Andrew Gale

I'm plumping for Lyonothamnus floribundus or Catalina ironwood

In my experience it's just as much about how sharp the drill bit is and what timber you're drilling into. I tend to carry a number of spare drill bits with me and change as soon as the edge starts to go; at some point I'll get round to sharpening those up. But to answer your question, I use a Hitachi 18v with two spare batteries, so far no real issues

Try new pig ltd; we use them for all our spills kit supplies Cheers Andrew

I agree with Grass Hopper, SP Services are excellent; we buy all our first aid kit from them.

Had a client years ago who brought out a spirit level to make sure his stump was level. This stump was about 600-650mm across and he was arguing over a few millimeters difference..............

Forgot to say, measure your pacings and get to know what 1m looks and feels like when you're walking; you will resemble John Cleese though......!

When I survey I use a Haglof Electronic Clinometer and a Leica rang finder; however, I have started to use a loggers tape instead of the range finder, especially on sunny days when it's tricky to see the little red dot (and it is little). When I did the AA tec cert a few years ago, one of the guys used his 1m long steel probe as his stick/eye 'stick' and he passed with flying colours. The Haglof clinometer is good, just a bit pricey. Hope it helps Andrew

Another point to consider is the target; you say it's the track to the estate. How many vehicles pass under these trees a day? Do they really need working on? I'm not for one second suggesting that the track is moved, but if the risk of the sections failing and striking someone is low, could the act of doing nothing be justifiable? Just a thought. Andrew

Many years ago I worked in Madeira felling large Eucalyptus way up in the mountains. Back then we never had throw lines so I fashioned a throw line out of baler twine and pretty much any other thin cord and whittled weights out of wood, or tied a suitable stone to it. Excellent when it worked, sole destroying when it didn't...!

A paper clip for a tooth pick

Gutted for you, we got cleaned out just over a week ago; utter scum that do this

Take a look at 'The Art and Science of Practical Rigging'; a really useful book to carry with you at all times.

Thanks for the welcomes since I last looked. Stubby - had a meeting with a civil investigator today (apparently it's what Zurich do when plant goes missing) and I had to find invoices for all the items we're claiming for; to say it's been hard work is an understatement. Hopefully I may be able to toss the odd bit of useful stuff into the mix; we'll have to wait and see. Andrew

Hi David and Paul, thanks for the welcome The SE Branch has about 550 members and as a branch we're pretty busy; we normally have around 6-8 events each year with a number of shows that we have stands at, our AGM normally has two guest speakers plus a decent raffle (I'm in charge of raffle prizes.. Regarding the Level 6; I've always been fascinated by fungi and have found your contributions, along with everyone else's, incredibly useful. I also love ancient trees and woodlands and chose the special tree management option for one of the modules. I struggle with the legal and LA stuff as it's an area that I'm not familiar with and have built up a close relationship with Mynors book 'The Law of Trees, Forests and Hedges'. Currently working through a tree risk management strategy...... Regards Andrew

Hi all Thought I'd do a quick introduction of my company My name is Andrew Gale, I've been trading as Andrew Gale Tree Surgery since 1996 and worked for a local tree company for a few years before that. The companies been an AAAC since 2006 and I'm heavily involved with the Arb Association SE Branch as a Branch Officer. Currently halfway through my last year of the Level 6 Professional Diploma with Tree Life, and yes it is a difficult as they say it is! Looking forward to posting in the future Regards Andrew Gale

Hi Stubby, yep, everything gone; insurance dragging their heals somewhat but with the awful weather everywhere I'm not surprised. Struggling on but coping for the moment. Next time you see me in the petrol station say hello; it'll be nice to put a face to the name.

Hi Jon Thanks for the offer of help; as I said it's humbling to know there are really decent people out there willing to help out. Andrew

Morning all, long term lurker, first time poster. Unfortunately my first post is regarding the theft of all my chainsaws etc as alluded to by John Burgess over the weekend. The list below is of all the petrol driven equipment stolen, however they also took three complete climbing kits, full fuel cans, combi cans, spares for all the saws, all the keys to all the vehicles; they even took the waterproofs! It's quite a long list so please bear with me: Stihl MS200T 164246246 etched with AGTS Stihl MS200T 168644544 Stihl MS201T 175099272 Stihl MS201T 176076829 Stihl MS341 168554169 Stihl MS341 172262162 Stihl MS341 174236643 Stihl MS460 173288960 Stihl HS86T hedge trimmer 171883378 Stihl HS86R hedge trimmer 172216027 Stihl HL95K med h trimmer 276177308 Stihl BG86 blower 283219603 Stihl BG86 blower 283219926 Stihl BG86 blower 288108541 Stihl MS880 174276872 Stihl HL95 long h trimmer 287982762 If anyone sees or hears anything about these items please do not hesitate in contacting me. Also a huge thank you to everyone who's offered kit and help; it's reassuring to know that although there's utter scum out there, there are still decent people willing to help out. Regards Andrew Gale