MATTMOSS

I must admit I am also guilty of leaving an odd nogger periodically down a stem sometimes, especially if its a big straight stem and youre using a big saw, I use them to take the weight off my legs and have a break if needed. Although I havent taken a fall and taken one in the Gooch yet so I may change my ways someday! ha ha

This is the best advice You climb how you have been taught and feel safe and confident doing so. As long as your not putting yourself in unecessery danger why change.

yes I agree having a line straight to the floor is always a good idea, but if youre in a big tree its not always possible unless you use another rope anyway. I just think that you can get alot better work positions using the other end of the rope as it is effectivly having two ropes. Using both ends doesnt always mean your using them all the time, you can still get things sent up and reach the floor unless your in big trees.

There is noting wrong with using both ends of the rope, it is how I was taught and I still think its the best way to climb. Only shame is it hard to come by ropes that are spliced at both ends now.

Sorry Graham I didnt know what you were on about then!! That was my best guess I didnt realise you had already said it. oh well

Yes its got to be Spindle shank, Collybia fusipes.

Collybia fusipes?

No I conceed!! I just want to know the best id book to narrow down and id an unknown fungus like this? Am I right with either Russula ? or Tricholoma ? very vaugue I know, but its the best I can do for now.

I am still looking and learning! might have to leave it soon

Ok Ill bear that in mind, but I dont know how big it is? if it smells and of what? where it is found? if it is even tree related? (must be eh?) and cant even make out the colour on the outside? ill have another try

These are brilliant saws and they cost a fortune new- £600 ish Yours looks in good nick, I'd say without bar and chain you should be looking for £200-£250

Ok I thought would have a go! My fungal knowledge is quite poor and I only know the most obvious of tree nasties, so I had a little look in a mushroom book at ones i dont know but kinda look similar and grow near trees! no laughing please Entoloma = Rhodophyllus sinuatus or Lilac Thickfoot = Cortinarius alboviolaceus just thought id have a pop--am i even close?? is my career as a mycolygistamabob over?

I'm going with A. incana of some variation, would be nice to see the tree closer and the bark and form of the leaf a bit better tho.

What makes you say Phytophthora?

Edward, I may know a couple of different tree companies who would be willing to give you a trial, A little more local for you. I will ask them tomorrow and maybe give you that option. matt

Sorry don't mean to turn the thread into a 'how good is the prussic loop thread' so getting back to the original question. I think you're being a bit negative about this young lad and nit picking a bit Mr Blair. Edward I like you're confidence, you certainly wont be out of work long with your enthusiasm and entrepreneurial skills and i think one day with more practice, experience and a good beating you may one day be a decent arborist.

I agree it may be old slow and knackering but it is the only way for me! A rope spliced at both ends and two pruzik loops will get you up any tree.

This is right! If you have an option to say ' er well this one looks a bit tricky can you do this one? ' anybody in the right mind would take a back step! But when you dont have that option and you just have to give it a go, thats when you gain confidence, speed and skill. Tree work is hard and it is dangerous, so well I dont condone someone being pushed way out of their depth- sometimes you just gotta man up, get up there and get on with it! If youre serious about your work it will all come good. Matt

To be honest my comments weren't aimed at you either Dean, and I do agree with what you state above. If someone reports a suspect tree to the Council and they dont act on it and then something happens, in that case there has been neglect and they are liable for damages. But in this case, looking at the photos, which I deem to be quite good, My view is that this defect/rot pocket at that stage would not be visable under normal inspection routine. And I would suggest that if the Council/owner in question has an inspection record for this tree of anything upto the last three years (depending on the number of trees they have to manage) Then I think they are blameless and have done everything they reasonably are expected to, to manage their tree stock responsibly. As trees get older and bigger and are situated near high profile targets they may warrant more frequent detailed inspections, but this tree looks like a mature, generally healthy, small Highway tree- it wouldnt have set alarm bells ringing in my head. All the blame and claim mentality is just pushing people to eliminate all risks in fear of being sued. As we know all trees carry some risk or another, but the benifits of trees far out weigh the risks. I am sure that aswell as scheduled inspection routines, Councils do also rely on members of the public to bring tree issues to their attention, there is no harm in that, it is then upto the Council to act on this information promptly.

Not at all felix

They cant help it Tony - its the Council bashing cavalry! I think its sad that all these so called tree people dont actually think about trees in general and the overall picture. Just felling merchants out to ake a quick buck. IMO

I agree with tony 100% not because I work for a Council but as an arborist aswell, but I dont think that would be picked up on a routine inspection at that stage and therefore it could not be foreseen, s ther is no case of neglect! . I think you should just claim on your insurance for this. I do feel sorry for you but I think its just one of those things in this instance. matt

I know someone who can sort you out if anybody wants anything? :lol: I have a fair knowledge of drugs and people who have and do take them regularly. It doesnt do you any good at any time and if you are doing it at work it is wrong and you have a habit. I agree that alcohol is one of the worst to abuse and I am as guilty as the best of them. All I can say is I get more sensible as get older and I think most generally do grow out of it, but I have seen peoples lives ruined. THE DRUGS DONT WORK, THEY JUST MAKE IT WORSE!!!

Great vids, enjoyable to watch. Professional work, had me itching to do some step cuts and cause some damage.