Shane

All good advice above. Before you release the chain brake to start cutting just ask yourself... What could possibly happen while I am making this cut? If you are 100% certain that absolutely none of the possible eventualities could harm you or anybody else, then proceed with care. If ANY possible outcome MIGHT cause a problem then you should look at another way of doing it. Repeat that process for every cut. Keep safe and good on you for asking the question.

This is just my humble opinion here... When I studied economics - admittedly when dinosaurs were still around, the theory was.. If the pound drops against other currencies it will make imports more expensive, so maybe 'we' will buy less imported goods. It will make our exports cheaper and thus help UK companies to export. It will also depend on our industries being able to respond to the opportunity and compete with the likes of Europe, USA, Korea and China to name but a few. As far as coming out of the EU is concerned there may be tarrifs imposed to reduce the export benefits and still keep our imports more expensive. The uncertainty is that nobody really knows how such political shenanigins will pan out. In exchange for this unknown development the UK will have more freedom to impose its own rules on imigration, import duties, laws and so on. As ever with a political organisation its about how the UK will fund its new ideas, whether the politicians have the balls to commit to a sustainable long-term strategy or just go back to the spineless 4 year give-away tactic to make sure they are re-elected. There are so many variables I don't see how we can confidently predict anything, good or bad. Finally, the turn-out for the referendum was higher than any General Election I can remember. Was that because every vote counted- no constituency grouping? I personally feel that until we apply proportional representation we will be held back by this faffing about for short-term gains.

Re the question of sanctions.... Haven't UEFA just issued a statement that any more trouble from England or Russia 'fans' could lead to the team's expulsion from the tournament? At least then Wales will go through.

The speed increase is amazing. I remember Barry Ditchburn breaking the 110 mph barrier in the 70s. Wasn't the old Dunlop TT100 tyre a mass produced version of the tyres used to break 100 mph not much earlier - hence the name. These riders are just incredible.

It does look like some Russian fans are partly to blame for last nights troubles. BUTTTTT why are the English so often involved? A lot of Brits (don't) grow up thinking that a REAL man goes to the pub and drinks a ton of beer then has to prove himself by throwing his weight around? In my limited travels around Europe most of the people I've met think that all Englishmen are total pi55heads- it's all they ever see on TV. There is a historical theory that the only time groups of Englishmen have travelled abroad has been for the purpose of war. The trouble makers just can't seem to let it go. Not sure why its football that attracts them (maybe their mental limitations preclude them from understanding rugby) but it does. I suggest that England be banned from all future tournaments (it's not as if we will ever win one again) and leave foreign travel to the more enlightened - once we have our visas

They would.

I echo the Echo sentimnents. Very well built.

By the same token is it fair that some spotty yoof with CS30,31,38 and 39 comes out of college with naff all knowledge of tree biology and no experience and calls himself a fully qualified tree surgeon? Maybe newbies should be called trainee tree nurses,until such time..... Rant over - why worry about the others?? they have plenty to worry about already.

Now THAT is a great idea - I know to a lot of us its obvious, but when theres a trainee or a 'slow' or unfamiliar groundie it's just the job. :thumbup1:

If I was given a quote by someone and I never got back to them, I would consider any follow-up contact from them as a pressure tactic, nagging or desperation. Even if I was still undecided I certainly wouldn't chose them. Maybe it depends on how much work you have booked in. Please remember these are just the views of an cynical old grumpy-boots and may have no place in the real world.

IIRC I replaced mine with a motorcycle battery, I got the highest Amp/hour one they had in the size - I think it was for an electric start honda something. It was a lot cheaper than the manufacturers price but lasted years.

