to first do their 1-day H&S foundation course (which we offer), a theory session in effect, and do the related test (multi-choice n pretty straight forward.) Once you are successful you then do your CSCS 'on-screen' test, which used to be a doddle but I'm told by some it is now more challenging and hence obtaining the work book beforehand may be worth considering. Once successful there you then apply as climber arborist / grounds arborist ect etc, sending in your related evidence of qualification, and you are issued with a CSCS/LISS (Landscape Industry Sector Scheme) card. There, simples I've no idea of costs for CSCS but £30 rings a bell. As I say I will check all of the above with Simon n get back to you next week. Cheers.. Paul

Hmmm, as others have said you do not need any permissions from the tree owner to cut back encroaching branches provided in so doing you do not cut beyond the boundary. Further, and again as others have said, you don't need permission to access the tree provided you can do so from the neighboring property and again you do not encroach their boundary, AKA trespass. So, if it were me, and if I anticipated needing to enter the tree owners land / air-space, and you preferred to have something in writing rather than "witnessed" verbally, I would produce a simple statement myself (dated) and ask the tree owner to sign it, ideally in the presence of a family member if they are elderly...or maybe speak to Age Concern to see if they could help / advise / get involved. Hoping this helps, at least a little. Cheers.. Paul

Hi Dan, I hope you're well. Thanks for your post / reply here. As you are obviously aware 'arbs' do the ROLO course because it is now effectively a pre-requisite to follow through and do the CSCS test to obtain a blue card as a chainsaw user etc. However the ROLO course is designed as a basic / foundation H&S awareness course for operatives and can be very useful either as part of a new entrants induction training and/or as a H&S refresher for existing / experienced operatives. There would be some overlap with some aspects of the C&G's / NPTC training but some areas would be new. Hope this helps to clarify the situation...at least a little. Cheers.. Paul

Theory n academia (mid Summer avoiding prolonged drought spells / winter avoiding prolonged frost) "versus" practicalities n economics ("anytime the customer has the money!") Suggest making an assessment of the trees ability to withstand the pruning and, "less is more" generally with Birch. Avoiding Spring when they bleed is good but largely unsightly / concerning to owner rather than significant from tree health point of view. So, "crack on"... Paul

The HSE are involved, as I understand it, the company itself is undertaking an internal investigation as to the circumstances surrounding the incident and we will review the situation at a later date and may, or may not, take action accordingly. The analogy with the health care industry isn't really wholly comparable as the GMC have much greater powers than we do, and/or the HSE even, and hence they can "strike off" medical professionals. On an individual basis that would more be the equivalent to whichever was the awarding body involved, IF involved, i.e. NPTC or Lantra. Not "passing the buck" here as we clearly have a role to play but simply commenting on the analogy. We are currently in communication with the company involved, initiated by themselves on the day, a positive move. Cheers all.. Paul

Whilst I (think) I acknowledge your point here, in practice it is too simplistic...I would suggest. The AAAC / ArbAC process checks that skilled and competent personnel are in place at the time of the assessment visit (every 2 years.) Thereafter, and for the time in between, it is the nominated manger's responsibility and to ensure they are working in accord with industry good practice. Isn't hindsight a wonderful thing. Paul

But if you don't give it YOUR best shot, and thereby the trees the best chance, what's saying anyone else will. You have, by virtue of enquiring with the LPA about the presence of any TPO's, indirectly / consequentially alerted them. Trees are a material consideration in the planning process and hence they are obliged to consider them. Further, as the professional arb engaged you are duty bound to establish any constraints to construction, inc. TPOs, aren't you? Be professional, do the necessary and your conscience is / "should be" clear. Understand your predicament but you don't know it will all end in a mess really. Cheers.. Paul

I would also advise trying to establish what exemptions / exclusions, if any, apply to the policy as, IME, these can vary significantly and some (one in particular) can be restrictive in terms of the type of work etc. you may be covered for. Cheers.. Paul