The small business that Andrew set up all those years ago has grown into a small, dedicated and team of climbers and groundsmen.
We’re on the lookout for a new climber to join the team and continue with the training of two others who have started on the ground and aim to be in the air at a future point!
Developing as an arborist requires a very wide range of technical knowledge and skills, including, amongst many others: safe use of ropes and harnesses, safe use of powered tools, understanding of the biology of the tree, knowledge of tree diseases and how to diagnose them, strong knowledge and practical implementation of health and safety in the day-to-day work.
Of course, it also requires some personal qualities which aren’t quite so easy to define. To be a successful arborist, it’s essential to be comfortable at height.
That’s not to say gung-ho about swinging around up there in the canopy! Most experienced arborists will often say they have great respect for the tree and feel a frisson of tension when they are working at great height, but use that to help them stay alert to the risks and dangers, and to sharpen their judgement about how to tackle the tree.
One of the qualities that you don’t often find listed in the job description, is the ability to assess the tree once you’re in it. Often, the first plan you make from the ground will have to be amended once in amongst the canopy, and good arborists develop a form of second sight, where they can see how to tackle the work from within a mass of foliage.
These pictures show one of those kinds of trees; the first reminded us of a game of Where’s Walley!
Before
After
For a free tree surgery quote, contact Andrew on 01256 817369 or 07771 883061; via andrew@primarytreesurgeons.co.uk; www.primarytreesurgeons.co.uk; Twitter @PrimaryTreeSurg