AA Teccie (Paul)

Was that a reference to the brick wall "Mr Clark"? I'm at Tim Kirk's place again on 9th Nov. so could stay over n do your assessment on Thurs. 10th...or sooner if you like? Cheers Ian, hope yer well.. Paul

Hi Robert, good to hear, I hope you're well. Firstly, to clarify if I may, and yes a technicality, but an important one I/we (the AA, and the ISA TBH) feel, the arrangement with the ISA is not a merger as both organisations want to remain autonomous (great word eh!) The AA is becoming an ISA 'Associate Organisation' of the ISA and will administer it's membership activities here in the UK. With regards to re-categorising the qualification to level 3, as currently level 2, I'm not sure what's involved BUT Simon (Richmond), the Senior Teccie at the AA, probably does so I will speak with him. If this did happen, same as with the old AA Tech Cert (pre-ABC Awards) any existing quals would remain as level 2 probably...but it would still be a positive move. Reet, onto ArbAC... Cheers fer now.. Paul PS Didn't think I was that bad for banging the ArbAC 'drum'...but if I am its coz I believe in it AND I believe its good for the industry

Yep, clearly lots of defects present but bearing in mind Sycamore compartmentalises well their significance may not be as bad as it first appears...albeit collectively it probably does warrant some level of intervention. Credit for asking n not just "diving in" Cheers.. Paul

Hi Joe, In general, I would highly recommend the ISA Certified Arborist qualification as an excellent course of study to supplement your practical skills quals. However, you say you have a SVQ level 2 in arb so it may not be as valuable / useful to you as it is for others. Dependent upon the existing level of knowledge you have might it be better to try for a level 3/4 course? That said, whilst the ISA CA is categorised as level2 on the UK quals framework the level of learning associated is probably at level 3. Hope this helps, at least a little.. Paul

Hi all, a quick heads up to say the next FREE workshop is at Park Hill Training, Seagrave (off A46 just north Leicester) is on Wed. 13th July..."lucky for you" For further details and to book see Arboricultural Association - Course Detail (REMEMBER formal booking and attendance at the workshop qualifies for 25% discount on the initial assessment fee - Ts & Cs apply.) Cheers fer now n hoping to see you there Paul

Sorry Gary, did you say it's time for my nap...that's what the mis-id'ing problem is then..! Cheers, n hope yer well.. Paul

Okay, okay, I need to go back to "tree-id" school..."use it or lose it" eh! Of course its Pyrus salicifolia.. Paul

Is it maybe Sea Buckthorn see https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/details?plantid=963

Hi all, THANK YOU for your further comments here and please be reassured they will be fed-back into the review meeting and considered. Re- taking the ARB Show "up north", this is a difficult one and a corner I have fought hard previously (being a Lancs lad myself....albeit now living in Devon ) There is an element of the show being near to where our Head Office is in Glos., logistically it makes sense, but the demographics of our current membership also shows a southern bias. THANK YOU to all those who made the journey, we really do appreciate so doing so (sorry, couldn't find the clappy emoji here applauding your efforts.) Next year the show will almost definitely be at the same venue, Westonbirt, and that's another factor that's swaying the decision being at the National Arboretum and offering show-goers free entry to see some pretty special trees....n shrubs. Reet, gonna quit this one whilst I'm ahead..kinda. Thanks again n have a good weekend...so don't watch the footie (or at least not England anyway!) Cheers all.. Paul

I paved the way for you there Mick Hope you're well.. Paul

Hi all, just a quick BUMP to see if there are any further comments here as we have an ARB Show review meeting on Monday which feeds into the plans for 2017. Sooo, last chance t'have yer say n I'm listening as always Cheers Paul

Hi there, It's worth reading Sect. 7.10 of BS3998 (2010) which talks about Pollards and lapsed pollards. Basically it suggests treating the tree in the normal way, i.e. via crown reduction in the first instance, and a kinda phased re-pollard, leaving some foliage, as the second option, and then retention of 'live' stubs to encourage regrowth from dormant buds as the last option. The other option is a combination of thinning out of the regrowth stems combined with crown reducing those retained. The example you showed is probably too far gone for this approach I would suggest. Hope you find a solution n sure many will say as it's a Lime just "crack on", which will probably be fine but always worth checking what our industry standard says about it first Cheers fer now.. Paul

Laetiporous....David???