Personally, I disagree. I am always interested, but if you give someone a price, discuss the whys and wherefores then it's up to them. A lot of people get more than one quote. I think it is most unlikely they have not got back to you because they forgot. Usually it will be because someone else quoted less (or maybe had a better sales pitch!!!!) and the potential customer just didn't feel brave enough to let you know. I think it creates an impression of hassling the customer. As I see it they ask you round, you discuss the needs, advise, and offer an agreed specification/price. If they want you to do it they will contact you. If they come back and say they've had a better offer would I like to reduce mine accordingly..... My response is 1.Explain that my price is based on the effort required to do the job, so how can that possible change? 2. Ask them, 'If I could beat that price - will they phone someone else with the same question'.

Wood, as we know if unbelievably valuable these days. We, as tree surgeons are lucky to be in such a lucrative business. Most of us already have loads of equipment which means we have no overheads at all. Because our work is easy the Insurance companies don't charge us, they PAY us. Local garages give us fuel and the guys who work for us don't expect wages. We mostly use banks which provide loans with negative interest. The money just comes from nowhere. On this basis we are always happy to pay people to let us cut down their trees, and even get really rich in the process.

I just skimmed through that lot - Just amazed at the guy who managed to set fire to the tree he was in, and ended up killing himself. Nowt more to say.

Only worry about things you can influence - then confront the problem with action. I sometimes think about how I struggle as I get older. I can't stop ageing so I try to arrange things differently and use the younger guys to do the harder physical stuff. I try not to worry about the jobs I didn't win, and concentrate on doing a great job on the ones I did. I have never been concerned about others having bigger houses, flashy cars etc. I ask myself 'am I happy with what I've got and where I'm likely to get to'? Treat yourself well in life - you only get one. Treat others well in life - they only get one.

Well, well, well.... Mr Richard Cranium who caused all the hassle has not come across with any payment, so the poor old owners have paid me (as promised) for the work so far. We will soon be removing the remaining stumps and, once TPO approval comes through, reducing the weight on the deodar. The owners have told me that Mr Cranium is till 'talking' to them but generally is keeping a low profile. It turns out that his excavations have spread to the other boundary where a lot of roots on two more trees have been removed - but this time they are TPOd trees. The guy used a 'day rate' labourer to do the job and (surprise surprise) he has no insurance. The bill is already several thousand and the Local Authority are yet to decide what to do about the damaged trees with TPOs. Mr Cranium (according to the owners) seems oblivious to the mess he has made and the possible extent of the costs. I can't complain, I've been paid and got a load of extra work from all this, but the legal side could get very messy. I will continue to keep this thread updated as and when. It's better than East Enders!

Try Weasel piss

How is Keith Richards still going???? He must have lived 20 lives by now - can't be long to go - he gets my vote. Nothing personal, Keef, I'd rater the Stones go on for ever.

We have all been led to believe that highly valuable black walnut is highly valuable. I can't be bothered to find the video but no doubt someone will post it.

I'll second that, always been very helpful. Here's to a long and happy retirement. Thanks far all your help over the years.

I think I'd go for a 22" conehead chipper - then youre a REAL man.

Things might liven up on this now. I went round to see the owners today. They are really nice people but somwhat upset at the carnage. Thats all going to be discussed when Mr Neighbour returns from his holiday on Saturday. In the mean time they asked me about reducing the canopy on the deodar,which sits on the same boundary and had at least some of its roots cut... BUT it's TPOd . The tree officer saw it on his visit so he knows whats coming. While preparing the application (under 'reasons for proposed work') I included the unknown extent of damage to roots by the excavations. Just have to wait for the neighbour to return home and see if he pays me for the clear-up. If not the owner reiterated that she will pay. In fairness to the owner she told me a few things that she has been through and a couple of fallen trees pale into insignificance - so it may well all be cool. Peace and Korma.

A drive-by bloodhound-eyed old fella asked if he could have any, by the end of the conversation he was happy to get his son to collect them all in as many trips as needed. Saved me thrashing my poor transit to the top of your mountain to drop them off. Fear not, Mr Xlogs, you are top of my list - I was knack'd and I just felt lazy. PS Is your first name really Susse ? It's ringing a famililar vibe.

Now you are a wiser man, Grasshopper.

It says its an honest sale of a genuine machine - what more do you want?