Gollum

we run the courses the following is coved. Course Objective To enable course members to: Recognize the role of the tree inspector in risk management. Identify the legal framework in the context of statute and common law that affect tree inspection and the duties and liabilities of the owner, manager and inspector. Summarise how a tree system functions, what constitutes a safe tree and know that energy is required to keep the tree in a healthy/safe state. Adopt a systematic and consistent methodology for carrying out visual tree inspection at an advanced level with the aid of binoculars, mallet and probe. Collect data out in the field in accordance with the inspection instructions (having determined the scope and limitations) using a suitable format. (For this course a written survey template with appropriate headings will be used). Recognize a range of observable mechanical and biological defects as seen in trees and confirm by the use of textbooks where necessary. Identify a range of commonly seen pests, diseases and disorders that affect tree safety, confirm their identity by the use of textbooks, where necessary, and state the arboricultural significance of finding them in the field. State the appropriate control/remedial measures required to eliminate or reduce risks identified in the inspection process to an acceptable level. Determine when an aerial inspection is required, also if pro-active management recommendations can be made which may eliminate future defects from forming. Prioritise the necessary tree/management works with time scales based on a broad category of risk assessment. Identify when it is appropriate to recommend the use of decay detecting or measuring equipment, based on a basic knowledge of the working principles of commonly available equipment. Understand that a balance between the remedial measure opted for and the range of benefits/values that a tree may have requires special attention e.g. amenity, wildlife, historical, veteran, rarity and public access. Although fungi id is included other diseases are not Hope this helps

Read AFAG 301 that Will help http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/afag301.pdf

February 2006 to June 2010 the pre requisites to attend the Lantra PTI was A minimum arboricultural qualification of a level 3 or equivalent, plus five years experience in carrying out tree survey and inspection, was expected, June 2010 onwards they do not mention pre requisites but a Target audience. No mention of level 3 qualifications. i have emailed lantra and will let you know once i have had a reply.

what is it like near the root plate (buttresses )

by the looks of your photos this is Bramley grown on m106 or m111, Planted between 12 and 15 years ago, the m106 is a vigorous root stock and the m111 is a drought resistant stock. in the fruit industry the bark problem is called Papery bark canker, most common on trees planted in wet laying areas, the characteristics of these root stocks are that they produce plenty of wood and wood bud if they are planted in to favorable conditions.( rather than fruit bud) then they are pruned hard to reduce the size of the tree thus promoting more woody growth. check the drainage around the tree first.

I am up for that 2 Mick. Just let us know the day:thumbup:

like the deductions

Excellent. this has brought fungi pics to a new level

Ganoderma resinaceum defo, Armillaria? or could be Collybia fusipes more common on Oak

Will let you know, bare in mined milling infected timber may be a waste of time depending on the end use.

More pics to follow shortly

Inonotus dryadeus, interesting, will take more closeup pics shortly. I'm thinking of testing the tensile strength of the decayed timber and comparing it to the good timber are you interested.

One extra

A few pictures for you, Who can identify the fungi, I will be taking more pics as i remove it

Frayed Knot

No thats a hassle knot too complicated

Dose any one use a hoff knot Now ? originally tied with three strand and eight strand multiplat and apparently now with 16 strand

The Lantra course would be ITA and trees only up to 8 inches, then if you want to go further you would have to do the Lantra registered course for NPTC units, Trees up to 15 inches, lantra are registered training courses NPTC are registered assessments, Depending on your age you may get funding in different areas, We charge £503 for training and Lantra registration, + Assessment fee and VAT. Lantra courses give you assurance of quality. It is advised to complete training be for an NPTC assessment but not a requirement. Stated on assessment shedule

How do we differentiate our selves from the fly by nights who wreck trees and cut prices and then we are asked to put things right, and generally make a silk purse out of a pigs ear. I do think the point was missed when quoting CS units, people forget the higher level of units, and yes i do know some very professional contractors that do not hold any or just the basic units, on the other hand i employ sub contractors and if they hold the required units but have done there training at certain colleges i will not employ them

forget the boobies and the tits i would go straight for the Shag.

could not find manual to day so rang JD dealer . oil type Torq Guard 8.5 lt

I will check my jd owners man tomorrow and let you know

It is wrong that some insurers do not ask for certification where as some do, regardless of experience I have met some very good experienced and long term woodsmen and arborists in my time, also some bad ones ready for the blurbe its not just for insurance, if it realy goes tits up its preparing for a court case in my opinion, you've all mentioned cs30/31/38/39/ How about 41 and 34, and up to date LOLER, under PUWER you should have refresher training every 5 years. Its best practice Lets keep our profession professional

not in this weather, but if you insist