A "late in the day" BUMP...we've got several spaces available at this FREE workshop event so please do come along. IF you wish to take advantage of the 25% discount on the initial application fee you will need to book online. Hoping to see you there.. Paul

Morning ALL, and THANK YOU for your comments thus far. Apologies I haven't replied individually but I am reading your posts and I'm really grateful for your valuable contributions so please do "keep um coming" Cheers Paul

Am I right in thinking the Helliwell system was originally developed to assess the amenity value of a tree using a scoring system, hence was often used for evaluating amenity on proposed TPO trees, rather than as a monetary valuation system whereas CAVAT was the opposite way round. Don't know the significance of such but perhaps has some bearing. Cheers.. Paul

Hi Steve, thanks for that. I will feed it back but as you say very little we can do to help. I think you've probably "hit the nail on the head" with the all year round show rates on the internet. Cheers Steve and will let you know final numbers when they're confirmed. Paul

Hi Steve, circa 3,000 over the 2 days...final nos. TBC. Thanks for your previous comments Steve. Cheers.. Paul

A quick bump for the evening readers to say thank you and please let us have your feedback. Cheers.. Paul

Morning all, I hope you're well and had a good weekend...including being at the ARB Show maybe (on Sat.) THANK YOU so much to YOU, both visitors and exhibitors, and indeed contributors to / helpers for, for making it such a successful event...again. We really enjoyed seeing so many of you there and, in the main, in very nice weather too So, "post-match" analysis time. We are always keen to receive your comments and in particularly anything you felt we did particularly well AND, more importantly, anything we can improve upon...AND anything more or different YOUR show would benefit from next time (including of course Mr Bullman & Co. being present as ARBTALK, greatly missed but Steve was around.) Thanks again and all comments welcomed. ATB Paul

TPO= NO...but ensure you don't damage the tree in the process and, ideally inform the TO prior. Wildlife legislation / disturbance = YES, go careful and severance and leaving is a better option in this regard. Cheers Timon, hope you're well.. Paul

Storm water management off of a 20 foot square garden is not exactly going to overpower the drains is it ? Singularly no, but if all gardens in thd area do so because of Council policy the accumulative effect is significant. If the policy is then implemented elsewhere real problems are created.

Hmmm, what about storm-water management issues, i.e. increased run-off from the hard car parking surface once the garden has disappeared...more particularly as that doesn't appear to be a car-parking hogged street. Anyhow's onto what you asked, after using the jack-hammers to break the surface and then removing it carefully with not more than a mini-digger, you can inspect for the presence of tree roots and hand-dig if present or mini-dig carefully (???) / observantly ideally with you as 'Clerk of Works' supervising. IME other than smaller roots, your unlikely to encounter anything too significant along the kerb-line at that point...so long as it's not London Plane. Sorry, but rushed here but "good luck" Paul PS Obviously a through visual examination of the tarmac surface for displacement / cracking radially from the tree, or the presence of tree roots breaking the surface, should be undertaken first.

Hi there, apologies for my delay in posting. Here's the reply from my colleague Simon Richmond who's been "over-seeing" this project: The changes to GN 7 are really just bringing it up to date, including recent references to other docs and technology, e.g. NTSG, use of GPS, etc. and bibliography. There is no significant change to the main message. Cheers.. Paul

Hi "Silver Back"...please don't beat your chest too hard here ...and please bear with us. Basically we are in the midst of the final stages of implementing the new IT system and website and some parts, including the conference prices, aren't yet active. We hope to have this resolved by end of play tomorrow..."fingers crossed" (the major focus just now is the ARB Show next weekend.) I do apologise for the inconvenience ATB.. Paul