AA Teccie (Paul)

Appropriate quals, e.g. CS32-35 (felling larger trees and wind-blow), is a good start point but 'competence', as in experience (considerable), knowledge and practice is key at this level and in this situation and it was incumbent on the LA to check that too (in the H&S world that is know as Stage 2, i.e. checking the contractors competence.) Good point about NR, I wonder why they didn't consult / inform...I guess they didn't expect it to go wrong. Paul

Likewise, it's shocking isn't it, and oft involving young people in avoidable accidents...very, very sad (ALL people involved!) I often read the articles and think it' so obvious, it was an accident waiting to happen...but I wonder whether its often the great benefit of hindsight when things often do seem obvious. However, its an opportunity for others to learn and avoid these sad incidents. Cheers.. Paul

Thank you for posting this link Very interesting, and very worrying, in equal measures! Cheers.. Paul

Members and Fellows have equal opportunity to be peer reviewed via the AARC process. The current situation has evolved over a long period of time and it may well be that it is time to review. Cheers.. Paul

Hi there, I would disagree, Members and Fellows do indeed have value as being the highest levels of professional membership within the Association attained through qualifications and CPD etc. The AARCs are different as they are also at least Prof Members who have chosen to present their application of knowledge and experience for peer review, via reports portfolio submission and interview, to attain that status. We value all of our members equally as it is from students and ordinary members etc. that the Profs and Fellows of the future are borne and we do encourage qualification, career and membership progression. Members and Fellows are welcomed to promote themselves accordingly and indeed use the appropriate post-nominal, i.e. M.Arbor.A / F.Arbor.A, however currently the use of the logo is restricted to the AARCs and ArbACs. However, what is current today may not be tomorrow. The AA and ICF are working closely together to better place the 'profession' for the future. I will ensure your valued comments are fed-back. Cheers.. Paul

I think we're pretty professional and until such time as the ICF started to offer 'Chartered Arboriculturist', status circa 5 years ago(?), we were the choice of many as their professional body...and indeed still are for some I would suggest. Also we have the AA Registered Consultants scheme / status, some of whom choose not to become ICF. There, doubtless that's stirred the 'mud' a little Cheers.. Paul

Tis much worse late spring / early summer AND during periods of hot weather with a breeze. Mid-late summer is better but even more worse in mid-winter! Cheers.. Paul

Feel a bit cagey saying this but "let he who is without sin throw the first stone" (I quote from a famous book.) The works are absolutely not complaint with BS3998, but sometimes the customer wants and demands, despite your best endeavours to convince the otherwise, are the over-riding factor. I think that's a reality sometimes, n sadly. The tree may cope with the 'topping n lopping' given its age, they often do, although the species may be a balancing factor. For me, and I acknowledge tis oft the case, but where this kind of work is undertaken and resultant split, tears and rips are present that is 'bad' workmanship. Not meaning to be controversial here but just suggesting there's often another side to the story....appen! Cheers all.. Paul

The AA Prof Committee are currently drawing up some guidelines for aerial inspections which I will post when available. Interesting vid, thought the safety issue was a little overstated given the position of the tree alongside a golf-course fairway however there was a clear process behind the inspection and use of photographic evidence, as appropriate, is always useful. Thanks David. Paul

Sorry, haven't read all postings here and so may have been dealt with. Just to clarify we are NOT the arbiter here, and nor should we be...as an association we may have an opinion but for the wider industry we would not be the dictator, tis the other way round, i.e. industry should dictate standards, albeit with guidance where needed. The level 5 thing is the qualification entry requirement for AA Professional Membership. This may be interpreted as contributing to professionalism, and indeed I would support that view, however it does not imply that if you are not an AA Prof Member you are not a professional nor acting professionally. I hope that makes sense...at least a little Cheers.. Paul

(Being a norvener) I remember the first London based ARB Approved Contractor assessment I undertook and the guy on the chipper had a full PPE and a respirator...seemed excessive on first glance but I soon realised why!!! If its any use I've attached a general information note (kind of, informal) and a generic risk assessment, the best control being only working on the trees when dormant, a policy several London Boroughs have adopted. Cheers, n stay safe n clear headed out there..! Paul London Plane - generic.doc London Plane info.doc

Presumed 'IPAF' certificated which is good as pan-industry recognised. Paul

Still places left...and you know you want to really! REMEMBER, learning more about being a compliant business can only be to your benefit...whether, thereafter, you choose to or not is another matter. Cheers all Paul

Pests and diseases - Ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea) Jimmay, take a look at the attached and download the larger map. No confirmed 'wider environment' findings in that area of Devon...yet! Cheers.. Paul PS In all honesty, and not to appear too pessimistic, "tis only a matter of time" I feel

Possibly, particularly if you're in Kent / SE region, but Ash was quite late this year and burst quite sporadically in many cases. Try ro get a close up looking for the lesions on young twigs as per FC website. Time for the 'lizard' approach I would suggest....i.e. monitor! Cheers Paul

Spur blight (monilinia laxa) which is very common of 'Cheals Weeping' cherry. Not sure about any effective controls so maybe prune out. Paul

My pleasure Jamie and congrats on the Sycamore crown reduction, best one i've seen in a long time! well done to all n looking forward to supporting and promoting you going forward Cheers.. paul

Being a CHAS accredited contractor will doubtless help too...and of course comes automatically when you get ARB Approved these days (as does TrustMark approval.) Gis a shout if u want, or need, to know more. cheers.. Paul

Hi all, APOLOGIES for the short-notice here, where does time go?! Anyhow's if you fancy learning more about getting ARB Approved, or indeed just about being a 'more compliant' contractor, please come along and join me at this FREE workshop (see ARB Approved Contractor Preparation Workshop ) REMEMBER once fully arb approved you also get the option to join CHAS and Trustmark schemes too! Cheers, n hope to see you there.. Paul

Hi Alec...and welcome:thumbup1: A one-day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course will be fine. Ideally though it should cover the specific / likely injuries you may incur / encounter, e.g. deep lacerations by chainsaws, during your job. This will be signified by '+F' (Forestry related) on the certificate. There are several 'industry based' training providers who can help here or alternatively you could approach a standard training provider with a group of other tree surgeons looking for some specific training. Hope this helps, a little, and apologies if its a bit like "information overload." Cheers.. Paul:confused1:

Excellent, thank you David Hope you're well. Paul

Possibly verticillium wilt (see attachment) Cheers.. Paul Vert. Wilt on Maple.pdf

Only £15...I paid £50 last time! Thanks for the teaser. Paul

I'm gonna quit whilst I'm ahead and not guess 'avium Plena' coz that really would be silly of me I'm edgin mi bets ere Paul