TreeSurgery.com

Training and Tree Surgery Jobs

Before  one even considers a career as a tree surgeon/ arborist there are many things one should be aware of!

a.  It is physically, highly demanding - you will physically change shape in the course of a couple of years!

b.  One cannot let the weather put you off - rain, hail or shine, you will be out there.

c.  It can take a long time before you become proficient enough of a groundsman/climber to earn good wages.

d.  It is a young mans game - I know a guy who is still climbing at the age of 49 but even he is less acrobatic and using the ladder a bit more frequently!

e.  It is very dangerous (arguably the most dangerous profession) and often involves working at considerable heights.

So far I have cut my hand with a chainsaw while up a tree, chipped a tooth when being caught by a swinging limb that was being lowered, fallen from a tree (because I free-climbed up the first few feet and a dead branch was unable to hold my weight - I fell on a wooden fence - very painful!) and finally I have a large scar on my right arm from a Doberman which broke its leash while I was quoting for a job!!!

Saying all that it is a fantastically rewarding profession in that you work outside, it is healthy, no tree or job is the same, you meet different people, and you can supply yourself with firewood and wood chips for a lifetime.

Training

In my view, a tree surgeon can do all the theory in the world but the only way you will learn to be good and safe in tree surgery is through experience and by learning from a good tree surgeon who can teach you.  You will also learn a lot from your own mistakes and gain confidence over the years.

This does not mean however that learning at a college is unnecessary.  Quite the contrary - it is invaluable and essential!!

The combination of theory and practical experience is ideal.

Grounds men

Good grounds men do the following:

1.  Plan the job with the climber before they start work

2.  Keep the climbers ropes free and untangled

3.  Watch the climber and anticipate what the climber needs by way of tools and machinery

4.  Keep ropes clear from chainsaws, obstructions and work mates

5.  Put up adequate signage for the job and take every precaution

6.  Refuel saws and sharpen chains -  away from the working area

7. Keep all working equipment in a safe zone clear from falling debris

The basic qualifications to be a grounds man in NPTC certificates are -

CS 30 Maintain the chainsaw

CS 31 Fell Small trees 200mm-380mm

CS 32 Fell and Process Medium Trees 380mm-760mm

CS 33 Fell Large Trees 760mm upwards

CS 34 and 35 Process wind blown trees

CS36 Cross cut and stack procedure

Climbers

In order to be an excellent groundsman it is useful to have experience in climbing so that you can perform aerial rescue and anticipate a little better what to do.

The basics for climbers are

CS 38 Climb trees and perform aerial rescue

CS39 Operate a chainsaw from rope and harness

CS40 Carry out Pruning Operations

More Experienced Tree Surgeons and Groundsmen

CS41 Sectional felling operations

There are many more courses which are all relevant and useful on the site www.nptc.org.uk

Tree Surgery Jobs - Jobs in Arboriculture